Looking for some feedback from the braintrust here. Recently installed a new battery, and besides telling the BCM I had done so, I checked the CFG file to change to the new ratings. Unfortunately, the CFG only has 2 H8 options - well an H8 and an H8HD. Unfortunately neither are exactly correct on the CCA or Amp hour settings. The H8 setting is low on both values, whereas the H8HD would be low on the Amp hours but rated higher for the CCAs. So the question is which option will be better for the Alternator and ultimately battery life longevity and electrical system operation? As always, TIA for any & all feedback.

 

Hello again ;-)

For others out there,
https://www.interstatebatteries.com/...an-agm-battery

I think you're covered.

 

Thanks Guy. Appreciate the feedback (here & there). Had noticed previous battery (4 year old Delco H8 AGM) was always charging in the 13.5 - 14.8 range in my digital monitor plugged in at the console power socket. Thought that was OK, but realizing now it was probably only half a step away from falling into the battery graveyard and potentially taking various electrical systems into said grave with it! New battery might go to 13.2V for first minute or so of driving but backs down to the 12.5 - 13.0 range for most of my local trips. I've read in other posts this would be "normal" due to the "smarter technology" of the BCM/Alternator/AGM combos, and the alternator doesnt have to be charging at a higher 13.5 - 14.5 rate all the time anymore. Makes us OLD GEEZERS worry a bit when we dont see the alternator cranking out a steady 14Vs all the time as it "used to be in the old days"!! 😉 LOL. Still learning after all these years.

 

This makes 2 of us!
But it is so fun.

 

What drives me nuts is the 12.2 volts after sitting overnight, so many computers and light draws.

 

Nope. If the battery sits overnight and dips to a resting voltage of 12.2 v. That battery is done.
Test it yourself.
1. disconnect it from the vehicle.
2. fully charge it. It should be 12.6+ v once fully charged.
3. disconnect it from the charger.
4. let it sit for 24 hours.
5. take a reading. If it reads 12.4v or less, that battery can only maintain a 50% capacity... or 450 CCA, at best.

Do the math, the quiescent drain on the battery (vehicle completely shut down) is in the order of 30 mA.
The battery is 900 CCA.

It should be able to sit for months.

 

@guy Yea I should have been clearer, if I leave the truck unlocked and pop the hood I have ok voltage when I check, But if I lock and then unlock it drops low, my bet is the battery is aging out , but it can wait until next year.

 

Or… at the most inopportune time, it will not have enough capacity to start the vehicle…

 

@guy Yea never had that thankfully, I tend to check my battery at least once a month. Still use torque and an old cell phone to monitor engine temps and alternator output on long trips, D2 ownership tends to make one careful about those things