Best battery, opinons and experiences, please
- Thread starter cousincletus
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Any one know who makes the batteries for Sams Club. I was there a few weeks ago and was very impressed with their prices. I think the 3 year replacement was energizer brand. For around 50 bucks its hard to pass up.
According to this site, which is run by Johnson Controls, http://www.autobatteries.com/selector/index.asp , Energizer is made by them.
That site also claims that Everstart is made by Johnson Controls but that site doesn't list an application for the 2003+ Saab 93 wheras the in-store application guide does. Which makes me wonder if Everstarts are really made by Johnson Controls, or if maybe that site hasn't been updated in several years..
That site also claims that Everstart is made by Johnson Controls but that site doesn't list an application for the 2003+ Saab 93 wheras the in-store application guide does. Which makes me wonder if Everstarts are really made by Johnson Controls, or if maybe that site hasn't been updated in several years..
I was in Walmart earlier today and took a gander at the batteries to back up my previous post and they all say "Johnson Controls" on them.
JHZR2
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Panasoinic.. ours was he exact same robust quality unit.
JMH
I got one from walmart. Its 4 yrs old and had no problems with it. At 59.00 bucks it has a 8 yr warranty. I'd buy another if I had problems at this stage. Sure beats going to the stealership and paying $100 or more bucks with cheap warranty.
:I've had my best luck with Walmart batteries. I had a boat with a deep cycle battery bank and two starting batteries. The Walmart batteries did fine.
Canadian Tire batteries have never lasted for me. In fact, I bought an expensive battery charger at CT and it lasted just after the warranty was over.
Canadian Tire batteries have never lasted for me. In fact, I bought an expensive battery charger at CT and it lasted just after the warranty was over.
I've got an old AutoZone battery (not Duralast, AutoZone) in my Suburban. It's date coded 4/02. Still starts the truck in 20-degree weather, and that's about as cold as it gets here in Texas. I will say that the previous owner cheaped out on it, since it's only 525CA and 650CCA and a 3/4 ton 4x4 350/auto Suburban should have more than that. When it croaks I'll be ready for a better battery.
I'm thinking 800CCA or better ought to do it. Might need a starter, too. Hot starts it really drags, then speeds up and fires fine. It'll definitely need something before another Texas summer.
The last Diehard I owned broke at the negative terminal and spilled acid on a plastic tray in a 2000 Saturn SL. Replaced with a used Duralast and never had a problem after that. Only had it for 3 months, though. Stupid GM side posts...
I'm thinking 800CCA or better ought to do it. Might need a starter, too. Hot starts it really drags, then speeds up and fires fine. It'll definitely need something before another Texas summer.
The last Diehard I owned broke at the negative terminal and spilled acid on a plastic tray in a 2000 Saturn SL. Replaced with a used Duralast and never had a problem after that. Only had it for 3 months, though. Stupid GM side posts...
I've had the original Mopar brand battery in my Dakota for like 6 Yrs now. Today I went to autozone and bought a Duralast gold($76). It still cranked Ok, But I figured it was about time for a new 1. At least I'll remember the date I put it in.
Originally Posted By: jeepzj
So here's my Q's:
1. Would you say that my battery and altenator are ok by my voltage readings at idle and with engine off?
2. What's your take on the radio clock resetting to 12:00?
3. I mentioned that when i shifted to Nuetral the engine finally held idle. What does that indicate?
4. I'm thinking the problem is either my starter or the Crank Position Sensor?
1. Battery is probably bad. Could be a cable, bugt battery more likely.
2. Starter loaded down the battery, and the voltage went down.
3. Alternator works.
4. Probably neither of those, but the starter could be a possible problem. You could have a problem with your ignition switch or neutral lockout switch on the shifter. Battery is the most likely problem.
So here's my Q's:
1. Would you say that my battery and altenator are ok by my voltage readings at idle and with engine off?
2. What's your take on the radio clock resetting to 12:00?
3. I mentioned that when i shifted to Nuetral the engine finally held idle. What does that indicate?
4. I'm thinking the problem is either my starter or the Crank Position Sensor?
1. Battery is probably bad. Could be a cable, bugt battery more likely.
2. Starter loaded down the battery, and the voltage went down.
3. Alternator works.
4. Probably neither of those, but the starter could be a possible problem. You could have a problem with your ignition switch or neutral lockout switch on the shifter. Battery is the most likely problem.
Chances are, the OP has resolved his problem.....maybe FIVE years ago?
I have the Optima yellow top in my Envoy and while it's only 3 years old...no problems. I went with the yellow mainly since it was a deep-cycle and I use a receiver mounted winch sometimes. The fact it's a deep cycle is another reason in case I ever run it down I trust it will come back stronger than a dedicated starting battery...this i'm not 100% on.
That being said, what's the best way to recharge if it ever gets fully discharged?
The yellow top may not like the surges of starting but have had many friends use it with no issues, it also fit cleaner than the red top especially using the extra terminals for the winch quick-connect which doubles as my jumper cable connector.
That being said, what's the best way to recharge if it ever gets fully discharged?
The yellow top may not like the surges of starting but have had many friends use it with no issues, it also fit cleaner than the red top especially using the extra terminals for the winch quick-connect which doubles as my jumper cable connector.
Originally Posted By: doitmyself
Chances are, the OP has resolved his problem.....maybe FIVE years ago?
By now the OP needs another new battery.
Chances are, the OP has resolved his problem.....maybe FIVE years ago?
By now the OP needs another new battery.
There are two things which drives me nuts when people ask following questions:-
1) "I have got a check engine light; which part should I replace"
2) "I have electrical problems and the battery is old. Should I replace my alternator?"
I feel like banging my head against the wall
1) "I have got a check engine light; which part should I replace"
2) "I have electrical problems and the battery is old. Should I replace my alternator?"
I feel like banging my head against the wall
Really can't go wrong with an Everstart
They got the best warranty I've seen.....though Johnson Controls did do away with their proration program on the new batteries (if I recall, sometime in 2008....) - so their batteries are a simple 1, 2, or 3 year free replacement, depending on the "level", Value, Plus, and Maxx....
But yea, can't go wrong with a Maxx, particularly in FL, where the typical life expectancy of a battery is 24 months! The heat tears them up, and when we get that first cold front come through, it toasts them.
My 88 Aries is still riding fine with an Exide, dated May 2010 in it.....
But yea, can't go wrong with a Maxx, particularly in FL, where the typical life expectancy of a battery is 24 months! The heat tears them up, and when we get that first cold front come through, it toasts them.
My 88 Aries is still riding fine with an Exide, dated May 2010 in it.....
Just bought a group 86 battery at sams club today. Cost $68 made by JC. 3 year replacement 8 year prorated. I thought that was a good deal. Sears wanted $100 for 24 month replacement.
It's used to be 1 price for most sizes at Walmart, Costco, Sams Club ... Now it's lower price for smaller and higher price for larger. Some Everstart Maxx sizes are over $100.
One of the largest size is 49 and only $109 at Pep Boys, but there are some sizes smaller at $149.
The best battery deals are either at Costco or Sams Club, if they have your size. Costco doesn't carry size 49, I'm not a member of Sams Club. I bought my last battery size 49 from Ford for $93 with 3 years free replacement and 100 months prorate.
One of the largest size is 49 and only $109 at Pep Boys, but there are some sizes smaller at $149.
The best battery deals are either at Costco or Sams Club, if they have your size. Costco doesn't carry size 49, I'm not a member of Sams Club. I bought my last battery size 49 from Ford for $93 with 3 years free replacement and 100 months prorate.
IMO aviod any sealed gel or agm batteries, not the best technology for hot under the hood automotive or deep cycle applications. Any of the other gimmicky radial designed stuff is ridiculously over priced junk as well. All of the above is designed for UPS(back up stationary power systems).
My advice is the buy the largest, heaviest,highest capacity flat plate and flooded battery that will fit in your application. Stay away from "winter" or "summer" batteries. They are typically high gravity batteries that will give less life. A long time Exide/GNB(Same Company), trick to replace lead with acid for capacity.
I've had good luck(and good pricing) with WM batteries I believe they still Johnson Controls. I did just buy a Deka from Napa out of necessity. I have extensive experience with them on the industrial side but this is my first auto and it seems fine so far.
Also avoid Exide and GNB(Champion), your paying extreme marketing costs for what should be the lowest price battery on the market if quality, quality control, design and performance are considerations.
My advice is the buy the largest, heaviest,highest capacity flat plate and flooded battery that will fit in your application. Stay away from "winter" or "summer" batteries. They are typically high gravity batteries that will give less life. A long time Exide/GNB(Same Company), trick to replace lead with acid for capacity.
I've had good luck(and good pricing) with WM batteries I believe they still Johnson Controls. I did just buy a Deka from Napa out of necessity. I have extensive experience with them on the industrial side but this is my first auto and it seems fine so far.
Also avoid Exide and GNB(Champion), your paying extreme marketing costs for what should be the lowest price battery on the market if quality, quality control, design and performance are considerations.
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