Battery replacement time?

[biggy238]

The grid heaters kicked in on my 03 saturday for the first time this cold season.



What I noticed, is that the engine idle quality gets rough when the heaters are on. The console and the dash numbers (odometer and trip) get dim.



If this thing is pulling enough amperage to cause an affect like this, would it mean that my batteries aren't pulling their weight? My other thought is that the engine is getting a shot of cool air when the heaters are on because of the distance the air has to travel through the head. Heaters on because engine is getting cold air, ecm kicks on heaters, air heats, heaters kick off about the time the warm air hits the valves.



I'm used to my 12V where the idle quality is rough whether the grids are on or not. I haven't noticed the 03 doing this in the two winters i've had it before.

 

[WoodChuck]

If you're still using the OE batteries I'd bet they're getting tired about now.

 

[Pawpaw]

It could be the FCA. Have you notice any hesitation when taking off gently from a dead stop?

 

[JMusso]

My '07 is the same way, has been since new. When the grid kicks on sometimes the truck will idle weird and snort/cackle a little odd. Once my truck warms up a bit then evrythings fine.

 

[PBJ2500CTD]

I got ~7 years on the OEM batteries. I thought they were good. Truck started pretty good. When last winter hit, the truck ran pretty crappy for the first few minutes when cold. I didn't notice the dimming and brightening of the lights, typical of the grid heaters cycling. I thought the grid heaters went south. Took it in to my favorite mechanic and he said he suspected the batteries... I thought to myself, "Ha... what a nut. It starts good, and even runs good once warmed up. It has to be a grid heater issue". He put the batteries on a tester; one outright failed while the other was marginally OK. R&R'd both batteries and it now turns over really fast as well as runs great. The lights are again dimming and brightening when the grid heaters are cycling - I guess I was the nut. Gary has never led me down the path to $pend unnece$$ary dollar$.

 

[biggy238]

AFC is new. I'll hit them both with the anylizer next time I get near work.



They aren't pulling much below 14V that I can tell but it is pulling more amperage than it seemed too before.

 

[wcjp]

03' with original batteries is exceptional. Sounds like you got your money's worth. Change them now while it's convenient.

 

[biggy238]

I'll take pictures.



This isn't to say they haven't been changed before hand. The truck belonged to an old man that valued the workmanship at his local dealer. I came across the truck after his children sold it to the dealership on his passing. Could just be oem replacements.



I've only deep cycled them once when my 12v had trouble a year or two ago.

 

[AMink]

You might want to clean everything really good first and make sure all the connections are tight. A little corrosion will decrease your performance. If that's not the case, I've had really good luck with Wallyworld MAXX batteries. I believe they're Johnson Industries.

 

[JJPage]

03' with original batteries is exceptional. Sounds like you got your money's worth. Change them now while it's convenient.

I have the originals in my 03, connected a small hand held load bank to them about 2 weeks ago, they passed(both) in the excellent stage of the meter.



My daughter's 97 honda civic still has it's original battery, even the Honda dealership said there was no need to replace it.



I always maintain my posts, and keep the battery lid and jar/case clean. I agree they are probably on borrowed time, but I have also seen batteries fail before they are a year old... . I am very seldom out in the middle of nowhere, so for now I'll take my chances.

 

[Grunt]

03' with original batteries is exceptional. Sounds like you got your money's worth. Change them now while it's convenient.

My '03 also has the originals, guess I should test them before winter

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

Seems like all if not most of my CTDs did the dimming thing after starting with the grid heater.



I replaced batteries last spring and decided to go with Wallys MAXX batteries also.

 

[biggy238]

Seems like all if not most of my CTDs did the dimming thing after starting with the grid heater.



I replaced batteries last spring and decided to go with Wallys MAXX batteries also.

Yes, every CTD i've seen dim with the heaters on. However, after having this truck two years, this time it's pulling the system down enough that the truck runs rough, which it didn't do before.

 

[Grumpy John 4x4]

Optima

Optima yellow tops here!

 

[WoodChuck]

Sears Platinum are rebranded Odysseys, and might be the best you can get.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02850065000P?vName=Automotive&cName=Batteries+%26+Chargers&sName=Automotive+Batteries

Odyssey PC1750T

 

[Jeremiah]

Here's another '03 doing great on the OEMs. Dealer checked the CSA and said keep on truckin'.

 

[rbattelle]

Seems like all if not most of my CTDs did the dimming thing after starting with the grid heater.

I completely agree - this is absolutely normal.

Yes, every CTD i've seen dim with the heaters on. However, after having this truck two years, this time it's pulling the system down enough that the truck runs rough, which it didn't do before.

You might be onto something here, although we have to ask ourselves whether the engine is idling rough(er) because the batteries are weak or because the alternator is weak.



Have you checked the little green ball on each of your batteries lately?



I'm still running the OEM batteries, which are showing no signs of trouble (yet).



Ryan

 

[Kday]

Deka's been workin for me.