Battery recommendations??

[SublimeHiPpOs]

I've been able to make the original battery in my 2018 Plati last until now, but with the cold weather here, I think it's finally time to bite the bullet and replace it. Other than making sure the replacement meets the general required specs, are there any particular recommendations? Duralast/Diehard Platinum Platinum AGM are available in my local part stores. I could also get an Optima Yellow top for about $100 more, but I'm not really sure if that's worth it (and it only has a 3 year warranty vs 4 for the Duralast/Diehard Platinum). There are also a variety of batteries available on Amazon for around $100 less. I'm just curious if there is any consensus in the group as to what works best in this vehicle (or do the cheaper ones work just as well since modern vehicles chew through batteries anyway)?

Edit: I also found that Wal-Mart has the OE Motorcraft for $255 and a ACDelco AGM Automotive BCI Group 94R Battery 94RAGM with 850 CCA for $167.

 

[Fizzy]

If you're a Costco member get their H7 AGM Energizer battery.

It comes with a 10 year Costco warranty. First 5 years is full refund, second 5 years is a pro-rated refund.

Everyone else will argue about how Duralast is this, but Optima is that. But taking your battery back for a full refund 5 years after is pretty hard to argue with. And these trucks are hard on the batteries. Not much is lasting longer than that.

Edit: It looks like in Canada they sell Energizer. In the US it's Interstate, for $179, and it's only a 3 year warranty.

 

[SublimeHiPpOs]

If you're a Costco member get their H7 AGM Energizer battery.

It comes with a 10 year Costco warranty. First 5 years is full refund, second 5 years is a pro-rated refund.

Everyone else will argue about how Duralast is this, but Optima is that. But taking your battery back for a full refund 5 years after is pretty hard to argue with. And these trucks are hard on the batteries. Not much is lasting longer than that.

Edit: It looks like in Canada they sell Energizer. In the US it's Interstate, for $179, and it's only a 3 year warranty.

I am a Costco member, although I wasn't able to find our specific battery online there, but it's probably in the store. Are Interstate auto batteries generally well regarded?

 

[Fizzy]

I am a Costco member, although I wasn't able to find our specific battery online there, but it's probably in the store. Are Interstate auto batteries generally well regarded?

I honestly couldn't comment on how Interstate stacks up against the competition. Others here will chime in on that.

As soon as I saw Canada Costco had a 10 year warranty on the Energizer batteries I quit comparing.

Here's the US Costco H7 AGM Interstate Battery for the Expedition (I put in 2020):

Shop Interstate Batteries at Costco | Battery Results

costco.interstatebatteries.com

 

[ManUpOrShutUp]

After having bad experiences with a number of brands, I just went to Walmart. They have a 3-year warranty and will replace it without any hassle, unlike pretty much everywhere else.

 

[SublimeHiPpOs]

After having bad experiences with a number of brands, I just went to Walmart. They have a 3-year warranty and will replace it without any hassle, unlike pretty much everywhere else.

So they don't prorate their battery warranties? That would be great! I assumed pretty everyone prorates these days.

 

[SublimeHiPpOs]

I called my closest Walmart and they have this one in stock for $180 and it has a full 48-month warranty, so this is the direction I'm planning on going.

Robot or human?

Thanks for the input!

 

[BigOleFordFan]

NO, no & hell NO on the wally world batteries (& tires too)....been there, done that, NEVER again !

Why ? Cause they don't store them properly, they do NOT rotate their new stocks with the old ones that may have been sitting on the rack for years & years, and their mechs have little to no experience with recent model vehicles.

For me, it's NAPA or die.....

I've had 11 of their batteries (Legend Pro's) in various vehicles over the past 20 years, and the 2 that did go bad were swapped out with a 75% & 55% prorated credit on new ones, no questions asked, plus if you it order online, they can usually have it ready to pickup or install in 30 minutes or less.. no fuss, no muss, just like it should be

 

[SublimeHiPpOs]

Another question, has any tried squeezing an H8 battery in? It looks like the dimensions are the same as an h7 except it's about 1.6" wider. Looking at the battery tray, it appears there's probably enough extra space in there. The main issue I see is that the fabric heat shield thing that goes around the battery wouldn't fit. The H8 batteries are the same price, so if it would work, why not pick up a few extra CCAs?

 

[BigOleFordFan]

"If it doesn't fit, you MUST aquit" - Johnny Cochran

But as long as the extra CCA's are within your vehicles amperage rating specs AND it will fit in the space, then I would say yea, go for it. You could always put some zip ties or high-temp duct tape on/around the heat shield to make it fit, or just buy a bigger one

 

[ManUpOrShutUp]

NO, no & hell NO on the wally world batteries (& tires too)....been there, done that, NEVER again !

Why ? Cause they don't store them properly, they do NOT rotate their new stocks with the old ones that may have been sitting on the rack for years & years, and their mechs have little to no experience with recent model vehicles.

Walmart sells tons of batteries, so I can 100% assure you that none of them are "sitting on the rack for years & years." It's a moot point though since you can simply check the date on the battery prior to purchase. Likewise, your point about the experience of their techs is also moot. It's a battery. Put it in yourself like a big boy.

 

[ManUpOrShutUp]

So they don't prorate their battery warranties? That would be great! I assumed pretty everyone prorates these days.

They do not. Free replacement for the entire warranty period.

 

[Left Coast Geek]

my personal preferences are batteries made by East Penn. Their house brands are Deka and Intimidator but they also make Duracell, and various store brands. Their H series Euro/DIN sized batteries are distinctive by having a double handle that folds flush into the top. Their batteries are 100% made in Pennsylvania, and they have the cleanest record in the lead acid battery industry. I absolutely avoid any batteries made by Exide, who's been (ir)responsible for dozens of superfund sites and all sorts of shady activity to skate on their liabilities. Exide makes many budget store brands.

 

[Fizzy]

CR hasn't tested many H7 AGM, but here's what they have. That Odyssey is $405 at Walmart!

 

[bb37]

Duralast, Diehard, Kirkland, Interstate, and Motorcraft are all made by Johnson Controls who also owns the Optima brand. All production is in Mexico for the lower labor rates and lax environmental standards.

I once visited a Johnson Controls battery warehouse. Racks and racks of unmarked automotive batteries on skids. When an order came in from one of the retailers, a skid of the appropriate batteries was taken off the rack, labels were applied, electrolyte added, batteries charged, and shipped out the door.

Among the commonly-available brands, there's really not much difference. Get the one with the best warranty and your best assessment of how well that warranty will be honored.

Looks like East Penn batteries are sold under the "Deka" brand. I'll have to look into them the next time I need a battery.

 

[Boosted]

Last year I put a Wal-Mart battery in because it has a 4 year free replacement warranty.

Robot or human?

Dont forget to reset the BMS system.

BMS Reset Procedure:

Push start button once, but don’t start.

Flash high beams 5 times

Press brake pedal 3 times

Watch battery light on dash and wait for it to flash

Start vehicle and the system should be reset.

 

[SublimeHiPpOs]

Last year I put a Wal-Mart battery in because it has a 4 year free replacement warranty.

Robot or human?

Dont forget to reset the BMS system.

BMS Reset Procedure:

Push start button once, but don’t start.

Flash high beams 5 times

Press brake pedal 3 times

Watch battery light on dash and wait for it to flash

Start vehicle and the system should be reset.

Thanks for this!

 

[Left Coast Geek]

Interstate used to be 100% Johnson Controls, nowdays they are using multiple vendors. Actually, Johnson Controls sold their battery business to a private equity company, its now known as Clarios.

 

[bb37]

Actually, Johnson Controls sold their battery business to a private equity company, its now known as Clarios.

Retired Johnson Controls employee here. Well aware that JCI management in the 70s and 80s were on a diversification effort and got into various industries including automotive batteries, automotive interiors, and soda pop bottles. But, they kinda missed the boat by not getting into EV batteries. The current York-Tyco dominated management at JCI, who moved the corporate domicile to Ireland to escape U.S. taxes, is taking a different tack and is selling off "non-core" parts of the business. Clarios seems to just be a brand name of Brookfield Business Partners which is primarily an equity firm. I imagine that it's still former JCI people running the show in the battery operation.

 

[2018ExpyPlatinum]

Had mine replaced at the dealer last month after OEM tested bad. 3 year warranty, Motocraft, $255 plus install. Done!

I was going to wait and do it myself, but I was there. Easy peasy.