My 2002 D/A's batteries both bit the dust yesterday. Would not crank the truck and neither would accept a charge. Truck was built 4/02 and is less than 36 months old but is out of original warranty by mileage. Even though the batteries are supposed to be rated for 7 yrs they were no longer warranted because they were OEM and covered under the truck warranty. That would have been OK had the Service writer not told me on the phone that he would replace them both free of charge. I left the truck with them today. SW called me later today and told me he was wrong and it would cost me $291 :mad: to replace them both. After some "discussion" with him and his service manager I got the batteries both replaced for $75(labor cost)which I thought was an OK deal.
What kind of life are folks seeing from the OEM Delco's? Is 2 1/2 years all we can expect from these batteries?

Delco batteries are crap. I never had much luck with them. I usually change my battery every 2 years any ways. It not worth losing lost time plowing. Batteries are easy to change take about 5 to 10 minutes to change one.

Yeah, the problem I posted about with my dad's '01 was due to battery failure. Both of them were replaced, and all seems fine with the truck now.

We've had really good luck with Delco batteries in the past, so I'm hoping this is a fluke. If not, what is a good replacement?

I like Interstate. Very reliable , good warranty , reasonable price and lots of dealers in my area to honor warranty if ever needed. :)

Yeah, the problem I posted about with my dad's '01 was due to battery failure. Both of them were replaced, and all seems fine with the truck now.

We've had really good luck with Delco batteries in the past, so I'm hoping this is a fluke. If not, what is a good replacement?

I'm going to put Optima Red Tops in when mine go.

I've had one battery go south in the year I've had my '04. Came home one night, parked in the garage, got up the next AM to go to work, wouldn't even turn over. Jumped it off and drove DIRECTLY to the local dealer (not the one I purchased from). They replaced the battery no problem.

Now I'm thinking the other original battery is leaking as I thought I saw some acid residue when I last changed my fuel filter. Joy.

My 2002 went 2 years before one of the batteries died. Never had a battery die so soon. My local GMC dealer told me that factory batteries are junk and he won't sell them. Recommended either Sears or Interstate. I guess we can't expect that a $47k truck would have a decent battery. BTW, mine also weren't covered under warranty because of mileage.

Sounds Like I may have been better off putting the $75 toward a different brand of batteries. Time will tell I guess.:confused:

Darrell

Recently read a post of battery voltage (can not find it now however) and how some vehicles have 15 volts - I believe that's to high! Measured mine (04) and it is at 14.8, I think that's to high. If the voltage is running to high it will affect battery life. Would be interested to know what voltages are from other owners. ty

I recently replaced both my batteries and had many knowledgeable people on this board recommend Optima Red Tops

optima red tops, $99 at costco

Just be glad you didn't have anything done but battery replacement. $75 to replace 2 batteries! Must be getting $300 / hour for labor.

same thing happening here, two days ago had to replace both batterys, this truck is less the 25 months old, are 800 days and the dam batterys are gone, not right, ended up putting red tops in

I am on my fourth new truck since 89. All came with Delcos and none failed prematurely. Replaced the Delco in the 89 when it finally died with the best Die Hard Sears had at the time. It lasted six months. Everyone makes a few bads ones occasionally. Later! Frank

Delco batteries suck. I'm replacing mine next week with Optimas

My delco's held up for 3 years I decide to replace them with red tops before the winter season I am glad that I did. I do not need to be stuck at work with dead delco's.

i bought 2 new optimas for my 02 about 3 months ago. a week after i removed both delco, 1 started leaking on my workbench..

I take it the red tops are a popular choice. What is the difference between the yellow top and the red top?
TIA
Jonathan

Red top is a starting battery, blue and yellow top are deep cycle RV and marine batteries.

Just be glad you didn't have anything done but battery replacement. $75 to replace 2 batteries! Must be getting $300 / hour for labor.I gave the Dealer the benefit of doubt since they did have to troubleshoot the problem(wouldn't take my word that they both were bad, which I wouldn't do either) and I assume that was included in the $75. So bottom line, 2 batteries for $75, I can live with that, I think.

I take it the red tops are a popular choice. What is the difference between the yellow top and the red top?
TIA
JonathanThe Yellow top will take many complete discharges before harming the battery, the red top will not. I don't think you need as much C amps with these as they are capable of very fast rate of discharge and you don't notice loss of power until the voltage has dropped a long way, like below 11 volts. Dual Pro AGM is another good choice for starting batteries.

Wish someone would explain to me why the Optima is worth the very definite premium price they charge for them? Over the years, my biggest complaint with Delco batteries has been leaks at the side posts.

Completely sealed battery, doesn't matter how you mount them. I like em because they never failed me overseas in my previous units hummers.

Wish someone would explain to me why the Optima is worth the very definite premium price they charge for them? Over the years, my biggest complaint with Delco batteries has been leaks at the side posts.
If you run the yellow tops dead, they will recharge and still be good. Wet batteries won't if you do this a couple times. Also, they have about the same power as they get lower on voltage. + Truely maintenance free, never add water, because there isn't any in them.

so why run reds instead of yellows????????

I think yellow is much more expensive. But the nice thing is you good do some fun stuff with them, like using them to power the block heater, instead of plugging in. For heavy inverter loads, like using your truck as a backup AC power supply to your house, or powertools.

I am looking to see if it is feasible to put in an automatic device that isolates one battery from the vehicle when voltage drops significatly.

i just replaced my delcos last week. i got 3 years out of mine. my truck was starting to have a slow turn over after it sat for a while and they were discharging very quickly. i put 2 red tops in mine. costco 100$ a piece.

I have 2 delco's for sale, $$75 for both, 1 month old. Never discharged.

I think yellow is much more expensive. But the nice thing is you good do some fun stuff with them, like using them to power the block heater, instead of plugging in. For heavy inverter loads, like using your truck as a backup AC power supply to your house, or powertools.

I am looking to see if it is feasible to put in an automatic device that isolates one battery from the vehicle when voltage drops significatly.
Why use the vehicles batteries to run the block heater. What good would a heated block do for easier starts when the batteries are drained from heating the block. Maybe I'm missing something here :confused:

Just what I was thinking a bear. If my math is right that heater will pull approximately 70 amps on 12.5 volts. Later! Frank

You both are right. We proved it was not feasible in another thread, a short thread.

Frank your math is in the ballpark, the battery would last an hour.

Wish someone would explain to me why the Optima is worth the very definite premium price they charge for them? Over the years, my biggest complaint with Delco batteries has been leaks at the side posts.The Delco OEMs, like many "modern" batteries are "service free" which means that they no longer have easily accessible filler caps on the cells, but are still using wet cell acid/lead technology. The Optimas use an innovative spiral-wound and gel-filled technology. Very durable, very reliable.

Which CCA and Optima PN. are you guys running?

My invoice shows #310356 75/35-OR Optima and I paid 109.88 each at Autozone it also shows a 6 year/72 month warranty with a 36 months free replacement period.

Thanks Tom, That's also the ones I purchased.