[3gJAS]

I'm in California. It's 87F as I type and it won't snow this winter, though it does get near freezing on our coldest days.

My 800 CCA battery is in the lower-right. It died with just less than 1 year on the pro-rated warranty. The only battery in-store is in the top left. It comes with 2 years free replacement, but no warranty. Should I try it? I wouldn't consider the other two.

Thanks!

 

[JC1]

I'm in California. It's 87F as I type and it won't snow this winter, though it does get near freezing on our coldest days.

My 800 CCA battery is in the lower-right. It died with just less than 1 year on the pro-rated warranty. The only battery in-store is in the top left. It comes with 2 years free replacement, but no warranty. Should I try it? I wouldn't consider the other two.

Thanks!

View attachment 31777

I can't see why you can not try it.

 

[3gJAS]

I'm just wondering the risk. It's 525 a joke, or is it reasonable for a warm, dry climate? Is the OEM maybe 600 CCA?

 

[bcohen]

I have been told that the battery capacity and alternator capacity differ based on which engine your van is equipped with. For my van, which has the 3.0L engine, I was told that a 540 CCA battery would suffice, so that is what I purchased. It is possible that this type of battery would work fine for you, however I was told that it is only recommended for 2.4L or 3.0L models. BTW, I live in southern Arizona, so harsh winter weather is not a concern.

 

[madbrad]

I routinely started my 3.3 with a 350 amp jumping box, with no problem.

 

[Wire tree guy]

What is the price difference?

why won't they replace with same ?

 

[Jeepman]

Do you have power doors, hatch and rear air? the heavier amp alternator? If so, go with a higher amp batter battery

 

[LashLarue]

In the 1960s we had big hard to start engines and they would have considered a 500 CCA battery a "Diehard". So Yes, you can.

 

[waterbuff]

I can't see why you can not try it.

If the OP is willing to deal with the work o switching batteries, I agree it's worth a shot. Just make sure the smaller battery can be properly secured.

Do you have power doors, hatch and rear air? the heavier amp alternator? If so, go with a higher amp batter battery

The more electronics the more there is constant battery drain that leads to a shorter life.

 

[LashLarue]

Any load of the electronics should be handled by the alternator. The only question is how much the alternator is generating as it can be well below advertised rating at idle. The battery is supposed to start the car and carry it when the alternator output is less than the load, usually at an idle during a stop.

 

[LEVY]

Any load of the electronics should be handled by the alternator. The only question is how much the alternator is generating as it can be well below advertised rating at idle. The battery is supposed to start the car and carry it when the alternator output is less than the load, usually at an idle during a stop.

Every piece of electronics is handled by the battery and not by the alternator, then the alternator should replenish the battery. Your statement was true some 30 years ago, now sensitive electronics can not rely on the alternator. Automotive batteries also acts as a voltage regulator, remove the battery on a modern vehicle while engine is running and you will definitely fry something. On older vehicles you could even drive the vehicles without a battery, no anymore!

 

[LashLarue]

True but that was not the question at hand - does a battery act as a voltage regulator. No, it was whether he should buy a 525 CCA battery because of all the electronics. Look at cop car with all their extras. Do they just add a bigger battery? No they use a heavy duty alternator to handle the extra load. The 525 CCA would do the same voltage regulation as the higher amp alternatives.

 

[waterbuff]

The more electronics the more there is constant battery drain that leads to a shorter life.

I meant when the engine is off. The trickle drain that keeps going can be hard on a battery, especially if the car isn't driven much.

 

[BillGrissom]

Not if yours is a diesel. We don't know what vehicle you are talking about. If a 2.4, 3.3, or 3.8L, it shouldn't be a problem. New cars drain batteries fast, like in 2 weeks, which keeps airport parking crews busy jump-starting. So a bigger battery just buys you more time from the inevitable. I put a Battery Brain on all my vehicles. Some models let you disconnect the battery which is also good for Security. All models automatically disconnect if the battery drops <11.7 V (but not while driving), hopefully leaving enough charge to start. I think no longer made though I still see new on ebay and there are similar products. I recall reading that GM had something like that on some recent models.