Battery replacement type

[MaverickZ71]

Regarding a new replacement battery on a 2009 Silverado 1500 4x4 5.3L:

 

Since the factory original AC Delco Group 48 (lead acid type) battery died when it was 4-5 years old, we've been putting WalMart EverStart MAXX H6's (lead acid type) in it every 2-3 years when they die. 

 

Was looking at AC Delco AGM (new-style absorbed glass mat?, sealed cells) Group 48 batteries online. They can ship these directly to your location because they do not leak. They cost 50% more, but claim longer life and vibration resistance. 

 

Here's my question:

AC Delco online claims their Group 48 AGM batteries are a direct replacement for this pickup. However, 2 different techs have told me, that on an older truck, always use the battery type it came with (old-style lead acid), or you'll have charging problems down the line. 

 

Who is right?

 

 

Edited July 23, 2024 by MaverickZ71

[Jsdirt]

It's always been my line of thinking that the charging systems on most vehicles (nearly all) was designed around a lead-acid battery. An AGM requires just a couple tenths more voltage to reach 100% - something the charging system will never deliver.

 

In my own experience, I got 6 years out of the OE battery with a bit of help from a 4-stage temp-sensing charger. Bought an Odyssey AGM for $300, and only got 5 years out of that one with LOTS of help from that same charger (which also happens to have an "Odyssey AGM" specific setting on it).

 

I've had great luck with EverStart batteries. They get a bad rap because they're sold at Walmart, but they're made by Johnson Controls - one of only 3 battery manufacturers left in the states. I've got over 10 years out of 3 of them so far in my older vehicles. Got one in my '94 Volvo 940 right now approaching ELEVEN years.

 

2-3 years out of those suggests you've got a parasitic draw somewhere. Either that, or there needs to be an update to the BCM for charging voltage. On these trucks, that's all controlled by the BCM, and it varies - that's why sometimes your wipers will move slower than usual, and the volt gauge reads down a bit. If the computer sees the battery voltage fully charged, it'll back off charging current, all done in a desperate attempt to squeeze every single tenth of a MPG out of of the truck. Sounds great on paper, but sucks in practice, like most things GM does these days.

 

There's a workaround to that - there's a way to get the alternator out of the BCM's control, but that'll undoubtedly throw a code, and if you live where they inspect, no sticker for you. I've forgotten how it's done. I believe it was clipping one or more wires, and/or connecting a jumper wire somewhere at the alternator. The alternator will be limited to a constant 13.3V, or something close to that number, which isn't ideal either. I hate that!! I know I could've got a minimum of 8 years out of the OE battery if not for the damn computer controlling the stupid field.

 

I'd be running some tests for parasitic draw, and to make sure the belt isn't slipping, or if the alternator, or wiring is failing in some way. First order of business is polishing up BOTH ends of BOTH positive and negative cables, and also polishing up where they connect. If there's any kind of green crap from nicks in the jacket, or around the terminals, trash them both and get new ones. 9 times out of 10, this fixes many charging issues.

 

 

[newdude]

Quality control has been trash on batteries the last 2-3 years.  We actually replace a lot of brand new AGMs in brand new cars on the lot even.  As far as in general, even the AC Delco replacements its hit or miss.  Older ones sold a few years ago will go 5-6 years, some we've sold 2-3 years ago have come in bad.  

 

IMO, I'd just shop it by warranty.  I don't think the AGM is really necessary for your truck, and most everything using those has auto stop/start so there is a really high cranking demand.  The AC Delco 48GHR has a 42 month free replacement warranty so if it goes bad in that time frame, you get one new replacement free of charge.  

[Grumpy Bear]

3/8/2015.

That's the build date on Pepper.

9 years, 4 months and 15 days.

Still using the factory installed battery.

What am I doing wrong? 

[CamGTP]

At my other job we probably sell at a guess 4,000+ batteries a year, we aren't a huge store by any means and I bet 1 in 30 of those comes back dead within a year and 1 in 20 die within 2 years. Been seeing a lot of specific size batteries come back with 2023 build dates, we think it was a bad run of product for a few months there.

 

Shop by warranty and price, I don't think going AGM is going to make it better or worse.

[Jsdirt]

Can't say I'm shocked to hear this. Par for the 21st century course! 

 

Build date on my EverStart battery in my 940 is 11/2013. Still going, even after sitting out there since late March. Tried to post a pic of it, but this forum doesn't like my pics for some reason.

 

 

Wifey just started driving it since the P/S pump in hers decided to take a dump. Been wondering what that noise was the past 18 months, lol. Now I can see the pump hopping at any engine speed. At least I don't have to troubleshoot anything now.  Always something!

 

Can't complain after 31 years, 260k miles I suppose.

 

Let's see if this works: https://postimg.cc/CdJC5C71

 

Edited July 24, 2024 by Jsdirt
Linked pic