2002 XLT needs new battery...

[Recoil Rob]

I did a search on this forum for "replacement battery" and came up with nothing. Time to put a new battery in the XLT, the original from 13 years ago is having hard starts in the cold weather, I figure it doesn't owe me anything.

So who's making a top replacement these days? The one in there is listed at 650 CCA, want something at least as good. I've been getting batteries for my other vehicles at Costco, forget who makes them but they usually last 5-6 years, have a great warranty if they fail.

Is Interstate still the leader?


thanks,

Rob

 

[swshawaii]

13 years for ANY battery is AMAZING regardless of environment. 225 higher CCA and Motorcraft again? BXT-65-850 is priced at $129.95 and should be in stock at most dealers. 875 CCA, 165 minute reserve, 100/36 month warranty. Was going to recommend the DieHard P2 (AGM) rated at 930 CCA but the price is now showing $250. Bought 12/09 for $179.

http://spautoparts.com/documents/batteryspecs.pdf

 

[Number4]

I've always used NAPA's legend series or their 84 month version.

Last I used Autozone and both batteries failed to put out what they were rated as. (Rated as 850 CCA and produced 650. One warranty, other sitting in my garage.)

The NAPA battery (7565/8465) rated at 850 I believe, put out 1000 CCA, recently installed.

The best thing you could do, is weigh them, or ask to see their weight listed in the paper catalog. They will all look the same, but what drives the cost up is the lead. A heavier battery will have more lead, cost more and be better regardless of warrant period claims.

Edit: there aren't that many battery manufacturers out there. Most the batteries you'll come across (be it Ford, NAPA, AZ etc) are all made by two different companies, Exide and East Penn (JCI?.) Each store requests different specs based on their desired selling point. Not all are created equal.

 

[Recoil Rob]

I may try the NAPA as I just got a $20 battery rebate offer from them this morning.

 

[Number4]

I may try the NAPA as I just got a $20 battery rebate offer from them this morning.

Just stick with their Legend or the 84 Month series. Their others are not quality.

 

[Recoil Rob]

Legend premium looks like the choice.


thanks,

Rob

 

[Recoil Rob]

Guys,

I picked up the NAPA legend battery and just went to install it and the NEG terminal is too small for the clamp to grip when tightened all the way.

Last year I replaced the cheap OEM clamps with those big, gold plated ones I saw on here and they fit perfectly. I called NAPA andthey were at a loss but said they would get me some type of "bushing to make it fit.

I know NEG terminals are smaller than POS but have they shrunk even more? Are the bushings OK to use or should I ask for new battery?


thanks,

Rob

 

[Number4]

It's not a battery issue, it's the clamp.
Technically, it's the battery, could be the government trying to get us away from lead too.

I doubt you'll find a new battery that your connector fits on.
Most batteries come from only a few different manufacturers. The only difference being what's in them.

I recently replaced a reletively new Autozone battery with a NAPA Legend. Both were rated at 850 CCA's, but when tested, the NAPA battery had 1000 and the Zone battery only had 650 or so.

 

[Machine090767]

Next battery I get will be an Optima Red top.