How to add water to the battery?

[rob4092xx]

I have a 2018 Expedition and the battery seems to be sealed as it has stickers over the fill caps. Does this mean it is a sealed battery and I am not to add water? Thanks!

 

[stamp11127]

It is a maintenance free battery, hook it up and forget it - until it dies.

 

[rob4092xx]

When it dies can it be replaced with an Interstate battery from Costco or do I have to go to the dealer and get the same battery as now?

 

[MostlyHarmless]

When it dies can it be replaced with an Interstate battery from Costco or do I have to go to the dealer and get the same battery as now?

As long as it has the same amp ratings for cranking etc then you can get any male you want. But the auto start on our cars places a massive strain on the battery so thinking you can save a few bucks on a budget brand will be a false economy

Mark

 

[stamp11127]

Just make sure what ever you get is maintenance free. That way you will avoid all the corrosion issues that came with the old style wet cell battery that you ad water to.

 

[edizzle]

It is an AGM absorbed glass mat battery. Replace as such

 

[Black]

It is an AGM absorbed glass mat battery. Replace as such

They started using AGMs for 2018????

 

[1955moose]

That and they changed the size. It's a group 94 reversed terminal now. Looks like a full sized Mercedes battery, grp 49. Guess they need the extra oomph for the constant use of starter at stop lights.

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[rob4092xx]

Where do you get one of these? How long do they last?

 

[Black]

I buy my batteries at NAPA I get their Legend AGMs.
I had my wife’s wet cell battery explode in her Highlander. The battery cable terminals were fused to the battery posts. I had to soak them for 3 days to get unfused. Cleaning the engine bay was a nightmare too.
No more wet cells for this guy ever.
I did not know Motorcraft was making AGMs. When it is time for a new battery in my Expedition I’ll take a look and compare to the NAPAs.

 

[1955moose]

Black the AGM batteries are still wet/acid with a thin fiberglass absorbing it. The biggest advantage is it's ability of a charge that's five times faster than a regular lead/acid battery. It also can deep cycle, which is great if you like listening to your stereo, or run the DVD player for hours. Harley supplies all their bikes with them for some time now. Overall the ones on the bikes we're pretty trouble free in my fleet. I always kept a few new ones charged and ready. I'm sure the price on a new Motorcraft or Interstate isn't cheap. My guess around $250-$300. As far as your question, when do I change mine? Depends, if your not experiencing a problem, 5-7 years? No 2 people or vehicle wears the same. I see why Ford changed the battery with the Auotmatic starter in 18. A regular lead acid I don't believe would hold up. I would think it would get hot. Curious how heavy duty the starters are compared to say a 2017 model?

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[Black]

@1955moose I was referring to a tradition wet cell battery. No more corrosion and while they can still explode they are far less likely to.
The AGMs handle vibrations far better.
They are a touch more expensive and a traditional battery charger should not be used. I much prefer them.
I paid $150 for the NAPA Legends I bought for my wife’s Highlander and the Sienna I had shortly before the Expedition.

 

[Grey ghost]

I use interstates agm battery in everything now. And yes that auto auto stop start thing is a farse. Get an auto stop eliminator.

 

[1955moose]

Having a battery explode is a scary thing. Luckily I never had it happen to me. All the years I filled motorcycle batteries, I never was comfortable working with acid. When I was young in the early 70's, we filled car batteries too. They came to us dry, like cycle batteries. Lost a few pair of jeans back then. Wondered why they had little holes after I washed them. I'd heard that about the chargers were different for glass mat batteries. During the winter when our Harley's would sit for weeks at a time, we put battery tenders on them. Probably wasn't the right charger for them, but they started every time. We got rid of the bikes every year, so it really didn't matter.

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[stamp11127]

Since the topic of exploding batteries is at hand, any time you smell rotten eggs around the battery it is an indication of excessive gassing (hydrogen). This usually occurs when there is an internal short between the plates. We are talking Big Bang here and it isn't a theory. Best thing to do is let it go, don't try to save your vehicle. One spark as you disconnect the cable and boom. The ER bill will be pretty high if you get covered in acid.

Think about it. What PPE are you wearing while changing a battery? Usually none.

 

[Black]

I not sure for a tender there is much of a difference for AGM batteries.
Full strength chargers there certainly is. I have a Schumacher that has numerous selections for charging of different battery types.

Schumacher FR01235 2/12/30/100A 6/12V Automatic Battery Charger with Engine Start https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0756QKZPF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_4Yj7Cb4TR1KZX

As for the battery exploding we were lucky it was on startup and the hood closed.
No damage to anything but the battery and hold down. Lots of clean up.