VVTiBob

What state did you leave the car in? I.E. alarm set or car unlocked?

scdroptop

iTrader: (1)

After having to jump Ebony a couple of weeks ago due to record breaking cold temps and not starting her for five days, I have driven her every other day recently and she fires up just fine. I leave her unlocked and with the key in the ignition in the garage FYI. I'm glad I don't need a new battery!

Prasha

I live in So.Cal. the car was parked in my garage 'unlocked' the key removed. I am not sure about the alarm, I have never changed the alarm settings in 9 years, however I have heard the alarm go off sometimes, my assumption is the alarm was 'on'

mandyfig

scdrotop, what do you have for your battery tender? I am looking at the Lexus one for $50. Is it the same as yours?

lugnuts

Mandyfig.., seems several of us on the forum are using the "Battery Tender" line, also available on-line..

mandyfig

Are you using the Lexus one? Sewell is selling them for about $50.

lugnuts

Not using the Lexus one..

redliner8

iTrader: (1)

I'm surprised a lot of people have the weak battery issue. Mine has been fine all winter, maybe it's because my battery is only 6 months old? It started fine after not driving it for 1.5 weeks while it was under a foot of snow, some of you may remember my pics lol it's finally free! This winter I think I've started it 4 times total with no problems. I keep it locked and parked outside in the cold. My battery is Duralast from Autozone.

I can find the exact model and specs if anyone is interested.

mandyfig

What the heck give us the model number and cost.

redliner8

iTrader: (1)

Duralast 48-DL ; Crank Amps at 32 degrees - 875 ; Cold crank amps - 700. Cost was $95 after rebate for exchanging my old battery.

mandyfig

Good deal. Thanks. The battery we have looks like a unique battery. Wonder what other cars use them.

texsexlex

iTrader: (3)

...man I got jipped...lol !!! I just bought a Durogold from Autozone also,but i paid $154.00...because I was told Lexus original battery was a 48 series ??? The battery was bigger than any other on the shelf,but the same size as the factory.I can't complain because the old battery was factory original and it came with the car in 02'...9 yrs isn't bad at all !!! I had to deal with the same coldspell as SCdrop and just think it was on it's last leg...i do have a 3yr free replacement with new battery and hopefully no worries...lol

Bon

Battery costs are up. The days of the $39 battery are pretty well gone. Raw materials, EPA, OSHA and transportation costs have all converged to drive battery costs through the roof. Expect to pay considerably more than you did just a year ago. I recently inquired about an Interstate battery: The book showed $92 but when we called for availability it is $162.

Secondly, battery date codes are critical in getting your money's worth in a battery. If you can't decipher the battery code then ask someone to do it for you. A three month old battery sitting on the shelf needs to go back to the manufacturer/distributor for a recharge and a new date code. Heck, I look for one month or less. Our SC battery size is not popular which means that these batteries can sit on the shelf too long and not give you the performance you're expecting because they're sulfating on the shelf due to a low charge state.

mandyfig

Yes battery prices are up. What I normally get at Costco for $40 are now $60. Got that right. Outside Costco, they now run $70 to $100. SC battery for $150 from a BM store is high. Autozone if $95, same specs, same warranty.

Arterre

My 03 SC430 has a new battery, but still has an ongoing intermittant problem. Occasionally , even when just sitting overnight
the battery is completely dead. Other times , months go by without an issue .
I assume its an occasional short in the system, Anyone else ever experience this ? , Thanks for any replies