Sears Diehard Platinum AGM

[Carlostrece]

Years ago... I tried 4 Diehard Platinum AGM batteries. 1 in my 2007 Jeep Wrangler. 1 in my 1997 Buick Park Ave. Both batteries died young at around 2-3 years. Were replaced under warranty at around 2-3 years. The 2nd batteries also died around 2-3 years.

With less expensive flooded batteries in those cars, I was accustomed to getting 4-5 years.

Then shortly after that I heard Sears discontinued the Diehard Platinum AGM batteries, but a Google search tonight shows them still for sale. So I don't know if they're discontinued.

I drove each vehicle at least once a week. Often more frequently. At that time I did not own a battery charger.

1) What caused these Diehard Platinum AGM to have shorter lifespan than flooded batteries?
2) Were SDHP lemon batteries?
3) Was it inappropriate to put AGM in old tech cars?
4) Who manufactured SDHP batteries?

 

[Carlostrece]

P.S. - My cousin also tried SDHP in his old Ford Superduty and he experienced the same short lifespan that I did.

 

[Bailes1992]

If the car didn't come with one then the charging system on a non-AGM car will cook AGM batteries in a short period of time.

 

[Carlostrece]

If the car didn't come with one then the charging system on a non-AGM car will cook AGM batteries in a short period of time.

I've heard that too, but some guys say that AGM work well in their old cars. The manager of my local tire store has never steered me wrong in 20+ years. Last week he recommended I try an Interstate AGM. My local autostore manager recommended I try whatever brand of AGM he sells. I know these guys are honest and have always been knowlegable in the past on other issues.

However, on this issue I'm reluctant to follow their advice. I'm also wondering if my past bad experiences with Diehard Platinum AGM might have been just that particular battery was a lemon?

 

[LenZee]

If the car didn't come with one then the charging system on a non-AGM car will cook AGM batteries in a short period of time.

Not in my experience it doesn't. 3 cars with excellent results. Almost 8 years in my sienna and replaced only because I didn't want to chance it dying on the road ( still tested good). If it was true I'm sure battery manufacturers would make a note of it to avoid warranty replacements. Also Everstart battery has the longest warranty in the AGM battery (4 years).

First picture in link says lasts up to 2x longer life than conventional batteries. Conventional batteries aren't used in AGM specific cars right?
https://www.walmart.com/ip/EverStar...arch&sid=4773c11a-1ccb-4e4d-961b-5180e2161cf3

 

[Carlostrece]

Not in my experience it doesn't. 3 cars with excellent results. Almost 8 years in my sienna and replaced only because I didn't want to chance it dying on the road ( still tested good). If it was true I'm sure battery manufacturers would make a note of it to avoid warranty replacements. Also Everstart battery has the longest warranty in the AGM battery (4 years).
https://www.walmart.com/ip/EverStar...arch&sid=4773c11a-1ccb-4e4d-961b-5180e2161cf3

I think Odessey Xtreme has a 4 year warranty.

 

[LenZee]

I think Odessey Xtreme has a 4 year warranty.

I meant in comparison to their other conventional batteries.

 

[Carlostrece]

What about Sears Diehard Platinum AGM batteries from around 2006-2013 era? Were they lemons, OK, or good?

 

[Carlostrece]

I meant in comparison to their other

I meant in comparison to their other conventional batteries.

I don't understand what you're saying.

 

[LenZee]

I don't understand what you're saying.

In the Everstart battery lineup the longest warranty is on the AGM battery(4yrs), On the 3 levels of conventional batteries only 1, 2 or 3 years warranty replacement.

 

[Escape08]

WM increased the price of AGM battery $10 more. Before it was $169, now it's $179

 

[shortyb]

Die hards have generally been a very solid battery choice. When under the Sears banner, they were made by Johnson Control until about 2019 when Clarios acquired their Power Solutions division and started manufacturing batteries under several brand names. Advance Auto Parts bought the brand name and still sells Die Hards, AGM and conventional flooded ones. Early AGMs under AAP ownership were built in Germany by Varta. I know, because the one in my Passat has the "Manufactured by Varta" and "Made in Germany" stickers underneath the Die Hard decals. Now they are made in Mexico for US consumption. Either way, still a very good choice for a battery. Mine is almost 4 years old and still kicking strong.

That said, my car also has the charging system protocol for that type battery and does lend to the best life expectancy for an AGM. If your car doesn't have an optimized charging protocol for an AGM, it could give shorter battery life for that type. Heard many instances of it, but also many instances where the AGM lasts longer in those systems than flooded cell conventionals. Guess its just a luck of the draw.

 

[RooflessVW]

If the car didn't come with one then the charging system on a non-AGM car will cook AGM batteries in a short period of time.

may* or can*

 

[skyactiv]

Modern VW and Audis allow you to code and set the type of battery in your vehicle using OBDeleven or VCDS. So you can switch from a standard flooded battery to an AGM and the car will properly charge the specific battery type.

 

[zrxkawboy]

If the car didn't come with one then the charging system on a non-AGM car will cook AGM batteries in a short period of time.

I wonder how much of a difference there would be in the charging systems, since they're both lead acid batteries.

 

[RitcheyRch]

I wonder how much of a difference there would be in the charging systems, since they're both lead acid batteries.

I've wondered the same.

 

[Bailes1992]

I wonder how much of a difference there would be in the charging systems, since they're both lead acid batteries.

One sits at a steady voltage when the engine is running and the AGM type drops the voltage once the battery is charged.

 

[Capt W]

If the car didn't come with one then the charging system on a non-AGM car will cook AGM batteries in a short period of time.

Installed an AC Delco AGM battery in my 2008 Charger nine years ago. It's been flawless...and contrary to some folks' opinions works very well with my battery tender when the car isn't in regular use.

 

[kpatter]

Not in my experience it doesn't. 3 cars with excellent results. Almost 8 years in my sienna and replaced only because I didn't want to chance it dying on the road ( still tested good). If it was true I'm sure battery manufacturers would make a note of it to avoid warranty replacements. Also Everstart battery has the longest warranty in the AGM battery (4 years).

First picture in link says lasts up to 2x longer life than conventional batteries. Conventional batteries aren't used in AGM specific cars right?
https://www.walmart.com/ip/EverStar...arch&sid=4773c11a-1ccb-4e4d-961b-5180e2161cf3

I bought a Duracell from Batteries Plus last week. They also have a 4 year free replacement..

 

[02SE]

I had a Sears Diehard Platinum (Made by EnerSys Energy Products) for 10 years in my old 4Runner. It sat a lot. When I sold the 4Runner, the battery still cranked the engine like the battery was new.