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Old Oct 5, 2010 | 05:40 PM
  #1  
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From: Phoenix Az
Battery Questions:

This weekend I did the battery isolation, start test and both batteries started the truck up. I also inspected the electrolyte level and it was low, showing some of the plates. I then filled them with distilled water and drove the truck my usual amount for 3 days. I also picked up a specific gravity, bulb type tester and tested each cell this PM after work. Most of the cells were in the white area, which is fair. But last night we had a frost and there was ice on my windshield this AM. It did not spin over what I thought was fast enough, but don't have anything to compare it to.
Any of you guys that know about these things, what do you think of my batteries? And what would you do. Reliability weighs heavily on my mind.
 
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Old Oct 5, 2010 | 05:49 PM
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Joelong258
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How long ago did you buy them? If they are under warranty you could get them replaced because they arent doing very well. Check your alternator for output too.
 
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Old Oct 5, 2010 | 06:02 PM
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From: Phoenix Az
Originally Posted by Joelong258
How long ago did you buy them? If they are under warranty you could get them replaced because they arent doing very well. Check your alternator for output too.
I bought the truck in January so I don't know how old they are. There aren't any holes punched out of the chart. They are interstate 850 CCA series 65 batteries.
I'll have to check the alternator out too. Can places like Adance Auto check the alternator charging rate?
 
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Old Oct 5, 2010 | 06:16 PM
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Originally Posted by Waynenap
I bought the truck in January so I don't know how old they are. There aren't any holes punched out of the chart. They are interstate 850 CCA series 65 batteries.
I'll have to check the alternator out too. Can places like Adance Auto check the alternator charging rate?
Just take it to Advance. They can test the batteries and the alternator output.

Steve
 
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Old Oct 5, 2010 | 06:57 PM
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should we assume that you cleaned all battery posts and connectors? This is a pretty common problem this time of year (cooler weather), I speak from experience.
 
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Old Oct 5, 2010 | 07:18 PM
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If you want a shock check out the price of an odyssey group 65 battery for our trucks,then multiply by 2.That will wake you up.I was just discussing this type of stuff with Clay from riffraff yesterday,I have one good battery and one dead one.He said it was best to replace both batteries at the same time,which I didnt know,so between now and winter I have to decide what kind I am going to get.I had optima red tops but folks here are saying they arent as good since they moved to mehico.I will let you know if I find decent batteries at a decent price.
 
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Old Oct 5, 2010 | 07:31 PM
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From: Phoenix Az
Originally Posted by puller45
should we assume that you cleaned all battery posts and connectors? This is a pretty common problem this time of year (cooler weather), I speak from experience.
I did take the connectors off both batt's. and cleaned them and the posts with a special tool for just such a purpose. I didn't trace the wires down and clean the other end.
I'm also wondering if anyone has any experience with the advance gold level batt's for our trucks. I don't want a Napa Battery and Advance is the only parts store I use, in town.
 
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Old Oct 5, 2010 | 08:03 PM
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I saw sears has a platinum diehard with a 4 year full replacement warrant,they want 200 each for them.
 
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Old Oct 5, 2010 | 08:15 PM
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I run the advanced batteries used to the titanium but I thing they dropped it and are calling it the Gold now. The Advanced batteries die every 2nd summer like clockwork, Im on my third set now.
 
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Old Oct 5, 2010 | 08:33 PM
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From: Phoenix Az
Thanks for all the info. I don't think I've done everything I can to eliminate any other possibilities. I will get them and the alternator checked at Advance.
 
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Old Oct 5, 2010 | 09:03 PM
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From: round rock, tx
Originally Posted by jgilrfr
I saw sears has a platinum diehard with a 4 year full replacement warrant,they want 200 each for them.

I had those batteries in my truck and they held up for three years.
If they offer a four year Full replacement, def get them!

I bought two brand new Wally World batteries at $80 each
full three year replacement

Just make sure they meet or exceed stock CCA and CA ratings

Def replace them together, diesels need two full power batteries to run glow plugs and start truck.
 
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Old Oct 5, 2010 | 09:09 PM
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Originally Posted by Waynenap
I bought the truck in January so I don't know how old they are. There aren't any holes punched out of the chart.
Each battery should have a small round white sticker about the size of a quarter on it (normally on the side or end ).
The sticker will have a letter and number on it.The letter is the month and number is the year
Example C9 or C09 would mean the battery was made in March of '09
 
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Old Oct 5, 2010 | 09:10 PM
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I use the maxx 27s from walmart,they last about 2.5 year 3 years free replacement no question ask.I just got two more free one's and another 3 years,,,or 2.5
 
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Old Oct 5, 2010 | 10:26 PM
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Im in the market for new batteries. I have some cheapys that have been in my truck since i bought it. that means they have been thru ATLEAST 3 winters so far. and last winter took a TOLE on them. NO working GPR ALL winter id start it from cold 0*-10* tops sitting for 12 hours, and crank for about 15 minutes straight. I may buy whatever they are. I give them credit for looking like walmart batteries. Ill find out tomorrow what they are.
 
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Old Oct 6, 2010 | 07:35 AM
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I have both batteries in the back of my Ranger right now. I will go today to Ford and get 2 new batteries. I changed my batts 1 time in the 10 years I've owned my truck. I'm going back with "OEM BABY" again. 850c, 1000cc amps.
 
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