I have an '02 XLT 4X$ and the batttery needy a jump today. Two reasons (one is obvious!) Due to surgery, I haven't drivien it in a while and my wife hasn't had time to start it up and drive it around...and the obvious---I think that it is about time for a new battery. Any recommendations out there? Sears is just around the corner, but wht do you think I should get?

Thanks,

Tim C.

 

Can't go wrong pretty much anyway you choose, buy from them, Diehard's are good. We've always used Interstate or Motorcraft as well. For the muscle cars, etc, we get Optima's. I wouldn't get the Optima, but a regular battery with 750 plus cold cranking amps. Optima's are pricey and I find if you let them sit too long, they go dead really quick. Keep it simple and cheep.

 

Yep---gotta get one tomorrow morning---we have up to a foot of snow coming our way here---beginning around 4PM. Thanks---I guess Sears and convenience it will be.

Tim C.

 

You could also go with one of the Max batteries from Walmart, they are made by Johnson Controls which I think also manufactures Diehard batteries for sears. I bought a walmart max battery last year so far it works well even when the temperature is -40F.

 

WallyWorld is right down the road from Sears---gotta get one early tomorrow. I aprreciate your folks' input!

Tim C.

 

Optima Yellow top is the best!

 

Yeah, basically anything you find that has 750+ CCA and a decent warranty is pretty good. It doesn't really take a whole lot to start your vehicle as long as it's plugged in in cold weather. IMO, it's only when you get into insane cold when battery brands make a difference on a 1/2 ton, -40, -50, etc. Otherwise, just buy the best deal for the least price.

 

I didn't fully read the OP, how did the truck start after it had ran for awhile and charged up the battery? Wait and see how it starts tomorrow. A vehicle with electronic controllers in it will continously supply power to those controllers. It is a very small amount, but depending on how long the truck is dormant will greatly affect the chances of it starting. I'd wait and see for a couple days before I bought a new battery.

 

I had noticed a few times when the anti-locks were working that the headlights would dim somewhat. People have told me that this is a sign that the battery is starting to go. It was our fault as to not starting the truck for a while---after my surgery today was the first day that I actually drove it. I had to use my battery charger/starter on it---kept it runnin' while doing errands and it had no trouble starting after that---but will it hold enough charge down the road...perhaps $100-$150 would be wellspent.

Tim C.

 

5 or 6 years is about the life of a lead acid battery, replacing it is a good idea. The other option is to keep the old one in and let it leave you stranded when it completely dies.