battery cranking amps

[oldbernie]

Took the van to the dealership today for an oil change and an inspection. The rep comes rolling in after a while to tell me that my battery is capable of 700 CCAs but is only putting out 145 CCAs. I know you can test cranking amps by looking at the voltage draw but can they actually tell me the current CCA capability? Thanks

[JWA]

Originally Posted by oldbernie

Took the van to the dealership today for an oil change and an inspection. The rep comes rolling in after a while to tell me that my battery is capable of 700 CCAs but is only putting out 145 CCAs. I know you can test cranking amps by looking at the voltage draw but can they actually tell me the current CCA capability? Thanks

How old is that existing battery?

And yes CCA's can be tested to a high accuracy with any number of newer electronic devices dedicated to that single purpose, Extech PBT-300. Exceptionally easy to use, covers a lot of parameters even we DIY's can use to great benefit.

HTH

[oldbernie]

Thanks for the reply. The battery is 6 years old so it is suspect. Van starts OK but you really can't tell if it's spinning as fast as it used to because that sort of thing sort of creeps up on you. The dealer quoted $179.00 installed for a replacement AC-Delco which seems fair. The ones I priced online were $123-160 for the batteries. I try to throw a little business the dealership way because they've always treated me fairly when I really needed them. Gues I'll go get a battery?

[JWA]

Yeah at 6 years the battery has lived a good life---changing it before it dies isn't a bad idea at all.

I pay just about $100 for the better NAPA batteries which isn't much of a discount from their claimed MSRP. So far they've been flawless for starting batteries, living in Ohio takes a toll on them from time-to-time.

If you're comfortable with the dealership's price by all means have them do it. Do get the warranty or replacement policy in writing---those will widely vary from place-to-place and across different brands.

HTH

[oldbernie]

Thanks, sounds like a plan.