Battery Replaced - 10 Year Later

[Armando G]

I am actually amazed that my battery has lasted 10 years, and was actually still good. I spent a lot of money on my DJ this year doing major maintenance items and the battery was the last thing. I was told it was on its way out about 6 months ago and I've been pushing it. It did die in my driveway about a month ago when I had the doors open and the radio on for about 10 minutes - but a quick jump and no issues. Anyway, going to be heading up to the snow soon and I did not want to have any issues in those conditions. I called Dodge to see if they still sold those same batteries and they did not. So I went to buy an Interstate battery, and was able to buy one at Costco at almost half the price Interstate sells them for ($129). I got under there today and 45 minutes later, all done. I did notice my fog lights unplugged, so took care of that, but not as bad as I thought it would be. Also spent some time cleaning up the tray which wasn't asbad as I thought it would be. Still loving my DJ...👍

 

[John/Horace]

Welcome back to site. I got almost 10 years from that same factory battery, looks like Johnson Controls maybe. Hard to beat Costco price, sometimes the warranty is down a little on coverage time (or free replacement component). But $ savings still make it the best option. Costco switched away from JC batteries a few years ago, north of border. 

 

I can't believe how clean your wheel well is. Salt belt cars are such a mess on this type of work. Even with anti rust spray used.  Some people are going with more pricy AGM batteries now. Way slower discharge when sitting, faster recharge by alternator, much better vibration resistance. Lots of Lexus and other high end cars use them as OEM standard for this reason. Handles the all the extra elect crap on the newer cars better. Around a $100 more for agm, and several good USA made options, Deka etc.