Battery Life??

[Bud Fox]

Anyone know the battery life of the factory ones in the truck?? There isn't any markings on them. I would assume 36 mths. Just had to replace mine (from 12/97) Thanks



BTW AUTOZONE has Duralast batteries 900CCA with an 8 year warranty for $70. 00 . I thought that was a good price

 

[Joe G.]

If you have a standard wet battery then ignore the "maintenance free" stuff. Pry off the cell lids and keep them topped up with distilled water. I just replaced my original batteries last spring in my '95. The batteries to use are Optima or another battery like them that has jell coils.

 

[rrl989]

RedNuts98



Battery life is determined by a lot of factors, some of which we can't control. One good discharge could send it to an early grave,

You could have them tested, but, they are so inexpensive you could just replace them as part of maintenance. Don't forget to replace both batteries as a "fresh" set. ie: look for manufacturer date stamp of H01 or I01.



Ron

 

[Alaskaskiff]

Changed both batteries on mine at 5 yrs of service. Went to optimas. Noticed a relative (although small) voltage drop on gauge and started getting nervous. Well worth the peace of mind.

 

[Bob Wagner]

FWIW consumer reports 10/01 issue

Quote: New Twist. The Optima Red Top 34/78-1050 $140. 00 uses a spiral wound design touted for roughness and long life.



But only scored Good in our CCA and reserve capacity test







Just more information to consider $140. 00 is double the #1 rated battery (Duralast Gold)

 

[QRTRHRS]

FWIW, I had suscribed to CR for many years. It got to the point where near everything they did not like, I did.



Anyone following these threads on batteries may recall hearing from owners who had a battery leak and the havoc that causes. I replaced mine when I noticed the motor turning over slower when cold.



For my money, the only decision would be which battery to go with, red or yellow top.

 

[Bad340fish]

The Consumer Reports stuff includes price and warranty as part of the rating. The price of the Optima really hammers it in that department. And the warranty is not anything to brag about anymore.

The warranty on the yellow is really bad! A yellow top that is 18 months old will cost $138 to replace. Thats the Cost of a Red top!! Where as a Red top is still free. I sell both of them and I warranty more yellows than reds by a long shot. The bad thing is I sell ALOT more reds.



Find a Battery that is made my Johnson Controls and you will be very pleased. They make Interstate, Duralast(most of them) and Diehard(the GOLD series), and as of May 01 they purchased the Optima Corporation. The Interstates are the highest line from JCI but the others are still great.

Clark