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Battery Replacement

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42K views 21 replies 11 participants last post by  Demvang  
M
#1 ·
Hello! This is not your typical battery post! (I know, I searched!) I know you have to code them (although I didn't and it is fine so far).

Really, I have a question about battery size. I have an SEL Premium and had the battery fail after 75k miles on the car (not bad!) I went down to Walmart and bought a suitable replacement (H6 AGM) even though their system first recommended an H5 - it seemed too small. Turns out we were right - the existing one was, in fact, an H6.

Well, when I went in to change it, I noticed that the battery tray has an additional bracket location (bolt hole) that would accommodate a longer battery than the H6 - had I know this, I would have probably spent the extra $0 and gotten an H7 (assuming it is that and not an H8). The extra 4 lbs. wouldn't bother me too much, either.

Has anyone put an H7 (or H8?) into the car? Does it fit OK otherwise? Any other insight? Is it possible to overstress the alternator? Thought it wouldn't hurt to throw up a thread as others might find this info helpful.

Thanks!
 
#2 ·
That is an interesting question and my SEL-P has the same extra bolt hole. The difference in size between H6 and H7 is 1- 7/16 inch in length (same height and width) and that is the distance to the extra hole. So, it looks like the H7 would fit, but curious why the battery finder apps don't acknowledge that.

The H7 has about 10 percent more capacity in CCA and reserve minutes. Not huge, but with batteries and a few other things, bigger is always better. The alternator won't care - there could be a room full of batteries and it will just pump out its rated current all day long.

Different sized batteries shouldn't present any different load for the alternator - i.e. the alternator will just recharge what was dissipated in starting regardless of battery size. Unless you spend a lot of time with the accessories on and engine off, should be no difference. The bigger battery simply offers a slightly longer reserve time.

Next battery replacement, I will probably give the H7 a try
 
#6 ·
I had the battery replaced in our Atlas at the dealer; this was an H6 AGM and was about $350. The same battery at Costco is $150 and I have OBDEleven and can reset the battery adaptation myself. Next time. This isn't something crazy to do but many auto parts stores won't change it b/c of the coding issue.
 
#7 ·
I need to replace my battery this week. Auto Start/Stop isn't working anymore and I am pretty sure its a low voltage thing. Have had to jump it a couple times from listening to the radio for 15 min. Battery is factory original from a Sept 2018 build so it's past due at this point. I want to go with an AGM battery and I am wondering if you have the coding instructions for OBD11 handy or if you recall how you did it? I've seen a few sets of instructions for doing it with VCDS but not OBD11.

Thanks,
 
#9 ·
Looks like a trip to costco is in order. $180 vs $240 everywhere else. Unfortunately my closest costco is sold out so I'll have to drive an extra 10min to another one.

Does the brand matter or just the capacity and type? From everything I have read the serial doesn't matter....I assume brand doesn't either.
 
#12 ·
Thanks for the help. I swapped in an Interstate H6 - 48 AGM from Costco. 70ah, 760cca. $179.99.

If anyone is looking to undertake this task its not that difficult. Hardest part was accessing the bolt that clamps down the base of the battery.

I found this video online that walks you through the battery removal and installation step by step. It is pretty helpful.

In OBDeleven I left the capacity alone as it was the same 70ah, set the Manufacturer to JCB as apparently Interstate is made by Johnson Controls (though I understand Mfg code doesn't matter), Set the Serial to today's date with two leading zeros (0001312023), and the Battery type to "fleece" as apparently that's the type of battery construction that most AGM actually use.

As reported, the dash will light up like a Christmas tree upon restarting and several functions won't work (none of the proximity sensors, parking assist, Active cruise, etc). Once you start driving most of them resume working. After a few minutes I pulled over and cleared ALL faults, restarted the vehicle and no more errors.

NOTE: I did have to go in and re-enable all the driver assist features (lane keep, ACC distance, etc) as they all reset to OFF.

Now hopefully I am able to listen to the radio for more than 10 minutes without needing a jump! And presumably this will solve my auto start/stop issue.
 
S
#21 ·
Hello - I understand that there are two ways to do the adaptation process using OBD11. First is to get the PRO subscription. The second is to purchase one click apps. I found two apps that will set the battery capacity and battery type. Does anybody know if the second approach is reliable. The first approach requires one to enter a new serial number. The second approach does not. Does anybody know if using the battery capacity and battery type one click apps will probably reset? Thanks a lot.
 
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