I took my 2000 PSD in for a service to the dealer the other day and when i went to pick it up they told me the batteries were a little weak, and that they may cause me to have some problems starting in the cold weather in the near future. Those batteries are only a year or year and half old! I was wondering what the best way to test those batteries is myself? I dont trust the dealer for nothin! And another thing is if I do discover my batteries are a lil weak, what is the best kind of battery i could buy is? Which one will last the longest and provide the most power that i need to start my truck the best? Thanks for any info guys! Bret
New Batteries?
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look at this load tester and you can find these in any auto store.
Unhook the battery cables and load test 1 at a time. The best way to be sure. Milton Industries 1260 - Battery Starter Tester MIL-1260 MIL1260 MIL 1260
Unhook the battery cables and load test 1 at a time. The best way to be sure. Milton Industries 1260 - Battery Starter Tester MIL-1260 MIL1260 MIL 1260
As excavator says, a load tester is a great piece of equipment to have around. They aren't expensive, $20 or so. Another good item to have is a hydrometer. With these two pieces of equipment, you will be able to assess your battery's life span.
You will most likely find that the battery on the left or drivers side is usually the weakest of the two. It does not recieve as good of a charge from the alternator as the right hand battery and this consequently causes them to fail faster. When the left battery starts to go down hill, it discharges the right hand battery and then your stuck... Evil cycle. I normally rotate my batteries every oil change. This has helped prolong battery live by 30% or more.
I've been running the bosh batteries from pep boys with decent success. I don't know that there is a huge difference in battery brands. Most batteries are made by a few manufacturers and simply labeled differently for the stores selling them.
You will most likely find that the battery on the left or drivers side is usually the weakest of the two. It does not recieve as good of a charge from the alternator as the right hand battery and this consequently causes them to fail faster. When the left battery starts to go down hill, it discharges the right hand battery and then your stuck... Evil cycle. I normally rotate my batteries every oil change. This has helped prolong battery live by 30% or more.
I've been running the bosh batteries from pep boys with decent success. I don't know that there is a huge difference in battery brands. Most batteries are made by a few manufacturers and simply labeled differently for the stores selling them.
Thanks guys. I do have a multi-meter that i can use to get some some voltage measurements with i just think i need to know how to do the conversions to CCA anyone know how that works? I think i may try those Bosch batteries this time, i have heard several other good things about Bosch batteries! Thanks, Bret
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I'd just disconnect one battery at a time and see how it starts. It will crank a little slow, but if it starts cold on each battery individually they are both good.
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