Replacing batteries
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 914
Likes: 1
From: New Braunfels, Texas
Replacing batteries
Took my '06 in yesterday for oil change (Rotella 5w-40 syn., thanks to y'all) and had them check the batteries. Was told that the driver's side was at 50% and passenger side at 30% with a bad cell. Opted to NOT buy the $120/each Motorcrafts from the dealership as I think I read on here about less expensive replacements that were as good or better? Also, since I will be changing them out myself, is there anything I should know ahead of time or do in preparation for the swap out? And what, if anything, will it do to my truck?
Background info - F250 SD 4X4 6.0, bought used in March with 68,000 miles on it. Possibly original batteries.
Thanks for everyone's help - I tried searching batteries but got too many threads to sort through, so sorry if this is a topic y'all covered last week or something!
ETA - should I mention I'm a newbie Diesel owner, or is it obvious enough without saying?
Background info - F250 SD 4X4 6.0, bought used in March with 68,000 miles on it. Possibly original batteries.
Thanks for everyone's help - I tried searching batteries but got too many threads to sort through, so sorry if this is a topic y'all covered last week or something!
ETA - should I mention I'm a newbie Diesel owner, or is it obvious enough without saying?
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 919
Likes: 0
From: Smiths Grove, KY
Check-out this link from the 2003-2007 6.0 forum Tech Folder
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...isconnect.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...isconnect.html
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 914
Likes: 1
From: New Braunfels, Texas
Thanks for the link, I should have looked at more forums. That ansered my questions about changing them out quite nicely! I had planned to do one at a time, in kind, and seems like that is still the best bet.
Anyone have a best buy they can recommend for the batteries themselves?
N/M - will go ask on the Diesel forum
Anyone have a best buy they can recommend for the batteries themselves?
N/M - will go ask on the Diesel forum
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 17,398
Likes: 317
From: Whittier, CA
Actually, the Motorcraft batteries are excellent, and $120 is not a bad price for a quality battery. The only gotcha might have been their charge to install them.
Yes, you can get cheaper batteries at Walmart or Autozone, if that's your thing. It ain't mine.
I like Interstate Batteries. They will cost you just about the same as the Motorcraft. You just save the labor cost.
Yes, you can get cheaper batteries at Walmart or Autozone, if that's your thing. It ain't mine.
I like Interstate Batteries. They will cost you just about the same as the Motorcraft. You just save the labor cost.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,320
Likes: 13
From: Mid Atlantic
A frind of mine is an Optima battery dealer and when the batteries in my '06 were going down I asked him if he could hook me up.
He said that for the money the best batteries at Advanced Auto were the best buys (6 yr warranty?) so I went out and bought a pair of them.
They we about $90/ if I remember correctly.
He said that for the money the best batteries at Advanced Auto were the best buys (6 yr warranty?) so I went out and bought a pair of them.
They we about $90/ if I remember correctly.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
From: Tustin, CA
we had a HUGE discussion on this a few months ago.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...batteries.html
I chose not to go with the $200 Optimas, for the Optima Made Sears Motorcraft $120/ each with 5 years replacement, or something like that. The sears are CGM (Glass Matt ?), just like the Optimas, since they are made (at least much discussion indicated so) by Optima. Plus the sears are larger, hold more charge, fit & bolt in normally, etc, etc, etc.
The optimas do not fit, and need an adapter, so that they will bolt in.
The interstates are probably just as good. I would GO WITH EITHER SEARS OR INTERSTATE. I have found all batteries well used last 5-8 years.
The Walmarts have thinner lead plates, and warp (& die) easily. THus the cost difference. I would rather not deal with swapping dead cheap batteries. My time is too important than saving a few dollars.
You can't go wrong with the optimas, they are very good, and they will send you the adapter FREE. Just give em a call.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...batteries.html
I chose not to go with the $200 Optimas, for the Optima Made Sears Motorcraft $120/ each with 5 years replacement, or something like that. The sears are CGM (Glass Matt ?), just like the Optimas, since they are made (at least much discussion indicated so) by Optima. Plus the sears are larger, hold more charge, fit & bolt in normally, etc, etc, etc.
The optimas do not fit, and need an adapter, so that they will bolt in.
The interstates are probably just as good. I would GO WITH EITHER SEARS OR INTERSTATE. I have found all batteries well used last 5-8 years.
The Walmarts have thinner lead plates, and warp (& die) easily. THus the cost difference. I would rather not deal with swapping dead cheap batteries. My time is too important than saving a few dollars.
You can't go wrong with the optimas, they are very good, and they will send you the adapter FREE. Just give em a call.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 938
Likes: 0
From: in the fast lane
I bought two from a wholesale battery place that sells to companys they just put the sticker on it depending on where it going to, but they also sell to the public. I got both batteries for $120 and they where alot heavier than the old advance auto batteries that was in the truck when i bought it.
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: NEPA
I just replaced mine with the motorcraft for 120.00ea. pretty good price from the dealer.
Last edited by hdbear; Nov 20, 2009 at 07:46 PM. Reason: fotgot something
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 914
Likes: 1
From: New Braunfels, Texas
I wound up going with Interstate, since it seemed to be the only one that didn't have any detractors. They were $116.75 uninstalled, and my SO can change them out for me.
The main reason why I questioned the dealership's pricing on the batteries is that they wanted $48/gallon for their synthetic 5W-40 oil - I got the Rotella at Autozone for $19.99.
The main reason why I questioned the dealership's pricing on the batteries is that they wanted $48/gallon for their synthetic 5W-40 oil - I got the Rotella at Autozone for $19.99.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,078
Likes: 0
From: Rural WV
I just changed mine out on Saturday. I have an 03 with the 6.0 and I was getting worried about hurtin the FICM. I still had the factory Motorcrafts in and the truck has 99,600 miles on it.
I went to Sam's Club and got both changed out for about a buck and a half. The best part was I threw a dead batt in the bed and asked the techs to save the stronger of the two old batts for me...my 72 International Dump Truck needs a decent battery. The tech says the one he put in the back for me was still putting out better than 750 CCAs!
Joe
I went to Sam's Club and got both changed out for about a buck and a half. The best part was I threw a dead batt in the bed and asked the techs to save the stronger of the two old batts for me...my 72 International Dump Truck needs a decent battery. The tech says the one he put in the back for me was still putting out better than 750 CCAs!
Joe
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: NEPA
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 914
Likes: 1
From: New Braunfels, Texas
Wow, what a difference those new batteries make! Sounds like a whole 'nuther truck when you start her up now, and she turns RIGHT the hell over! Sweeeet!
BD71 - This is the first time I've put the Rotella syn in her, but I bought her in April and it's only the second oil change for us. When I called the dealership to ask about the syn, the guy I talked to said, "You don't put 5W40 in a diesel, you put 15W30 in it!" I politely told him it was my truck and if I wanted 5W40 in her then that's what she would get. He had to call the parts department for a price on their syn (obviously not a frequent request?), and I about fell over when he told me it was $48.00, since I had just priced it at AZ the day before. But when I asked if I could bring my own oil and have them change it out, he said sure, they'd just charge me a nominal service fee. And they did. It was worth it to me to NOT have worry about disposing of the old stuff.
BD71 - This is the first time I've put the Rotella syn in her, but I bought her in April and it's only the second oil change for us. When I called the dealership to ask about the syn, the guy I talked to said, "You don't put 5W40 in a diesel, you put 15W30 in it!" I politely told him it was my truck and if I wanted 5W40 in her then that's what she would get. He had to call the parts department for a price on their syn (obviously not a frequent request?), and I about fell over when he told me it was $48.00, since I had just priced it at AZ the day before. But when I asked if I could bring my own oil and have them change it out, he said sure, they'd just charge me a nominal service fee. And they did. It was worth it to me to NOT have worry about disposing of the old stuff.
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