Time To Change Battery?

[Off_Timing]

I don't to sound cheap, but before I fork over $150 for a new battery, I just want to get other opinions.

We have a 2000 Windstar, with a 3.8L, 116K km. The van is in Ontario Canada (yeah, it's cold out today).

The first startup of the morning, and I can hear a slight hesitation during the first turn over of the engine. The engine does start on the next turnover. The hesitation is brief. You'll miss it if you're not listening.

The battery is still the original (9 years old now).

Battery is clean, no corrosion, with only minor white powder at the negative connector.

The current outside temp is 10 degrees fahrenheit.

I took a reading of the battery this morning, before doing anything to the van. 11.74 volts. Van was sitting outside overnight.

Van was started and the reading was 14.75.

I drove the van for 20 minutes and shut engine off, the voltage reading was 13.05 and dropping.

After 30 minutes of sitting (engine off), voltage reading was 12.v volts.

All readings were taken with the digital VOM at the battery posts.

It's going to get colder in January. I think the battery is on the fence, and so am I. So what do you guys think? Is it time for a new battery? I'm looking at one with 850 CCA.

Thanks in advance.

[Blue)(Fusion]

I would suggest a replacement soon. 9 years in a Northern climate is going to take it's toll on it. 11.74V is definitely low for what should be a fully charged battery too, but alternator seems to be running just fine at 14.75V.

[wiswind]

Anything beyond 5 years is in the range that one can expect a battery to fail at any time.
I usually replace mine around then.
As I am suspecting from your post......you don't want to end up stranded due to a dead battery......and cold weather is a very common time for a weak battery to let you down.
Of course......it is one of the last times one would choose to work on their car.

I have one from AutoZone, a "Duralast".......I got the largest capacity that was listed for my vehicle.
At the time, they listed one.....and the one that I got as "optional".
It costs very little extra to get the larger capacity.

The brand I list is not much help....as I don't see any AutoZone Stores in Canada.
The Duralast brand is AutoZones "house" brand......it is made by Johnson Controls, which is one of the major manufacturers of batteries.....sold under MANY different brand names.
So....I would recommend you seek out a brand in Canada.......in the highest CCA that they offer for your vehicle......as it will only be a little more over the cost of the basic unit.
Most any reputable name, in the larger capacity, will give you another 5 years of reliable service.

[Off_Timing]

Thanks. I just went ahead and bought a new battery from a major Canadian parts chain. Yep, the biggest available, 850 CCA.

I also didn't want to stress the alternator trying to charge a low voltage battery all the time.

I'm actually surprised the battery lasted this long. I also change them every 5 years, and I've been keeping a close eye on this one....for the last 4 and a half years....LOL.

Since it's 10 degrees Fahrenheit outside, I went ahead and did an old change while it's still "balmy" out there....LOL.

ps. I called Ford Part, and they're a couple of months backorder on the battery for the Windstar....go figure.

Thanks.

[veerg]

Yes, replace the battery. If you don't do it now, you will have to do it within a year. In the mean time you have a chance to get stranded some where. Do it now with a 7 year warranty battery and you don't have to worry for the life of the van. I have a 2000 van also with 68K miles (110KMs). Second time, replaced the battery 3 mths ago. The way thing are breaking down on it, I don't think it will last another 5 years.

[northern piper]

yep, time to replace the battery. I'm 270km north of you in Huntsville, same van exactly except about an extra 50k on it, battery replaced 2 yrs ago. It doesn't owe you anything...

[serge_saati]

11.74V is too low. It should be in 12.6-12.8V range after 2 days off.
It's possible to find 850 thru 900 CCA aftermarket battery.
Before installing new batt, check the parasitic drain. It should be in 35-65mA range. Otherwise, it may reduce the new batt's life.

[danielsatur]

There's a graveyard of batteries , because of Cash for Clunkers.
It's my way of saving + going green!
Check date codes, warranty, and get a charge + load test done.

[Off_Timing]

Thanks guys. I changed the battery that afternoon. The cost of the battery is well past paid for. I'm actually surprised it lasted this long. Bought an 850 CCA rated for 9 years. If it actually lasts that long (we'll see), I figure it will be the last battery for that van. But just in case, I'm keeping the warranty receipt handy.....along with my portable power pack.

I didn't think of it, I should have checked for parasitic drain before changing it.

Thanks again.

[Ron AKA]

I see you have already replaced it, and yes I would agree it is time. Next time you may want to consider Costco. I find they last, have high output, and usually cost in the $75 range.