I've had some problems with my battery lately. I have a 2006 Limited Convertible.

Searching the forums I found that a lot of people were using the Interstate MPT-H6.

They didn't have htis in stock at the store, but what they did have was an AC Delco with a 5 year warranty. AC Delco 48/91-60. It fits perfectly. It's a tad shorter(millimeters), but nothing a rubber washer on the srewdown can't fix.

This battery turns out 725 CCAs!

The car turns over better now that it ever has. This battery is superior to the original without a doubt.

I would highly recomend it. I also installed a trickle charger for the winter months when my baby is in the garage.

-Kevin

 

What was the cost on that if you don't mind me asking?

 

I paid $80 with the old battery turn in. It seems like a good deal considering what some of these batteries cost.

 

What charger are you using? Do you know it's rated output (voltage and amperage?) My experience with leaving a battery on a charger all winter was not a positive one - back in the early 80's I tried that and ruined a battery in one winter!

Just wondering how hard your "trickle" is.


(Oh, and $80 - there are rules against doing ANYTHING with these cars that doesn't cost MONEY! )

 

I'll check and let you know. The cool thing about the charger is that it a circuit that automatically turns off when the battery if fully charged, so it shouldn't ruin the battery no matter how long it's hooked up. My mechanic told me that he's used it on many vehicles with great sucess.

 

But if it shuts off and stays off - what good is it?

Or does it turn back on from time to time?

See, I have never looked at them to determine what is available today. Mine supposedly "will not overcharge your battery" (as it said on the box), but come spring, half the fluid was gone. At the time, my experience with electronics and batteries was lacking.

I have almost 30 years behind me now, I don't have all the answers, but sure have more intelligent questions to ask.

 

Trickle chargers are not recommended, instead a battery tender should be used.
The charger may switch of the charging but the charger is still drawing power because if it is not `on' how would it know when to charge? These types actually continuously charge if only a little and can cook your battery in a short time. Lets face it a good battery should be able to keep its charge for a couple of months, so hook up the charger at its lowest rate every couple of months or buy a battery tender.
PS I doubt that the car starts better than it ever has with the new battery, but it probably starts better than when it had a weak or failing battery. On a warm day the starting ability of a 450 CCA battery will seem as good as a 750 CCA battery, the difference will be seen on a -20 degree day when she really needs a kick in the ar$e to get going.

 

If it gets below 25F here, I need a kick to get going. And if it ever gets to -20F here, hell has frozen over.

 

The schumacher battery tender from Wal-mart is the best deal out there. about 20 bucks and has the auto float system so it just turns on and off when needed. I use three of them all winter long on the motorcycles and have never had an issue.