OME Battery Lifetime

[Archive]

As we're heading in to what passes for Winter here in Texas, I realized that I am about at the 3 year point on the OME batteries in my 1998 Ram built 11/97. I would like to hear form some of the owners of older Diesel Rams who have repalced the batteries to get some idea if the times about up on mine. In my past experience, it's rare to get much more than 36-40 months out of any battery.

------------------
David Edwards Austin,TX
1998 2500 4X4 Reg. Cab 12V NV4500

 

[Archive]

When it don't turn over its time for new ones. The 95 I had still had original batteries up till 3-15-98 when I totaled it on a tree. Have had 2000 about a year now so what I'm trying to say is I don't know.

------------------

 

[Archive]

Dave, I have a 95 that I bought new. I replaced my batteries this past january. They lasted almost 5 yrs. I put in Deka batteries with 1000 cca. I didn't know my engine could turn over so fast. Hope this helps. Jeff

 

[Archive]

Dave,I replaced the stock batteries in one of my '95s this month(only one was bad)my other '95s stock batteries are still cranking strong. The key to long life is to keep the batteries topped up with distilled water,even though they are "maitenence free".

------------------
95' 25004X4,AT,Driftwood,Banks,Warn fender flairs and running boards(Play truck)95 3500,5 speed,driftwood,Banks&phscotty,34,000 GCVW apple and tractor hauler(work truck)

 

[Archive]

illflem,
It's been a while since I looked at my batteries but I seem to remember that they looked well sealed. I know some maintainance free batteries have caps that you can pop off with a screw driver without breaking anything. I'll take a closer look at mine this weekend to see if I can get in to them and check the electrolite level in the cells.
Thanks

------------------
David Edwards Austin,TX
1998 2500 4X4 Reg. Cab 12V NV4500

 

[Archive]

Five year intervals on the group 31 battery in my first gen. w-350.

------------------
'90 W-350 225K
'99 2500 QC 4x4 AUTO 4:10
EDK

 

[Archive]

DavidE,

I'm like Bill. My '95 still has the original batteries and I have 147K+ miles on it. It didn't take long for me to pop the caps on mine and have to add some water. The things will last if they are maintained.

------------------
Joe George
Eureka, CA

'95 2500 CC auto 4X4,3. 54,Combo EGT/boost guage,custom switch panel,PacBrake,TST #5,BD valve body,Automatic motorhome steps on both sides,Foldacover hard bed cover,Cummins chrome kit,Black steel grill guard,Front hitch receiver

[This message has been edited by Joe G. (edited 10-20-2000). ]

 

[Archive]

Dave
Joe and ifflem are right. Pop the top off those suckers and keep them serviced with distilled water. My trk is a 95 with 96,000 miles on the orig. batterys and no problems yet, and I live in Washington state. Keep em serviced and good luck.

------------------
95 slt auto,bd exhaustbrake, TST 230/605 plate K&N airfilter, primelok fuelfilter relocator. Who say"s six in row don"t go?

 

[Archive]

On my 92 I replaced the original battery in June 98 - hopefully the replacement will last as long.

 

[Archive]

My batteries went for 138,000 miles . One died a peaceful death. It just went to sleep.
The other one was a fighter. at 172,000. It just blew it's top. Sound just like a shotgun. I do belive if that sucker was not tied down it would have blown a hole in the hood. It bent the wire across the batt. into a V then tore through the batt. tray. The little bugger popping its cork like the it did has me going to 2 of those little colored top one.
Thats my story.
Preston

------------------
96 3500 Black 5 speed turbo diesel, SLT, with US Gear overdrive, Rhino liner, Reese 15,000 lb. fifth wheel hitch, US Gear de-celarator exhaust brake, muffler elimination kit, Amsoil lub. , with other goodys on the way.

 

[Archive]

I was just reading about the function of the PCM on the 98. 5's on the "Dodge Ram Tech" web site and found that it controls charge rate and also monitors battery temp. I don't know if this applys to the 98 model but you might look into it. Battery life could be effected if the electroniclly controlled voltage regulated is not functioning properly.

[This message has been edited by arar (edited 10-26-2000). ]

 

[Archive]

I replaced the batts in my 95 this last Jan. They are now powering my Alaskan camper and are still going strong.

------------------
95 2500,std cab,4x4,auto by Dunrite,TST #4,AFC spring kit,Pier's gov spring kit, timing @ 15*, 215 injectors, Walker muff, 3. 54,Diprocol gauges in cupholder slot, K&N,Optima reds, Valentine One radar deflector,Diamond utility bed, Firestone air bags, custom 52 gal aux tank under bed.

 

[Archive]

I have a '97 3500. I had read in TDR magazine a couple of years ago about how the water disappears and you need to pry off the sealed lids and add water. I did this twice and each time they took between 40 and 44 ounces of water. I noticed I was getting etching on both front fenders from the batteries. When they finally gave out last year, I talked to a lot of people who recommended the OPTIMA maintenance free batteries. I found them at a four wheel drive store in Calif. (San Fernando Valley) but have since seen them in many other stores. They cost around $115 each but I have been very happy with them. They are designed to function even on their side, even though I hoped I never needed them in that position. Its nice not to have to worry about adding water.
good luck,
Buckaroo 2 Bob@msn.com
Placentia,CA

------------------
Buckaroo2Bob

 

[Archive]

After shopping around for Optima batteries for a couple of weeks I ended up buying them from a Interstate battery dealer. Although the price was higher $118 vs $92 at a chain store,the warrenty was much better. The dealer told me the Redtops,rated at 800 CCA always put out more than 1000,he even tested a pair in a JD tractor 12 years old,still 1000 CCA. It's the only battery he recommends for a diesel due to vibration. I'm sold.

------------------
95' 25004X4,AT,Driftwood,Banks,Warn fender flairs and running boards(Play truck)95 3500,5 speed,driftwood,Banks&phscotty,34,000 GCVW apple and tractor hauler(work truck)

 

[Archive]

Got about 95,000 miles and 5 years on my oem batteries. Took the better of the two and put it in my lawn tractor and it lasted another year! It just died this week.

------------------
1995 2500 SLT Club 4x4, auto, 3. 54, 3300 pound Elkhorn slide in camper, AirLift air springs, Ricka dual wheel adapters, K&N, DC tow hooks, Rancho RS9000, Hellwig rear sway bar.
107,000 miles and counting.

 

[Archive]

The original batteries were susceptible to shorting out if truck was driven on ruff roads or severe duty.
Customers 97 batteries shorted out just around a year.
My batteries wore out after 3 years.
Replaced with Optima red tops from Interstate. Author Topic: OME Battery Lifetime
DavidE
Member
Posts: 24
From:Austin,TX,USA
Registered: Aug 1999
posted 10-20-2000 01:07 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As we're heading in to what passes for Winter here in Texas, I realized that I am about at the 3 year point on the OME batteries in my 1998 Ram built 11/97. I would like to hear form some of the owners of older Diesel Rams who have repalced the batteries to get some idea if the times about up on mine. In my past experience, it's rare to get much more than 36-40 months out of any battery.
------------------
David Edwards Austin,TX
1998 2500 4X4 Reg. Cab 12V NV4500



lschultz
Member
Posts: 45
From:flatonia,tx,us
Registered: Oct 1999
posted 10-20-2000 01:45 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When it don't turn over its time for new ones. The 95 I had still had original batteries up till 3-15-98 when I totaled it on a tree. Have had 2000 about a year now so what I'm trying to say is I don't know.
------------------



Jeff Knight
Member
Posts: 22
From:Etters,PA
Registered: Sep 1999
posted 10-20-2000 01:46 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dave, I have a 95 that I bought new. I replaced my batteries this past january. They lasted almost 5 yrs. I put in Deka batteries with 1000 cca. I didn't know my engine could turn over so fast. Hope this helps. Jeff

illflem
Member
Posts: 835
From:Chelan,Eastern Washington
Registered: May 2000
posted 10-20-2000 04:42 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dave,I replaced the stock batteries in one of my '95s this month(only one was bad)my other '95s stock batteries are still cranking strong. The key to long life is to keep the batteries topped up with distilled water,even though they are "maitenence free".
------------------
95' 25004X4,AT,Driftwood,Banks,Warn fender flairs and running boards(Play truck)95 3500,5 speed,driftwood,Banks&phscotty,34,000 GCVW apple and tractor hauler(work truck)


DavidE
Member
Posts: 24
From:Austin,TX,USA
Registered: Aug 1999
posted 10-20-2000 05:05 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
illflem,
It's been a while since I looked at my batteries but I seem to remember that they looked well sealed. I know some maintainance free batteries have caps that you can pop off with a screw driver without breaking anything. I'll take a closer look at mine this weekend to see if I can get in to them and check the electrolite level in the cells.
Thanks
------------------
David Edwards Austin,TX
1998 2500 4X4 Reg. Cab 12V NV4500



Big K
Member
Posts: 6
From:Graham, WA
Registered: Sep 2000
posted 10-20-2000 06:30 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Five year intervals on the group 31 battery in my first gen. w-350.
------------------
'90 W-350 225K
'99 2500 QC 4x4 AUTO 4:10
EDK


Joe G.
Member
Posts: 910
From:Eureka, CA, USA
Registered: Aug 1999
posted 10-20-2000 09:21 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DavidE,
I'm like Bill. My '95 still has the original batteries and I have 147K+ miles on it. It didn't take long for me to pop the caps on mine and have to add some water. The things will last if they are maintained.

------------------
Joe George
Eureka, CA

'95 2500 CC auto 4X4,3. 54,Combo EGT/boost guage,custom switch panel,PacBrake,TST #5,BD valve body,Automatic motorhome steps on both sides,Foldacover hard bed cover,Cummins chrome kit,Black steel grill guard,Front hitch receiver

[This message has been edited by Joe G. (edited 10-20-2000). ]


David Gardner
Member
Posts: 20
From:Olympia Wash. USA
Registered: May 2000
posted 10-21-2000 01:24 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dave
Joe and ifflem are right. Pop the top off those suckers and keep them serviced with distilled water. My trk is a 95 with 96,000 miles on the orig. batterys and no problems yet, and I live in Washington state. Keep em serviced and good luck.
------------------
95 slt auto,bd exhaustbrake, TST 230/605 plate K&N airfilter, primelok fuelfilter relocator. Who say"s six in row don"t go?


Al Kungel
Member
Posts: 127
From:Richmond, B. C. , Canada
Registered: Dec 1999
posted 10-21-2000 02:31 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On my 92 I replaced the original battery in June 98 - hopefully the replacement will last as long.

turbo thom
Member
Posts: 60
From:Milner, Georgia America
Registered: Jan 2000
posted 10-25-2000 09:26 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My batteries went for 138,000 miles . One died a peaceful death. It just went to sleep.
The other one was a fighter. at 172,000. It just blew it's top. Sound just like a shotgun. I do belive if that sucker was not tied down it would have blown a hole in the hood. It bent the wire across the batt. into a V then tore through the batt. tray. The little bugger popping its cork like the it did has me going to 2 of those little colored top one.
Thats my story.
Preston
------------------
96 3500 Black 5 speed turbo diesel, SLT, with US Gear overdrive, Rhino liner, Reese 15,000 lb. fifth wheel hitch, US Gear de-celarator exhaust brake, muffler elimination kit, Amsoil lub. , with other goodys on the way.
arar the PCM takes reading of line voltages and temp information sent to it.
There is a temp sensor under drivers side battery tray. I think ASD relay sends line voltage to PCM.
Your right if One of the sensors is sending incorrect info to PCM causing overcharging or undercharging, this could shorten life of battery.
As many miles as I was putting on Mule first few years. I thought 3 years out of batteries was good

 

[Archive]

Decided to force the lids off my OEM batteries last weekend and top of the water level. Today after a heavy tow yesterday, I noticed dried battery acid all down the left fender. Yep, you guessed it... . allready bubbling the paint off. Now I don't think the OEM maintainance free batteries are supposed to be maintained. I don't think the lids seal after you force them off. Now I am looking at a $2000 paint job. Should have replaced them rather than thinking I could maintain a maintainance free battery.

------------------
98 Properly Valved 4x4 SWB QC ISB A/T Metallic Red w/ tan cloth interior, DC nerf bars, DC two piece mud-flaps, 275 h. p. injectors, Monroe Gas Magnums, Armor Tuff spray in bed liner, Goodyear Wrangler ATS 285/75r/16, BD Heavy Duty Valve body. Walker 21468 thru flow muffler,Cobra 29 NWST CB. American Racing Wheels. Power Edge EZ control module.

[This message has been edited by Ram_Kowboy (edited 11-26-2000). ]

 

[Archive]

My family business was John Deere. This was back in the days when retailers would fill the cells. My father taught me to never overfill a battery. During the discharge and subsequent recharge cyle, the cells always bubble. If overfilled, the bubbles pour liquid out the vents.
Maintenance Free batteries are designed with much larger liquid reservoirs to prevent boil off.

I decided to check things and pried the tops off the OEM battery in the Caravan this fall. The levels were all fine, so I selaed the caps back with a dab of RTV. The battery went bad in less than a month. Don't know if it was a reaction with the RTV or just plain dumb luck.

Cheers;
*JE*

 

[Archive]

I was taught much the same as John,but was also told that a battery used on rough roads(or fields) should only be topped to 1/2" over the plates to prevent spill over. Kowboy,very sorry to hear about your paint,almost feel like I'm partally to blame,but wonder if maybe you overfilled the battery?I've never had a battery leak that I didn't drop and have been thru 100s of them.

 

[Archive]

Mine both died in just a year. I replaced with Road Hawks and they leaked, then got the Optimas.

------------------
Chris Timochko
1997 5sp 4X4, HX40, BD 4" Brake, Marine Compression, Custom Tuned Injection Pump, 370B Injection Nozzles, Delivery Valves, Governor & AFC Spring Kit, Psychotty Air, Water Injection, NOS Diesel Kit, 6" Chrome Exhaust System, No Smoke Valet Switch, McLeod Dual Disc Clutch, Mag-Hytec Rear Cover, Cummins Chrome Kit, Optima Red Tops, Hadley Bully Horns, Hurst Line Loc, Goodyear Wrangler AT/S 305/70/16s. Test mule for Auto Wurks Diesel race program