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Old Nov 19, 2005 | 02:53 PM
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Question Battery Question

With diesel at $3.00 @ gallon I decided to park my '04 250SD and drive my Bronco. I decided after 2 weeks I better start and maybe put a few road miles on it. Turned the key and nothing! Batteries were dead. Well I figured they just ran dead. Tried to charge them and only one would hold a charge. Went to the dealer and they said my stereo had put an undue strain on the main battery. No warranty. I have a Panasonic AM/FM/CD/DVD w/ 7" Flip Screen head unit, XM satellite and a 5 channel Kicker amp with 10" S10L7 sub. I think this warranty decision is BS but, the battery adjustment was going to cost me $103.00 anyway. I was thinking of just switching over to the Optima Red Tops. Are these okay for a 6.0L diesel application? Anybody using them?
 
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Old Nov 20, 2005 | 06:37 PM
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dont know about the optimas but do know if you replace with regular bat.do them both at the same time,it will just be a mater of time before the other one goes.
 
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Old Nov 20, 2005 | 09:28 PM
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Over on the 7.3 forum there is a topic about batterys that you might want to check out. In regards to the optimas,I was reading that under warranty they won`t cover if used in a diesel. I don`t know that as fact but you might check before you buy
good luck

Hanklin
 
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Old Nov 20, 2005 | 11:51 PM
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Originally Posted by RanchRodsTX
I have a Panasonic AM/FM/CD/DVD w/ 7" Flip Screen head unit, XM satellite and a 5 channel Kicker amp with 10" S10L7 sub. I think this warranty decision is BS but, the battery adjustment was going to cost me $103.00 anyway. I was thinking of just switching over to the Optima Red Tops. Are these okay for a 6.0L diesel application? Anybody using them?
Are you using a capacitor with your stereo system? Also, you would probably be better off with an Optima Yellow Top deep cycle battery than the red top. I have 3 vehicles with red tops and have not had any problems with them, but then, I don't have any after market stereo stuff.
 

Last edited by 99_EB_EXPY; Nov 20, 2005 at 11:56 PM.
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Old Nov 21, 2005 | 02:47 AM
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maybe consider installing a float charger like used in a boat. plug it in when not used and the truck will always be charged.
 
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Old Nov 21, 2005 | 09:06 AM
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I've parked my truck at the airport for two weeks at a time while on trips and never had any problems.

To drain two batteries dead in two weeks is not a trivial draw. I'd have your system checked and try to eliminate or reduce the drain when the truck is turned off. I would also recommend a battery tender charger. They will keep the battery charged without over charging.
 
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Old Nov 21, 2005 | 07:27 PM
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I routinely leave my truck in the garage for over a month at a time, (longest 7 weeks)
no issues at all. I use Stanadyne or an equivalent in the fuel and that is it.
Some think that is horrible, however think about how long one sits on the showroom floor or back lot of a dealership.
 
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Old Nov 21, 2005 | 09:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Tim Lamkin
I routinely leave my truck in the garage for over a month at a time, (longest 7 weeks)
no issues at all. I use Stanadyne or an equivalent in the fuel and that is it.
Some think that is horrible, however think about how long one sits on the showroom floor or back lot of a dealership.
Come on now Tim.... the dealership sells them faster off their lots than you do out of your garage!!! What do you have now.... 2,000 miles???

Remember... I want to buy your truck in 10 years... you'll be on your 3rd oil change huh??

Hope all is well.

Jeff
 
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Old Nov 21, 2005 | 09:20 PM
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Originally Posted by RanchRodsTX
With diesel at $3.00 @ gallon I decided to park my '04 250SD and drive my Bronco. I decided after 2 weeks I better start and maybe put a few road miles on it. Turned the key and nothing! Batteries were dead. Well I figured they just ran dead. Tried to charge them and only one would hold a charge. Went to the dealer and they said my stereo had put an undue strain on the main battery. No warranty. I have a Panasonic AM/FM/CD/DVD w/ 7" Flip Screen head unit, XM satellite and a 5 channel Kicker amp with 10" S10L7 sub. I think this warranty decision is BS but, the battery adjustment was going to cost me $103.00 anyway. I was thinking of just switching over to the Optima Red Tops. Are these okay for a 6.0L diesel application? Anybody using them?
I have a lot more Stereo equipment in my 03 6.0PSD than that. I have 7" flip eclipse head unit, in dash eclipse 6 disc changer, TV tuner, Speakers everywhere with 3 10's 3 amps and I have never had any problems at all. The longes I have ever left my truck parked is 1 month in a garage. The only thing I can suggest is that when the installer put the amp turn on wire on they may have used a hot wire not an ignition wire. If your truck is off and you see a red light on your amps then you are screwed. I do agree with with the Yellow top and not the red top. I think the yellow has more cranking amps. Good luck.
 
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