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Sep 13, 2004 | 08:41 PM

48super6

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Joined: Oct 2003

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Battery

My late 2000 EX's battery has a dead cell. Its the motorcraft premium silver 3 year/ replacement plus 5 year pro-rated battery 750CCA, 935 CA (weighs a ton).
I figure the pro-rating they give me will be equal to or more than the full price on an aftermarket. Any recommendations on a good aftermarket? Are the Optima batteries really worth the extra $?
Die-hards, Energizers seem to run $80-90 with similar cold cranking amp ratings.
Any suggestions?

Sep 13, 2004 | 09:39 PM

daimon1054

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Joined: Jul 2002

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From: Broussard USA

The only real advantage the Optima has is it can take abuse and be mounted in any position. On a street truck your not looking at those problems. A warrenty will replace you battery with a like battery not give you the money to go buy something else. Same as if you truck broke you get Ford parts not the money to go else where.

Sep 14, 2004 | 04:59 PM

Landyot

Tuned

Joined: Apr 2003

Posts: 394

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From: SEVA

I have an Optima in my GT40 replica, and it's been in there since the spring of '98 ... still way strong. When it's time for a battery in the X, I'll get another Optima.

Nov 23, 2004 | 06:26 PM

Bill4Kath

Junior User

Joined: Apr 2004

Posts: 72

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From: Plymouth, MI

My X has been acting a bit funny the other day. The radio started changing channels on its own and then it switches to the CD player then back to the radio. At the same time the engine was shuttering or hessitating around 45 mph. Then it all went away, nothing else. Works fine since then. I did notice the eye on the battery is orange. Shouldn't it be greenish yellow? It is a 2002 with 42,000 miles on it. No major equip. to run down the battery either. It does look like there is a little residue of acid aound the neg side of the filler cap. Would this cause an electrical problem with the battery in this condition? I put the volt meter on the battery with the engine off and it read 12.32v (approx). Checked it with the truck running 14.18v.
Last question. Do I need to get a new battery?

Nov 23, 2004 | 08:43 PM

Hoowasat

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Joined: Nov 2004

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You might not need a new battery, but you should check to ensure all of your connections are good and solid. It's amazing how many electrical problems arise from something as simple as a poor ground connection. That may be one reason your "eye" in the battery is (or was) displaying a weak status ... hadn't been charging normally. Your description of stuff acting funny, then acting OK sounds like a connection got loose, then settled back in. Jus' my 2-cents. Good luck!

Nov 28, 2004 | 05:19 PM

JoeBoost

Elder User

Joined: Dec 2001

Posts: 713

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From: C H I C A G O

I purchased a Optima red top battery for a car I used to own , and had no issues with it. Once the car was sold , I gave the battery to a friend of mine , who still is using it to this day , and the battey is still holding 14.5 volts ! The battery was bought in the spring of 1996 !

When it comes time for batteries in my Excursion , I plan on getting two optima yellow tops.

Nov 28, 2004 | 06:38 PM

F150'89

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Joined: Jul 2004

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From: Roland, Ar

Bill4Kath, you have a factory battery that is 2 years old and the orange "eye" means that it is getting weak. Replace with a good qualty high cranking amp battery and you should not have any problems for a long time.