Need New Battery

[TYPE GENDY]

Well I cant believe it, but the ORIGINAL battery in my 02 sierra is finally dying (probably 10 years old!) I've never heard of a battery lasting that long. I left the dome light on overnight a few weeks ago and it hasnt been the same since.

 

So i went to walmart and picked up a new one, brought it home, and it seems to be about an inch shorter in overall length. I wasnt really thrilled about that although the width (where the clamp holds it) seems to be about the same, so it should mount up ok and be snug. I then went to advanced auto and got another battery to see if i had better luck, and it came out to be the same size as the walmart battery. Does this seem to be normal?

 

My second question is...on the cable ends, the terminals, there are like 4 little bumps on the surface that mates to the battery terminal (and 4 little holes on the battery terminal) where it looks like there was an arc or something... I cant really get in there with anything to sand them down or anything, nor do i see how the terminals can be replaced?

 

Any advice on that? If my description even makes sense... Thanks guys!

 

 

 

[dlewis1111]

Some replacement batteries are in fact a different size than the original. Just make sure that it fits and its capacity ratings are correct and you should be okay.

[TYPE GENDY]

OK, the OE battery was rated at 600CCA , this one was 650. So i should be ok there. Thanks

[Georgebaumann]

Im just curious, how much did u pay for the walmart battery because the stock my 2002 also is starting to fail.

[TYPE GENDY]

Ya know, if i could find the dang receipt i could tell you.... I want to say $85-88 out the door including a core charge.

[big_dawg74]

Wal-Mart batteries are actually rated pretty good. Find and keep the receipt for warranty purposes. Costco batteries are very good, too.

[TYPE GENDY]

Anybody have an idea on the melted pieces on the terminals?

[TYPE GENDY]

Here are some pics of what i'm talking about:

 

 

[RockySierra]

Use a dremel to get in there and clean it up.

[asc08]

Seeing as the 'bumps' are on both the positive and negative terminals, and they look pretty symmetrical, I would say they are normal. Take a look at a new battery terminal and see if the are cast in there.

 

If I'm not mistaken, Walmart batteries are made by Johnson Controls.

[DaveH71]

Those bumps on your cables are normal, had them there on my 94 camaro as well. Just something to dig into the side posts and keep the connection from sliding around.

[Zembonez]

Johnson controls makes the batteries sold at Walmart. Good batteries. The "bumps you see on the terminals are normal. They are there to ensure good contact with the battery when the cable is tightened and to keep the cable from rotating.

 

Sounds like you are good to go.