How long are your batteries lasting?

[merlin5577]

How long do you guys usually get on a set of batteries? The ones in my 03' are the factory originals. The indicators are both green, and load tested they are still putting out 12.6 volts, but immediately after starting the truck the volt guage shows 9 volts and stays there for a minute or so, then goes back up to its normal 13-14 volts.

 

[LBZ]

Six years is a good run for a set of batteries these days. Mine are only 2 years old and they do the same thing. I don't really think it's something to worry about though.

 

[lotsofmiles]

intake heater kickin in? or do they do it all year?

 

[TheBac]

How long do you guys usually get on a set of batteries? The ones in my 03' are the factory originals. The indicators are both green, and load tested they are still putting out 12.6 volts, but immediately after starting the truck the volt guage shows 9 volts and stays there for a minute or so, then goes back up to its normal 13-14 volts.

4 years so far on the NAPA Orbitals.

6 years on the original batteries is exceptionally rare. Im surprised you havent shown any of the low-voltage telltales yet. Low voltage at startup is the intake heater and glowplugs working.

 

[CancerPipe]

Just replaced my oem's today. They had a good run. Got a hookup on two interstate mtp's for $120. Mine where only showing 9v but would slowly turn the truck over.

 

[okierzr]

Mine lasted from 4/03 to 9/08.I was out of town it seems to always happen to me then.

 

[merlin5577]

Since this only started since its been getting cold here, its safe to say the batteries are on borrowed time?

Tom, besides the obvious, what are the low voltage signs you are talking about?

Thank you everyone!

 

[TheBac]

On your 03, its usually
1) the cluster will occasionally not "wake up" on startup
2) you'll get odd electrical problems, like the radio presets wont stay programmed

 

[merlin5577]

Thanks for the info Tom. Luckily I havent had any of those problems yet. I think I am going to buy new batteries for her in the next few weeks, I dont want to risk not starting in the cold.

Thanks everyone for the replies. :hug:

 

[hondarider552]

im thinking my truck is still on the oem's as i got it used with 8k on it.

im right at 50k on oem's and in AZ batteries dont last more than 2 years because of the heat.

 

[JoshH]

Since this only started since its been getting cold here, its safe to say the batteries are on borrowed time?

No, since it just started when it's cold, that means it is even more likely that it is the intake heater and glow plugs pulling the power down. It's normal even for brand new batteries to do that.

 

[merlin5577]

On a side note, does the LB7 have an intake heater? I thought it was only the LLY and up.

 

[hondarider552]

LB7's have a intake heater.

 

[Vrabel]

Originals lasted 'til 8/06. replacement Decka's 'Til 2/09

 

[merlin5577]

LB7's have a intake heater.

Alright, I stand corrected.

 

[merlin5577]

Thank you everyone for the replies. I guess the question I am asking is how do I know whether or not to replace mine? I'd hate to waste the money, but I dont want to be left stranded.

 

[JoshH]

The LB7s have a little heating element coil that screws into the intake pipe. The LBZs and LMMs have a grid heater. AFAIK, the LLYs are they only model that don't have some sort of intake heater.

If your batteries pass a load test, I wouldn't worry about replacing them. Just keep an eye out for the signs that Tom posted previously.

 

[Turbotug]

The LB7s have a little heating element coil....

Little? It's like half the intake track.

FWIW, I usually go through batteries about every two years. Got one set replaced under the 3/36 warranty, when those died I put in Orbitals, now those are on the way out... gotta dig up the invoice and hope for some warranty left.

 

[merlin5577]

Ok, this morning was scary. 30* outside here, went to start the truck up and the glow plug light came on, but nothing else. Took the key out and tried again, truck started, but cranked slowly.

 

[TheBac]

I found out today that the glow plugs on an LB7 draw around 100amps to work, and the intake heater draws another 50amps. And people wonder why the battery voltage takes so long to come up. Holy crap!