How long have your factory batteries lasted?

[JLandry]

Just for fun, I emailed a local Dodge dealer to inquire how much a new exact replacement Mopar battery would cost. I was told $133. 00 + tax and a couple of days to get it.



That's for a group 27 Mopar series 84 battery with 750 CCA. 24 month full replacement. 7 years prorated warranty. It also includes roadside assistance.



Part number is: BBH27750AA

 

[garys333]

My 03 stock batteries quit at 137,000 miles, everything else is what came from factory

 

[Prairie Dog]

I just replaced mine at 60K and 7 years. They still worked but the eng turned over real slow when the temps were in the teens. Also, some times an old battery will suddenly short internally (happened twice to me) and when that happens there's no jumping it - your just dead in the water. I wouldn't want that to happen when the family is deep in the woods camping someplace.

 

[SWithrow]

Just replaced mine, one was dead and was told to replace both, around 7 years on stock at 160k.

 

[garys333]

I gave $125 @ for same batteries at O'rielly Auto, case dimensions were the same, and specs the same, and didn't realize mine had slowed down until I touched the key with the new ones.

 

[JLandry]

I gave $125 @ for same batteries at O'rielly Auto, case dimensions were the same, and specs the same, and didn't realize mine had slowed down until I touched the key with the new ones.

Gary,



Which brand... Mopar?



I see you're in WA state... which O'Riley's?



Thanks,



John L.

 

[wgood]

Battery Life

My 03, built in March 03 had 136,000 miles on it last month when I finally replaced the batteries with new OEM batteries from Dodge. They both tested good but I just got nervous about going another winter with them.

Bill

 

[Bill Stockard]

Has anyone tried "Max Start" batteries from Wally World? They have a really good warrantee and you can always find a store. I recall about 4 years they were rated number one by consumer reports. Larry

Yes, the Wal-Mart "Max Start" batteries manufactured by Johnson Controls give excellent service. Check to see if they show "Mfg. by Johnson Controls, Inc. " in the small print on the label. If they don't, look for batteries elsewhere.



Bill

 

[scootergmc]

Mine Mopar originals are still going strong 5 1/2 yrs. later, but I have considered preventative replacement.

 

[garys333]

When they went belly up, I was in Kentucky and NAPA didn't have that big a battery, they sent me to the O"Rielly's down the street, and I can't remember the brand, it was whatever they keep in stock. But they looked identical to stock ones except for the name stamped on them.

 

[Matt400]

For anyone without a specific battery tester there is a couple different tests you can do if yours are 5 or more years old and possibly suspect.

Of course if you have a tester like BGlidewell pointed out that would be better.



I haven't tried this myself cuz I have test equipment, just an idea for those without-

The 3rd gens are supplied with a 750 CCA battery and the starter can draw anywhere between 450 and 700 Amps so in therory you should be able to disconnect a negative terminal on one battery and start the engine on the remaining battery if it is good



Then connect it back up and disconnect the other negative terminal and do the same to test the other battery.



For those with a volt meter you can do this same test while watching the voltage drop and if the drop goes below 9. 6v then it may be time for a battery.



I will try and confirm this test on the next dual battery truck we find with bad batteries.

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[TWhetten]

mine is an early 03 and I have 145,000 miles on the originals. Never had a problem with them and have jumpstarted lots of heavy equipment over the years. I better knock on some wood, lol.

 

[JFrey]

i have over 90,000 miles on my 04. 5 with the original batts.

 

[Scrappy]

the batteries in my '03 lasted were still going strong when I sold it at 5 yrs/68K. old.



My '07 ate a battery @ 2. 5 yrs/ 35,9XX mi. so it now has 2 new ones

 

[Salt Dog]

My truck is an early 03' and the batteries lasted until 134,000 . just died over night... now i have optima red top

 

[Spooled05]

Min are gettin weak and one is leaking,factory 05 bateries. Just ordered 2 diehard plaitnum's w/ 4 yr free replacement 9 yr pro rated waranty with 930 cca to boot!

There relabled odyssey bat's and retail @189. 99 ea

 

[Bernie]

My '03 (built Oct '02, 108,000 miles) still has the originals.

I also have an 03, with 145k miles on the original batteries. I am going to clean up the posts in the next few days when I change my oil. Other than that no problems (knock on wood).

 

[icman95]

I thought I was just getting lucky still running fine with my OEMs in my '01. They have about 96k miles on them and still turn the engine over fine. Am I tempting fate? Maybe, but now it hasn't become a replacement cost issue for me. It's become a matter of curiosity to see how long they'll go before quitting. I'm glad to see that so many other trucks from the early part of the decade are still running the OEMs.

 

[Matt400]

I will try and confirm this test on the next dual battery truck we find with bad batteries.

The test I thought might work... won't. Trouble is the starter motor wont draw enough amps for a long enough period for a conclusive test. Found out I was able to start a 3rd gen with one battery that only had 500 cca left.

 

[CookJ]

Just replaced the factories last month. Can't complain though, as the truck is 6+ years of age with over 180K on the odometer.