Moderator: volvite
yes, but it wasn't an upgrade.Zen_master wrote:
Question for those that have already replaced their batteries. Did anyone upgrade to an Optima
absolutely not!Zen_master wrote:
and if so has the additional expense been worth it?
OEM "spec" doesn't necessarily = similar life. Nissan (and most manufacturers these days) are using relatively cheap (i.e. shorter life) batteries at the factory. If they save $20/car x millions of cars....that's a pretty good way to increase profits. I bought an Exide Classic from a local parts shop. They claim they don't see many coming back. It's a 20 month free replacement battery that I've had for over two years now and paid $70. You can pay more for more warranty if you like but I tend to just ask around and see what people are having good luck with. I'm not overly interested in a warranty as much as just getting a decent battery.Zen_master wrote:I would like a battery that lasts at least that long. If OEM spec is only good for three years this is unacceptable.
Doesn't necessarily mean it's a better battery. It probably is, but the only thing you know for sure is the warranty is better. As mentioned, even a few dollars saved adds up big time for manufacturers and most folks aren't going to jump ship from a brand due to a dead battery. Particularly when they're all doing it these days. Some of the "premium" brands give a better battery on the warranty (Acura, Lexus, etc) but most only cover it for 12 months or 12k miles from new.Zen_master wrote: Ironically, Nissan dealers offer an 84 month battery 100% guaranteed for the first two years and prorated after that. Makes you wonder why they don't put this battery in the vehicle to begin with. Seems it would result in fewer pissed off customers.
Well "Nissan Certified Pre-Owned" means you get a 7/100k powertrain warranty. Obviously doesn't include a battery. I suppose if you have time to blow on it, worst case they say "no". For less than $100 I'd rather just go pick out a battery I know to be good and forget about it for a few years.My vehicle was a certified used car when I purchased it late last March. Curious if anyone thinks it's worth arguing with the dealer over a battery that has gone dead twice this winter.
That is pretty weird. Did it sound slower than it should? Hard to judge, as batteries degrade slowly over time, and the sound of the engine turning slower can be hard to determine.Zen_master wrote:What perplexes me is that the engine turned over more than a dozen times on three separate turns of the ignition. It simply would not fire.
You should not have to do this.Zen_master wrote:I am mindful of pausing between auxiliary position on the ignition and start position in order to permit the fuel pump to prime.
Depending on the conditions the battery has been under, yes I would. Some of the conditions that could contribute to shorter battery life would be if it has been drained before, if it is exposed to high temperatures in summer, or if there is a poor connection at the battery cables.Zen_master wrote:First, the vehicle is only three years old. Shouldn't a modern battery last longer than this?
Zen_master wrote:I understand there are all kinds of drains on the battery with the info center, digital everything, heated seats, heated steering wheel, etc. but it's also a huge battery being run by an alternator mounted to a rather large 5.6L V8. Seems to me it should last longer than this.
Zen_master wrote:Second, is this symptomatic of something wrong with the engine? Is a tune-up in order? I can't understand why despite the battery having enough juice to turn the engine over a dozen times the damn thing won't fire.
Honestly, you shouldn't have to do this. Make sure the battery is the appropriate size for the application (I've seen some aftermarket installs of batteries that would make you scratch your head), if you are OE then you are probably good.Zen_master wrote:And lastly, is there a way to turn off all the damn power draining processes that run in the background? I swear, I get in the Pathfinder and turn the key and the thing lights up like a Christmas tree. I turn the blower off at night, I don't use the automatic lights, but still the entire interior gauges and center console all come to life the second I turn the key. These power drains could be the difference in a couple of starter-powered RPM.