2 of my vehicles suddenly need a battery. The Grand Marquis calls for a 65 or 58 size battery. The 65 is larger, more CCA and cheaper so 65 it is. The Sable calls for a 36 size battery. Is there any reason to not put a size 65 into my Sable? Has anyone else ever done this?
Is an oversized car battery a problem?
- Thread starter spk2000
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I've done it without issue in a few vehicles that had enough room for a bigger battery with more CCA.
Only if it doesn't fit.
Aren't the positive and negative swapped on a 65 vs 36R? I think it's normally a 36R on the Sable. Only difference is making sure the cable fits and making sure you can bolt it down into the tray. A battery that bounces around doesn't last long.
Actually found the 36 for $72 and the 65 for $94 at Costco. They are Interstate batteries that I think most people speak highly of. Not sure what the warranty is like. Current battery in Grand Marquis is a Plus 2 year battery and battery has a 2012 date in it so pretty good life.
I know of no downside to using a larger battery.
I just put the larger battery intended for the V-6 in our four cylinder Gen 8 Accord and it of course fit without issue although you do have to bend a couple of flaps intended to retain the original battery out of the way. This replaced the six year old original.
The smaller OEM battery always started the car even at -15F, but it also always seemed a little reluctant to do so.
The larger battery should do a little better and also cost about the same.
I just put the larger battery intended for the V-6 in our four cylinder Gen 8 Accord and it of course fit without issue although you do have to bend a couple of flaps intended to retain the original battery out of the way. This replaced the six year old original.
The smaller OEM battery always started the car even at -15F, but it also always seemed a little reluctant to do so.
The larger battery should do a little better and also cost about the same.
No drawbacks except a little extra mass to haul around.
Originally Posted by fdcg27
I know of no downside to using a larger battery.
I just put the larger battery intended for the V-6 in our four cylinder Gen 8 Accord and it of course fit without issue although you do have to bend a couple of flaps intended to retain the original battery out of the way. This replaced the six year old original.
The smaller OEM battery always started the car even at -15F, but it also always seemed a little reluctant to do so.
The larger battery should do a little better and also cost about the same.
Was your OEM battery a group 51r?? And you used a bit larger group 35?? Good move no matter the sizes.
I know of no downside to using a larger battery.
I just put the larger battery intended for the V-6 in our four cylinder Gen 8 Accord and it of course fit without issue although you do have to bend a couple of flaps intended to retain the original battery out of the way. This replaced the six year old original.
The smaller OEM battery always started the car even at -15F, but it also always seemed a little reluctant to do so.
The larger battery should do a little better and also cost about the same.
Was your OEM battery a group 51r?? And you used a bit larger group 35?? Good move no matter the sizes.
Originally Posted by Wolf359
Aren't the positive and negative swapped on a 65 vs 36R? I think it's normally a 36R on the Sable. Only difference is making sure the cable fits and making sure you can bolt it down into the tray. A battery that bounces around doesn't last long.
Very good point. The R means the positive terminal is on the right.
Aren't the positive and negative swapped on a 65 vs 36R? I think it's normally a 36R on the Sable. Only difference is making sure the cable fits and making sure you can bolt it down into the tray. A battery that bounces around doesn't last long.
Very good point. The R means the positive terminal is on the right.
I have always understood that the "R" meant "REVERSED" posts.
I've always oversized when possible(if it fits in the battery holder) and/or unless the battery was already the LARGEST battery anyway.
I've always oversized when possible(if it fits in the battery holder) and/or unless the battery was already the LARGEST battery anyway.
you probably know this, but watch height and hood clearance....sold one of my favorite DD's (a VW Quantum) to someone at work's brother who was mechanically 'challenged' and eventually put a used, much too tall, non recessed terminal battery in the car, closed the hood and that was the end of the car.
Otherwise, only upside from more battery.
Otherwise, only upside from more battery.
Originally Posted by spk2000
Actually found the 36 for $72 and the 65 for $94 at Costco. They are Interstate batteries that I think most people speak highly of. Not sure what the warranty is like. Current battery in Grand Marquis is a Plus 2 year battery and battery has a 2012 date in it so pretty good life.
Walmart 65 batteries under $50. Not saying they are better than Interstate with just a one year warranty but no membership required.
Actually found the 36 for $72 and the 65 for $94 at Costco. They are Interstate batteries that I think most people speak highly of. Not sure what the warranty is like. Current battery in Grand Marquis is a Plus 2 year battery and battery has a 2012 date in it so pretty good life.
Walmart 65 batteries under $50. Not saying they are better than Interstate with just a one year warranty but no membership required.
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