Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Batterys

[AWallace]

I had a problem starting my 95 yesterday and had the batterys checked with a load tester one bad one good. Do I need to change both I have heard pros and cons on this? Some say that one weak battery will pull the power from the other one. The place I had them checked said he did not see any use in changing both. I would hate to burn my starter up. COMMENTS PLEASE

 

[Bhale]

I always replace mine in pairs. Nothing beats knowing you've got everything working right and don't have to worry about your starter or not starting.



Brian

 

[JGheen]

Batteries are extremely expensive even with the core. I have had two go out on me and I just replaced the bad one each time. My driver side battery is still the original one and has not given me any issues at all, it is usuallu just the passenger side battery.

 

[y-knot]

I never seem to have them last more then 4 years. Usually without notice they start to die, I have gotten so use to it I now just toss them after 4 years. The only exception is maybe with my Optima's, they are within a month of their fourth year, I will have to let you know one that one. I would always replace them as a set two, it is just a matter of time for the other one, and why take the chance that it could affect the new one, just go ahead and replace the two as a set. Also, on the Dodge's the alternator is controlled by the PCM, this is a very expensive part to replace. I would not let a battery jeopardize your trucks electrical system. When batteries go bad the basically short from one cell to another, this can effect the computers and PCM, shorts cause voltage fluctuations and spikes, neither of which are good for the electrical components.

Yes they are expensive, but you have to have them. Go on and do the job right, replace them both with the highest quality batteries you can afford. So far the optima's are going a great job, you may want to consider them.

 

[Missouri Mule]

I'll second the Optimas

 

[RT66DOC]

Ditto Optimas

 

[Rescue Ram]

Batteries...

I always replace in pairs, too. I have never heard of problems replacing one at a time, though. We regularly do just that on our fire trucks. I like having the peace of mind in my vehicles. I have always had excellent luck with Optima batteries. However, on two different occasions, I have been warned not to use them. Once at a Dodge dealership, and once at a VW dealership. The Dodge tech did not give a reason other than he did not like them. The VW tech said the higher CCA's were known to give the VW TDI computer fits. I have no idea about the accuracy of this statement. One other observation on the Optima batterys; it has been my experience that they either work or don't. I have never had the typical warning signs that they were on their way out... One day they just seem to go.



Originally posted by y-knot

Also, on the Dodge's the alternator is controlled by the PCM, this is a very expensive part to replace.

My yes, to the tune of $600 for my '96, plus the month long wait...



My opinions

BrianOo.

 

[Loren]

AWallace,



Except for the cost of a second battery, I don't know of any "cons" to replacing both batteries as a set. I have always done this.



I discard the bad battery and use the good one in a solo application in another vehicle or RV.



--------



y-not,



My oldest Optimas were originally installed in my 1995 truck in January 1999. This matches your experience with a four-year life for batteries. My Optimas are still doing fine. I hope to get at least another two years out of them in order to justify the cost.



Loren