Batteries Dead
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New User
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Southern Pines, NC
Batteries Dead
2008 F-350 6.4 SRW bought new in early 2009, have not replaced batteries yet.
Currently deployed in Afghanistan last 8 months. Truck did not get driven as much as would have liked while I've been gone. Heading home in a couple weeks for some R&R. Friend said truck wouldn't start. I'm assuming batteries are drained.
Question: how can I tell if batteries just need to be put on a trickle charger or if I need new ones? If I do need to replace, any recommendations on type/brand?
Thank you.
Rangers Lead the Way!
Currently deployed in Afghanistan last 8 months. Truck did not get driven as much as would have liked while I've been gone. Heading home in a couple weeks for some R&R. Friend said truck wouldn't start. I'm assuming batteries are drained.
Question: how can I tell if batteries just need to be put on a trickle charger or if I need new ones? If I do need to replace, any recommendations on type/brand?
Thank you.
Rangers Lead the Way!
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 821
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From: 50450 IOWA
i would bet they are done for. at least one of them and you need to replace them as pairs. the first thing to do tho to make sure that something was not left on to drain them would be to pop the caps off if you can to make sure they are full of water and then i would put them on a trickle charger and let em charge good. after that i would take it to a shop or autoparts store that will check batteries, you will need to unhook one of them so you can test each one individually. we have a lot of good luck with interstate batteries, thats whats in my 08 they got changed out last summer.
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,222
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From: Texas
I just recently replaced both in my '09 with 145000 miles--just would not hold a charge. Got the best Walmart has, because they are everywhere if I need to replace them again--3 yr full replacement, next two years pro-rated.
Thanks for your service.
Joe
Thanks for your service.
Joe
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Northern VA
I just replaced mine as well. Jan 09 build with 77,000 miles. I noticed that it was cranking slowly. With winter coming and my fifth birthday, I figured I'd better replace them. I went with the very popular Optima yellow tops. Pricey but a worthwhile upgrade. I do a lot of tailgating/camping with the doors open and radio blasting and I have a couple winches that I use with my truck and trailer so I wanted to have the extra "juice" for extended and high-amp electrical loads.
After letting the old batteries sit over night one showed 12.2 V and one showed 11.2 V. My system voltage while running has gone up about 0.3V while cruising. They are a bit more expensive but I'm happy to have them.
If I see you in NOVA in the spring, I'll give a wave!
After letting the old batteries sit over night one showed 12.2 V and one showed 11.2 V. My system voltage while running has gone up about 0.3V while cruising. They are a bit more expensive but I'm happy to have them.
If I see you in NOVA in the spring, I'll give a wave!
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Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Southern Pines, NC
Thanks Cobra. Whats the difference between the red top and yellow top? They both have options for a 34 and a 34/78...which one did you go with?
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Joined: Jun 2012
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From: Central Colorado
I had to replace mine last year in November. Went with AutoZone's Duralast Platinums. They are AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat). They are totally maintenance free. So far they have been through a Colorado winter and a Texas summer with no issues at all.
Edit: Autozone gives a military discount as well.
Edit: Autozone gives a military discount as well.
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 543
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From: Northern VA
Search optima on here or go to their website. There's a bunch of good info in both places. I went with yellow tops. The difference between those two batteries (34 and 34/78) is that one has two sets of posts and the other has just the top posts. Either will work fine. I went with the dual post as they were $20 cheaper each and in stock.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 821
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From: 50450 IOWA
I have not heard much good about optima batteries lately.... sounds like last few years they have went down hill. i got a red top for the grand Prix and it was shot slightly over a year I believe. Our battery distributor at work mentioned they are seeing a lot more warranty and adjustments on them also.
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