Do I need new Batteries???

[jrandol]

Now that it is cooling off and is sometimes acting like Fall in the morning the grid intake heaters actually turn on. The 1st start in the morning is sometimes a little slow on my truck, in fact normally the truck turns over the second I hit the starter, now it takes a few cranks and it sounds like it cranks over pretty slow. Are my batteries going bad? Truck is only 1 year old with 44k miles on it now. Surely they should last longer right? How can I check them to see if this is the scenario?



Jeff

 

[Shovelhead]

If there's an Advance Auto Parts near you they will load test your batteries for free.

Good way to check.

Usually only one battery is giving up.

It's best to still replace them in pairs.



Ed

 

[Mad Bomber]

Batteries

Batteries can get low on water and act like they are bad. If the were not straped down tight the viberation can also cause the plates to come apart. Eric

 

[Bill Lins]

Before you condemn the batteries, try giving it just a bit of pedal when starting. It works on mine.

 

[Steve Campbell]

How are all of.....

the battery (and starter) connections? Always start with the simplest things first!!!



At one year old and 44,000 mi, I dont think the starter contacts would be of concern.

 

[y-knot]

If all of the above proves to be in vain, remember SUMMIT has red optima batteries on sale till 10-31-03. great battery at a very nice price 84. 00 bucks each www.summitracing.com

 

[skobylenski]

Okay, here's a dumb question, but I'm curious. Why do the newer trucks have two batteries? My 92 only has one. What gives?



Scott

 

[Midnite]

Originally posted by skobylenski

Okay, here's a dumb question, but I'm curious. Why do the newer trucks have two batteries? My 92 only has one. What gives?



Scott

From what I've seen on my 92, living up here in Alaska during the winter, the grid heaters really take their toll especially when you consider that the alternator doesn't put out much juice at idle, and even less so in the few seconds right after a cold start.



Having a pair of 700 or 850 CCA batteries would be better than the single 1100 or so CCA battery we have (ie, 1400 or 1700 CCA vs. 1100).



Mike

 

[skobylenski]

Oh, okay, that makes sense. Thanks Mike!

 

[y-knot]

Haven't you gotten the hang of this by now??? It not do I need them..... It is DO I WANT THEM!