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Replaced battery today.

23K views 36 replies 16 participants last post by  Matrix21  
#1 ·
Nothing to brag about obviously, just sharing the experience.

It gave me a clue yesterday, when I started the car, it felt weak to crank the engine, didn't think much of it, today, it didn't crank at all, ACC worked, but that's it.

Went to Autozone, https://www.autozone.com/batteries-...tteries-starting-and-charging/battery/duralast-gold-battery/603386_703413_25698, replaced it, works fine, it was super easy to do, especially with the bolts being on top, heavy though, 43 lbs, it's a big battery for sure. Stock battery lasted 4 years, pretty good I guess, the new battery from AutoZone was exactly the same, even the sticker that says "Made in Germany", and of course it had the Duralast sticker not the Mopar one, 5 year warranty, free replacement for the first 3 years, after that (3to5) it's prorated.

Good thing is I didn't lose an of my settings or radio stations or favorites addresses in Nav, all I had to do is re-pair my phone, had to delete it to re-pair though.
 
#2 ·
Glad you shared that with the community.
It's an easy call most times, especially with these electronically laden vehicles that zap power all the time. After 4 years, any battery is on it's last legs.
So many post issues that clearly show a weak battery, yet they refuse to believe the fix could be so simple as replacing the battery.
 
#4 ·
Read your post yesterday,this morning I was in the same situation, dead battery, called AAA within an hour new battery installed, 6 year battery, first 3 years free replacement, 3-6 prorated replacement cost, noticed on the original factory battery sticker it was only a 24 month free replacement
 
#7 ·
I changed the redtop Optima in my Magical Aurora. Its been in there 10 years and still showed no signs of trouble but I felt 10 years was a good run.

Still have the OE in my 200 at 82K miles and almost 4 years.
 
#10 ·
I just replaced mine a few weeks ago in my 2012 200 HT convertible. It was the original battery. You say how "easy" it was to replace. Don't all 200s require you to take the front left wheel off to get to the battery? I had to take mine to the shop to get done and cost almost $200 for the job. Maybe it's just a convertible thing?
 
#14 ·
Following along with all the other posts. The wife sat in her car today and listened to the radio for a while. ( don't know how long or what else she did ) but she calls and says the car won't start, the windows won't work and it has different messages pop-up, including the "service transmission" message.
I told her to wait and I'll be along in a while. I went home to get tools, stop at auto parts store and purchase a Bosch battery and drive 40 miles to her location.
Installed the battery and the car started right up, all messages were gone.
She asked why I didn't just jump start it. Besides the fact the car was facing forward, surrounded by other cars in a parking lot, I explained the battery was toast anyway.
We have had the 200 for 4 years and 4 months and little over 81,000 miles. The battery must be a few months older since we got an early build car.

Bottom line people ... replace those batteries before they let you down. 4 years on one of these and they are done. In my opinion.
I gambled and lost.
 
#15 · (Edited)
Glad to see this posted. Is a reminder for me that I should probably start looking (and maybe just go ahead and buy one now) - I have an early build (Sept. '14). I only have about 38k miles on mine, but a 4 year old battery these days is on it's last legs.

Any recommendations on a battery with a good warranty that won't break the bank?
 
#16 ·
First I want to remind people that the "Check Engine" light will come on after the battery has been replaced. It took 3 cycles of driving for the light to go off. The car ran fine. This is normal.

As for what battery and how much.
I didn't have time to shop because it caught me off guard when it died.
I know Optima doesn't carry a battery for our car. ( according to their web site )
I went with the longer warranty battery at the auto parts store. 36 months direct replacement, another 5 years of pro-rated warranty.
Cost was $200 not including tax.
They had a cheaper one, but lousy warranty.

This, hopefully will be the only battery replacement as I expect to only keep the 200 another 4 years.
 
#21 ·
Maybe the 2.4 is different than the 3.6 when you replace the battery, fltru103 has the 2.4.

I also had no check engine lights when I replaced my battery.
 
#22 ·
Engine light... came on probably because his battery was totally drained, mine was still good enough to use the radio...
If the engine feels weak when starting it up, it's a big clue that it's time replace the battery, also if the battery is almost 4 years old it's a good idea to replace it anyway.
 
#23 ·
Going into the seventh winter with the original battery. Passes the alternator/battery test each fall. I was planning to replace it this summer, but my wife wanted the kitchen revamped to include a built in dishwasher. Happy wife or new battery? I'll pick a happy wife.

PS: I am retired, so there is little pressure to be anywhere on a schedule.
 
#25 ·
If you can afford to spend thousands of dollars on a new kitchen, then you can afford a new battery, so do both.
Talking about happy wife, how happy do you think she'll be when you're stranded in the middle of nowhere in winter when your battery finally gives out then?
 
#29 ·
I have to second what was stated by fltru103, I actually wouldn't recommend disconnecting the battery after it's started.

I was just stating that it's no one's place besides you and your wife to decide what you do with your finances, sometimes things critical and what not need to be put off and none of us here know your situation, and the way the advise you were given by someone else here was pretty rude and disrespectful.
 
#34 ·
We replaced my battery a couple of days ago and now my odometer is flashing and heat and air won’t turn on. Even the fan  96 degrees here in SC def not a good time for my freaking air to go out. Any ideas what to do? We’re closing in a house soon so a huge car repair bill is def not in the plans lol
Welcome to the forum Melanie721 !
Sorry about your issues. Was the battery at a full charge ?
Was your electrical system checked to make sure your alternator is functioning properly ?
Also we don't know what year your 200 is and what model, engine, etc. Please fill out your profile section.
Since you posted in the 2015 2016 UF forum we will assume that is what you have.
These cars need a fully charged and functioning battery at all times.
Make sure the battery connections are tight and clean.

Best of luck with your new house !
 
#33 ·
I use a "Battery Tender JR" on my 2016 Charger to keep the battery topped up since I only drive it once or twice a week (I work from home). The Charger has 37 modules that eat up the battery while it is just sitting in the garage, the 2015 up 200's have almost as many, and with the battery under the hood in the heat it is no wonder they die in 2-3 years. I bought my battery Tender off E-Bay for $27

http://products.batterytender.com/Dion/Battery-Tender-Junior-12V-0-75A.html

 
#35 · (Edited)
Well...i was forced to change my battery too this weekend.
I took the car last monday, everything was fine and dandy. Parked it outside as usual.
Thursday night around 9pm i went to open the trunk...nothing. Even with the remote. Went back inside to take the other remote...same thing.

I opened the door using the hidden key, dashboard never lit, only the dome lights, but very low.
Of couse, the car never started, not even a click. So i took the Volt.

The next day i went to the autostore and bougt a brand new battery 94R type @ 200$ CAD and the car is alive now.
It took 3 cycles in order for the “awd system temporary unavailable” to disappear. The message only appeared once after the engine starts and disappear 3 secs later.

A good way to start the weekend with 200$ less in my pocket lol
 
#36 ·
Better now, than the middle of the winter! :cool: