Replacing stock 392 battery

[5h4g]

I just had the dealer replace the factory warranty. It was in the final days of warranty and it failed the load test. I have used a trickle charger on it before but did not in the days leading up to the service appointment. I have a jump box if it ended up dead.

I've got a brick charger that I've used 10-11 times now. Truly a life saver. I might do this as well, but still want to remediate the alternator as what I believe to be the primary/root cause of these battery issues.

 

[Viking Jeeper]

I've got a brick charger that I've used 10-11 times now. Truly a life saver. I might do this as well, but still want to remediate the alternator as what I believe to be the primary/root cause of these battery issues.

Of course aftermarket accessories use power but I am unsure of the need for excess alternator requirements. I dont know how much capacity is used when just the engine is running but most aftermarket lights are LED and even if really bright are pretty efficient. Winches use a lot of course but it's an occasional use for a few minutes. Air compressors might be used more frequently but dont take nearly the amps that a winch does.

 

[Viking Jeeper]

On the last day of my 36 month warranty the dealer replaced my factory battery and the new battery is actually an improvement in CCA and Ah.

Factory:

Battery installed under factory warranty:

 

[RadMan]

On the last day of my 36 month warranty the dealer replaced my factory battery and the new battery is actually an improvement in CCA and Ah.

Factory:
View attachment 44310

Battery installed under factory warranty:

View attachment 44311

It appears that they may have installed the incorrect battery. Our Jeeps spec and come with an AGM battery, but your new battery appears to be a flooded style.

 

[Viking Jeeper]

It appears that they may have installed the incorrect battery. Our Jeeps spec and come with an AGM battery, but your new battery appears to be a flooded style.

You are correct and I do know the factory battery was an AGM. I have been looking and have not found anything that would back up my argument with the dealer that they need to install an AGM.

 

[RadMan]

You are correct and I do know the factory battery was an AGM. I have been looking and have not found anything that would back up my argument with the dealer that they need to install an AGM.

Dang, that's a tough one. I just looked at my owners manual and build sheet, but they both only state "Maintenance Free Battery". I guess the flooded battery meets that requirement. I've had more than one car damaged by an overflowing/leaking flooded battery so every vehicle I own gets an AGM regardless. It might be worth considering an aftermarket battery.

 

[Viking Jeeper]

Dang, that's a tough one. I just looked at my owners manual and build sheet, but they both only state "Maintenance Free Battery". I guess the flooded battery meets that requirement. I've had more than one car damaged by an overflowing/leaking flooded battery so every vehicle I own gets an AGM regardless. It might be worth considering an aftermarket battery.

The whole reason I took it to them on the last day was to get a new battery without cost. I should just talk to them about it, I have never really dealt with them before but seemed pretty reasonable.

 

[Brutus 392]

The whole reason I took it to them on the last day was to get a new battery without cost. I should just talk to them about it, I have never really dealt with them before but seemed pretty reasonable.

I would explain that it's important to have a sealed AGM battery replacement. That battery is designed to be a little stronger to take jarring and impacts better. Think it's a important point , especially on a Jeep

 

[5h4g]

You are correct and I do know the factory battery was an AGM. I have been looking and have not found anything that would back up my argument with the dealer that they need to install an AGM.

I've had more than one car damaged by an overflowing/leaking flooded battery so every vehicle I own gets an AGM regardless. It might be worth considering an aftermarket battery.

You are correct and I do know the factory battery was an AGM. I have been looking and have not found anything that would back up my argument with the dealer that they need to install an AGM.

I hate to be too simplistic here, but I'd just ask them to replace it with the same model/type that came as stock, per the warranty.

 

[Earl 392]

I hate to be too simplistic here, but I'd just ask them to replace it with the same model/type that came as stock, per the warranty.

Costco sells a replacement battery for our Jeeps and it is an agm battery. Not saying go buy one just saying Costco is good about meeting manufacturers standards. How ever it’s disappointing Costco is still dei focused.

 

[Jeepstin392]

Costco sells a replacement battery for our Jeeps and it is an agm battery. Not saying go buy one just saying Costco is good about meeting manufacturers standards. How ever it’s disappointing Costco is still dei focused.

That’s what I bought and installed.
No issues and seems to have improved cold starting.
Been in negative temps here and still, no issues.

 

[Viking Jeeper]

It appears that they may have installed the incorrect battery. Our Jeeps spec and come with an AGM battery, but your new battery appears to be a flooded style.

The 392 is back at the dealer getting an AGM battery installed. I left it there because they are still trying to track down an antifreeze odor but there is no evidence of a coolant week.

 

[Earl 392]

That’s what I bought and installed.
No issues and seems to have improved cold starting.
Been in negative temps here and still, no issues.

Good to know I plan on replacing mine at 3 years

 

[Dirtywaterbushcraft]

My factory battery only lasted about 2 years.

 

[Earl 392]

My factory battery only lasted about 2 years.

Bummer

 

[Earl 392]

Alright folks. I’ll call my dealership in the morning. If they will not let me bring them the battery for replacement. I’ll just get an upgraded replacement and not mess with factory on this one. I’d love to have that 16 pound battery. But 1000 is a tough one for me to commit to for a battery. I think next best would be the Odyssey battery. I see lots for the h7 94r performance version. But I also read they have an extreme version. No idea if it would be same size. I’ll dig deeper if the dealership says no.

Appreciate the help!

Costco also sells a replacement for the 21-24 392

 

[Fast-n-Furious]

Just add to this thread. I've been noticing this "Aux Switches Temporarily Unavailable Battery Charging" message for a while, at least a few months I think. A week ago the cold start took a a second longer than usual and today I confirmed this behavior again even though it's about 35 degree in my garage. I even tried after driving 12 miles while the engine was still warm. I could definitely tell the start up hesitated.

Without testing, I don't think the alternator is going bad. So just grabbed a new battery from Costco and replaced the OEM one after I got home. All good now.

For reference, the OEM battery will be 4 years in March. My previous Jeep GC had the OEM battery for 7 years no problem.