Let's talk Batteries
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,229
Likes: 2
From: Oregon
Motorcraft 850 CCA, 84 months. My original in my van went for 10 years.
The 84 month 850 batteries are only about $20 more, than the 84 month 750.
And I got a $25 off coupon, from Ford.
I use the same battery in my F-250 SD.
The 84 month 850 batteries are only about $20 more, than the 84 month 750.
And I got a $25 off coupon, from Ford.
I use the same battery in my F-250 SD.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,489
Likes: 45
From: Central NY
Maxx is probably next for me. Realized the interstate is 7.5 years old in service. Had issues (no start) and when I took it back to the dealer to check it out, they said it was shot. After reading on BITOG about batteries, charging etc, I sent my Craftsman charger packing and got a new one (Pro-Logix PL2320) and she hasn't had an issue since....
so I was working on the truck today, only the hood was open (small bulb).
Then I drove 15 miles, half highway and half city, to the hardware store. Came home, worked on the truck again for 30 minutes and left the key in the ON position. No radio or lights on and just the fan on the lowest speed.
Went to start the truck and it wouldn't turn over.
Hooked up the pro logix charger and put on 20A (no start feature) and it said 14% and less than 12v (this was connected directly to the posts since my usual ground wasn't working).
I started it right up, moved her and then shut her down.
Reconnected with negative on proper ground.
said 84% and just over 12v and after ten minutes she's at 87% charging at 20a.
Is this thing shot????
can't believe it went dead so quickly.
thanks
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 6
From: West Hills, Ca.
I have some cheesy 65 month Centennial battery with maybe 570-600 CCA that came with the EX last month, but it's in good shape, and the sfv doesn't get all that "cold"! So I will wait til it gives me a little grief and then get a Costco battery as it seems it will fit my bill AND wallet.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,521
Likes: 412
From: Washington Coast
I Got stock Motorcraft in the truck, an Interstate in the Bronco (free curtesy of AAA when I bought it) and a 6 month old interstate in the wife's Civic after some thieving rat b@%*@%+ poped the hood and stole it when it was parked at the oldest boy's house. I've never had a bad battery, I check em, use nothing but distilled (not deionised) and clean all the cables and clamps on a regular basis and still use the old wheel bearing grease on my post and cables my dad taught me back in the late 60s early 70s. I tried most of the rest and nothing has been as effective
The truck had to be charged after the one trip to Mexico after leaving a light on but other than that I've had real good luck and never been stuck. Now the kids, that's a different story altogether.
it all boils down to what makes you most comfortable is what you buy and what you do.
The truck had to be charged after the one trip to Mexico after leaving a light on but other than that I've had real good luck and never been stuck. Now the kids, that's a different story altogether.
it all boils down to what makes you most comfortable is what you buy and what you do.
New User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Sometime ago I researched the best auto battery & came away thinking there were 3 major battery conglomerates & these 3 batteries represented the best they had to offer. Interstate, Dura-max, Diehard. (walmart batteries maybe made by one of them?) The attached consumer reports mentions that certain manufactures make certain sizes better than others, interesting idea. AGM= (absorbed glass mat) design. Beware: The best and worst replacement car batteries can be from the same brand
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,554
Likes: 6
From: Mesick
Except that the one that comes with your vehicle new is not the same as the one you buy off the shelf. Jack (TooManyToys) has confirmed this as he is of the same opinion.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,554
Likes: 6
From: Mesick
I just have two points to make:
The Motorcraft over the counter batteries are not the same as the batteries that were installed on the production line. They are Ford's version of an aftermarket battery.
Walmart is changing their battery source, and the latest Maxx battery has a different top and no longer has a label that says they are made by Johnson Control.
The Motorcraft over the counter batteries are not the same as the batteries that were installed on the production line. They are Ford's version of an aftermarket battery.
Walmart is changing their battery source, and the latest Maxx battery has a different top and no longer has a label that says they are made by Johnson Control.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 946
Likes: 99
I have a neighbor who worked at a battery factory for 30 years.
As he told me , they did in fact build batteries for many different suppliers , and built them to many different specifications.
I asked him about the Motorcraft batteries, and his reply was , that Ford requires virgin materials in there batteries , and more of them.
They were certainly top of the line , as well as heavier.
The heavier , the better as there is more lead .
There are certainly cases , where you will get a dud , mostly because it has been on the shelf for who knows how long.
I have had Motorcraft batteries last twice the rated life span, and very few if any last less .
I chose Motorcraft for all my vehicles , which are all 5 Ford.
As he told me , they did in fact build batteries for many different suppliers , and built them to many different specifications.
I asked him about the Motorcraft batteries, and his reply was , that Ford requires virgin materials in there batteries , and more of them.
They were certainly top of the line , as well as heavier.
The heavier , the better as there is more lead .
There are certainly cases , where you will get a dud , mostly because it has been on the shelf for who knows how long.
I have had Motorcraft batteries last twice the rated life span, and very few if any last less .
I chose Motorcraft for all my vehicles , which are all 5 Ford.
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