Battery Replacement on a 2003 Windstar

[garkin01]

I have got a 2003 Windstar Van. It's been a good vehicle all in all. I've been thinking though that the battery is getting close to needing to be replaced. This van is loaded out with all the bells and whistles, power everything, t.v., vcr, power sliding doors. Basically everything offered in 2003. My question is, Will I have trouble changing out the battery in this thing. Should I be proactive and change it before it goes dead or should I wait until I walk out one day and doesn't start? I have heard horror stories about some vehicles once the battery goes dead or is changed it "jacks" the computer all up and they have to be reset. Just wondering if anybody has any thoughts.

[12Ounce]

Usually a battery will give us a little clue before finally dying. Sometimes not. And somestimes we just don't pay any attention to the extra crank time, sluggish crank sound, etc. Turn on the headlights before cranking ... do they brighten a "whole heap" (technical terminology) when the engine starts? Testing with voltmeter is the "gold standard" ... a battery should stay above 12.25 volts overnight.

If it is the original battery, you've been lucky up to now and are certainly "due".

For such a well-endowed car, battery quality can be real issue. I bought the very best that AdvanceAuto had to offer ... and it was no good for my loaded '99 SEL. The ones at Sam's club, however, do the task well for me