Red Top Life Span

jdorris · **Posted:** Mon Dec 17, 2007 3:39 am

It has begun to get a little colder here in OK. Last two weeks we have had temps in the mid 20's at night. Over the last two weekends I have had a dead battery a couple times, after the jeep sat for more than 12 hours. Turn the key and all I hear is the old clicking solenoid sound. (least I think it is still the solenoid, this is the newest car I have owned.) I jump it with my truck and it fires right up, then I let it run for a while and i don't have trouble again for a week. I have a very short commute. The jeep only runs for about ten minutes four times a day during the week.

So before I take the battery in to be tested, could it be time for a new one already? Seems like all I ever hear when I get a battery tested, is "Yup, its bad."
I haven't found anything that I left on, interior lights etc. All of the recalls have been done. I seem to recall a thread about some kind of recall on a battery draining problem.

Anyway, it just makes it a little unreliable here during the traveling season, I have jumper cables but it is still a hassle. Any thoughts on this issue will be helpful. I will be glad to get a new battery, I would just like some input before I 'throw' money at it.

gmctd · **Posted:** Mon Dec 17, 2007 4:04 am

Your short trips are the problem - you're not running it enuff to charge the battery - batteries really take a beating in cold temperatures - I'd suggest keeping an automatic charger on it - one that will charge from ~10amps down to trickle as necessary - most also come with a 40-50a qwick-charge - qwick\start switch for emergencies - shouldn't be one if you keep it charged, tho

Bubba · **Joined:** Thu Sep 15, 2005 7:34 pm **Posts:** 46

My 05 CRD has a build date of Feb 10th 6th hour (of 2005) and is at about 2,000 hours of operations. I replaced the OEM Redtop just last week as a part of routine maintenance and it was showing signs of slow cranking in the mornings. The OEM was falling to about 12.2 volts overnight and when I turned the key on it was dropping to 11.2 volts. I searched all over my local shops and the web so on 12/10 I order from JEGS an Optima 34R (9003-151). . JEGS had the best price of anywhere I found. The amazing thing was it was free shipping and the battery arrived 12/12. Overnight the new battery maintains 12.8 to 13.0 volts and with the ignition on it drops to only 12.4 – 12.5 volts.

MOSFET · **Joined:** Sat Feb 25, 2006 11:40 pm **Posts:** 295

http://batterytender.com/default.php?cPath=11_3

I second the short trip duration as the problem.

See the link above for a good charger. I have used these for years and have been very happy with them.

bugnout · **Posted:** Mon Dec 17, 2007 11:19 am

You never know how long a battery is going to last,

I changed out my wifes 2002 PT cruiser battery after only 36 months. She drives less than 10 miles to work
Just changed my Son's 1999 Ranger battery, It was original equipment. I drove it 35 miles a day and few short trips, he drives it less than 4 miles per day for the last 18 months
My red top is still going strong after 45k and 31 months. Few short trips.

retmil46 · **Posted:** Mon Dec 17, 2007 11:58 am

Whatever brand of auxiliary or trickle charger you try using, make sure it has a setting for AGM (absorbed glass mat) batteries such that it does not charge it above 14.5 to 14.7 volts.

jdorris · **Posted:** Mon Dec 17, 2007 12:53 pm

Okay, thanks for the replies. I will try the trickle charger and see how it goes. be nice to get a few more months out of it.

Cowcatcher · **Posted:** Mon Dec 17, 2007 3:29 pm

JD,

There was also a BMC (Body Control Module) TSB out in early 2006 for a reprogram that was causing many CRD's to run dead while parked. Might be something to check out.

WWV · **Joined:** Mon May 15, 2006 1:01 pm **Posts:** 121

While I agree with everyone above about commute times and trickle chargers I will share my experience as well....

When it gets into the teens here, if I don't have the engine block heater plugged it, my battery can barely turn over engine to get it started. When it gets that cold and I plug in.......fires right up.

WWV

2006 CRD Silver Sport
35k
No mods
Utah Chapter....flying Elvi

gmctd · **Posted:** Mon Dec 17, 2007 3:57 pm

Check your battery posts for oxidation\corrosion - cold damp weather accelerates formation between the clamp(s) and the post(s) - pouring coke over it will fizz nicely and put a good head on it, but won't help - gotsta remove the clamps and brush the inside surfaces and the posts - harbor freight and etc have those round brushes designed for battery post cleaning - apply a coat of yer fave petroleum jelly, and yer good to go fer a 'nuther year

Yes, folks - winterizing yer vehicle is a yearly requirement, anywhere they have Winter regularly

Red Top Life Span

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