Replace Battery

[powrus]

My '03 XLT Sport 4X4 has been diagnosed as having a weak (OE) battery. Which specific battery is recommended as a replacement? Any special tips prior to disconnecting the old one and installing the new one?

Thanks.

 

[aldive]

I highly recommend an Optima battery.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Test your charging system before you replace the battery. It's possible that the problem could be coming from the alternator or bad battery cables. An auto parts store could load test your battery to see if it's bad.

 

[powrus]

Thanks for the prompt replies. I'll check out both suggestions.

 

[bdmaash]

second the optima (I use yellow top)

 

[Jeffksf]

FYI: THere are $20 rebates right now on Motorcraft batteries at your local dealership.
I just picked up the 84 mnth For $65 after rebate.
My orginal lasted 9 yrs and was still cranking strong, just figured it was on borrowed time so I changed it out.

 

[JohnnyO]

Consumer Reports rated the better batteries you can get at AutoZone and Wal-Mart very good also. I had always bought Die-Hards but they finished at the bottom of the pile.

 

[Jeffksf]

I like getting the motorcraft because it's the exact same battery as org. and it fits right and you can use the factory clamp. My buddy had a Duralast in his Cougar and it didn't exactly fit correctly, he ended up having to rig up something to hold the thing in place, it was moving all around

 

[jeremyc653]

been useing motorcraft and has lasted 9 years