My 2005 350 PSD 6.0 L. got one new battery in late Nov. and this AM, after sitting just 2 days, it wouldn,t even turn over once. It was -17 deg. C. (0 F) with a wind chill factor of -25 deg. C. I boosted it with my wife,s Alero and my RV battery which I store inside all winter. This PM my other Ford battery went to battery hell and I installed a matching battery which I've learned is usually the advisable thing to do(Change both). The OEM batteries were 750 cold cranking amps each but the new ones are 850 each. For an extra $10.00 each I get free replacement for 9 years. they cost me $110.00 each. So why do OEM's only last about 3 years? Yeah, you got it; because then they're off warranty! I love my Ford, but come on Ford Company guys, how about decent batteries!

 

3 years isn't too bad for a battery in a Power Stroke, considering what you ask it to do....especially in the arctic cold. You can get better batteries with longer warranties, but you'll pay more.

When you replace your batteries, you should always replace them in pairs. You may have shortened the life of the one new battery you purchased in late November. When it goes, it may take out the other one. It wouldn't surprise me if you end up with 2 new batteries within 2 years.

 

Always replace batteries in pairs. You know why now.

Batteries will last a long time if maintained properly. That means keeping them in good state of charge while the truck is parked and not in use, and allowing them to recharge fully before shutting down after a hard start. I don't drive my truck much in winter (2WD) and keep a battery tender on it. Otherwise I would be replacing batteries every couple years, likely in the spring to early summer.

If you haven't already, change to lighter oil in the engine. It will lighten the load on the starting motor, require less current draw to start the engine, shorten crank time, and allow the injectors to deliver fuel sooner. All these things result in less discharge of the batteries during startup in cold weather.

 

Actually,
your original batteries were probably much older than your truck. No telling how long they sat before the stickers were scraped and they were installed. One bad battery has the ability to destroy a whole slew of new batteries. You may have some other factors contributing to the failures, such as terminal maintenance, off-roading or charging issues.
Ford factory batteries are actually ranked very high in performance and value from quite a few different organizations. Surprising.
I would advise taking it to a auto parts store and have them check your charging system. Verify the diodes are good in the altenator and your charging within specifications. Only takes a couple of minutes.


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Did you say 9 year free replacement? Is it pro-rated? Where did you get these batteries and what are they called?

 

Nine years free replacement, not prorated. From a very large Canadian chain called Canadian Tire Corp. The battery is sold here under the name of "The Eliminator" The truck has 62000 kms on it or about 38000 miles and the charging system was checked in Nov by a large ford dealer. Found to be A-1. The truck has been well maintained and never leaves the paved roads.

 

I got 9 years out of my oem stock batteries on my 99 psd dually. I made sure to maintain them and take care of them and they will last a long time. I just put in a new set of Duralast batteries from autozone for just under 200 bucks for both and they are also a 9 year replacement. 3 years free and then prorated after that.