Northern Kentucky BigDog

I'm a freak about replacing batteries on a 4 year rotation. Never want to get that call from the wife in the heart of winter with a dead battery. Besides these cares are a huge draw on the batteries / charging systems with all the gadgets etc..
After visits to Auto Zone, Advanced Auto, Sears. I made one last stop to KOI Auto parts in my area as a last chance effort and found a DELCO battery that using a 1/2" plastic spacer under it and drops in exactly replacing the Japanese factory battery.
The key is a fusable link that attaches to the positive post and sits flush on the original battery. All usual parts sotres are going to send you home with a battery that has raised vents ontop that will interfer with the positive post attachment.
SAVE SOME TIME, A LOT OF MONEY, AND USE A DELCO!

sherman_nguyen

cool. good to know. i just replaced my battery after my car told me the error code. But it turned out that my alternator went bad and i think i wasted some money on the duralast battery. One thing i noticed that the plastic cover could not fit perfectly with this battery and was looking for a new one that fit.

neuronbob

Welcome to AZ, BigDog!

I'm surprised to hear that anyone got an RL battery to last four years when on average they last about two years. Further, has anyone else used a spacer under their battery? Is that safe? I don't know, just asking.

Chas2

Knock on wood, with the 06 battery, still going strong.

My previous 1G Legend (purchased new) battery lasted four years before giving up the ghost, although I guess San Diego weather is not that hard on batteries.

But you are right on batteries not lasting. My worst was a VW battery that died in month 13, in the days when 12 months was the warranty...so well planned...

Northern Kentucky BigDog

The spacer is not a problem it's designed to snap directly to bottom of the battery. The cold cranking amps (800) were well above original equipment (630). It brings the height of battery to the original level so brackets and cover fit perfict every other dimension is identical. The Japs will do anything to get you into the dealership and charge you $185 for a battery from Tokyo. I supose if you spend $40K plus for a car they figure you don't mind paying for consequences. I'm just to practical and would rather waste my money on something else.
P.S. the Delco 7 year battery cost me $68.00.

Northern Kentucky BigDog

VW = Very Wrisky!!!!!

TampaRLX-SH

Why not save time and money and have the OEM battery replaced under warranty?

All Acura batteries have a 4 year warranty with no pro-rating.

If your batter is on it's way out have Acura replace it. If it does not last 4 years, get another, and another.....

I have never had OEM batteries last more than 2-3 years. And like clockwork my OEM battery quit after just over 2 years. I got a new one, which is again, warranted by Acura for 4 years.

neuronbob

True, Tampa, I didn't have to pay for a new battery given that the old one was warranted for four years.

Even so, upgrading to a battery with better performance for cheaper FTW.

nodegree

Where you from in northern kentucky? I live in cold spring. Also where was the battery shop located since it sounds like i'm nearby it may be good to know for the future if mine needs replacing.

Northern Kentucky BigDog

KOI on route 18 near Boone county high schools. But I suppose there are KOI all over. For sure in Newport. I'm from Florence.

Northern Kentucky BigDog

The battery was working fine, I changed it as a preventive measure, besides the Acura dealership is 35 miles north and really not worth the hastle. They would have taken all day and argued "see it starts'

Chas2

Just for the garage, give us the specifics on the battery, so bob can post it...

This sounds terrible, but I have been hoping the battery would go so I can take advantage of the 4 year warranty and get a new battery out of it....I never would have thought I would be hoping for something to go on my Acura!

Northern Kentucky BigDog

I passed on some incorrect data on an earlier message, hopefully all will read this reply and disrequard earlier. I'm a newbie, isn't there a method to retract old messages?
Manufacturer
DEKA - not Delco as previously noted
634 MF - part number
Left POS. Front Terminal; 70 Month Warranty; 690 cca
He's the correct information for all to use. Thanks

Northern Kentucky BigDog

Deka
634 MF part number
cranking amps @ 32 degrees 820
cold cranking amps @ 0 degrees 690

a couple of other tib bits of data.

danmm7

iTrader: (1)

Speaking of batteries... does anyone here have experience with Optima Batteries?? Any feedback?

I found on Optima's side that they have a battery that should fit our RLs without problems. They have a flat (no vents) top so installing the fuse link should not be a problem.
They have only Optima RED (#25). I do not see Optima Yellow offered for the RL.

The price on Optima's web site is $150 + $10 s/h

Not cheap but if Optima batteries are as good as some people claim they are... it may be a good investment.

Northern Kentucky BigDog

Deka website shows direct replacement batteries for imports. Made in Pennsylvania, good value.
http://www.dekabatteries.com

pickncrew

My battery was working fine also on my '06 but Acura replaced it for free as part of the courtesy check because it was just under the CCA rating...

vhdoshi

Hey Guys,

Can someone tell me where it is written that the RL oem battery comes with a 4 year warranty. Is it written in the driver’s manual ?

Cuz most service depts. will hesitate to change it for free unless you prove it to them in black and white that the battery comes with a (hassle free) 4 year warranty.

And I know for sure that, the acura service dept. I use, won’t replace it for free without fighting.

TampaRLX-SH

From 2006 RL warranty (on MyAcura.com):

Page 29

Time and Mileage Period
This warranty's coverage begins on
the same date as the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty (see page 13).
The original equipment battery is
covered by a limited warranty for
4 years with no mileage limit.

Warranty Coverage
During the first 4 years, a defective
battery will be replaced at no cost to
you. Diagnosis, labor, installation,
and the cost of the replacement
battery are covered by Acura

Page 36

Replacement Battery Limited Warranty

This warranty applies only to
replacement batteries obtained from
an Acura automobile dealer in the
United States, Puerto Rico, or the
U.S. Virgin Islands.
Time and Mileage Period
Replacement batteries are covered
by a 100-month (8 years and
4 months) limited warranty.

Warranty Coverage

During the first 36 months
(3 years) of service, a defective
replacement battery will be replaced
at no cost for the new battery, labor,
or installation.
For the remaining 64 months
(5 years and 4 months), you receive
a credit toward the purchase of the
battery.


http://owners.acura.com/Documentum/W...s/BWL33424.pdf

fredren

i have a optima d34 yellow top for a little more than a year now and its going strong, also i might add i got it used with about 8months on it

Ballinger

I drove up to the service bay, told them I thought my battery was glitching and they pulled out a tester. In about 30 seconds, the manager looked at it and said, "Yep, it's below standard. Can you get a cup of coffee while we swap this out?" Then he gave me a token for their cappucino-gizmo. About 30 minutes later, I had a new battery and a washed car, no charge.

vhdoshi

Wow, Awesome ! hey tampa, thanks so much for the battery warranty info. Much appreciated, my friend.

You are da Man !!!

Northern Kentucky BigDog

Screw the Battery talk, who's talking about PICKNCREWS logo / picture. Wow I'll bet she's not interested in a 4 year warranttee

FromTLtoRL

Thanks for the info here!

I've noticed that starting the engine was a little weak, so I took the car in for the dealer to check the battery. True enough, the test revealed it was below standard....30 minutes later I got a new battery and a car wash!

I have about 68K miles on my 06 RL.

CelestialRL05

I'm having some issues with my battery after recent starting issues. I just tried two batteries - highly rated by consumer reviews. The Everstart Maxx 24N with 700CCa and an Autozone Gold and even tried the one from my truck, but NONE would start the car. All these are above 700CCAs-- is there any issue with a high CCA? the AC Delco that I had (put back because none of these worked had 630CCA) and it is ok...this is just weird...am I missing something?

Northern Kentucky BigDog

Something doesn't sound correct. Just about any battery should start these rice burners. I would recommend you have the starter motor looked at. Not sure if they could measure current draw while it's installed. May have to remove it and bench test it. Judging by the date of your post you may have already had another problem.

kssod

I also think I am having some battery issues, 06 RL with 50k. It seems to take a little longer to start, and also the steering wheel is not returning to the memory position upon start up every time. If i push the #1 before shifting it does, but it normally would return out to the pre set on start up. It still returns to the "rest" position when I turn off the engine.
I'll have Motorcars check it out.

Chas2

Let us know what happens!

kssod

Dealer checked battery, measured 285 CCA, replaced free under warranty!!!!!
Service guy said anything under 400CCA is below standard. THey use a standard 550 battery. I guess if was planning on keeping the RL longer than a year or 2 then I would want a Diehard or something.
Free is good.
the warranty on page 36 says free up to 36 months and then prorated 60% for the next 12 months etc. technically my car is 41 months old.
Also replaced the batteries in the fob for $5 from walmart. Seems to have solved the problem, and all set for another balmy cleveland winter

HondaV10

Hi guys

I just picked up a 06 RL. I noticed that I didn't have the battery cover (item #8 on the image below)

From what I gather on this topic's posts, it's not necessarily something that is needed? Especially with all the different sized aftermarket batteries out there?

Am I correct?

If anyone still has it, could you post a quick picture of it for me?

Thanks.
--Conrad

rlerman

I still have my original battery in from 05, no issues...knock on wood. I find my car batteries last pretty long, my 04 sequoia still has its original battery and the light on it is still green

b f wollen

I just had my battery replaced on my 06 RL covered under warrany no charge.

TampaRLX-SH

FYI, while at my dealer today the topic of the battery warranty came up. I don't have details, but apparently Acura is changing this generous warranty for 2010 models (or perhaps some 2009?).

I guess they have been replacing a lot of batteries!

Best to check your manual / warranty media and keep it handy when you have battery issues!

kmcheney

I wanted to say thanks for those who reminded me that the original battery was still covered. I took it in yesterday with about 40 months on the car and 40K miles and asked them to test it. It has been a little slow in starting the car and the steering wheel wasn't fully coming in to position so I knew it was getting weak. They tested it and reported it was below spec, gave me a new battery and did a state inspection all covered by warranty, and all within an hour.

I live 75 miles from the nearest dealer so I this was only the 2nd time I've taken it to a dealer for any service items. They were great. Coffee, hot chocolate, donuts, sodas, internet, newspapers, all free while you wait.
Best service experience I've had.

rlerman

Well. I knew I shouldn't have posted earlier about having success with my batteries. Seems my original battery in my 05 might be going. I noticed today it was a little harder to start this morning and the steering wheel didn't retract all the way. The indicator is still blue, is that accurate?

I notice some people earlier talking about a spacer, what's that all about. Won't any battery fit? Planned on going to Walmart to pick up a 48 month battery, probably around $60., or autozone.

TampaRLX-SH

The cold of winter or the heat of summer can be prime time for batteries to give up.

acurod

I don't need a new battery yet in my 05 since when I purchased it in Sept 08 Acura gave me a brand new OEM battery. I do have some experience with Optima, however! They are the best battery I have ever used. I had one in a diesel boat of mine for over 10 years and it was still going strong!! I live in the Northeast and I left the Optima (Red Top for starting) onboard all winter without charging. This battery would always be available to start the engine!!

If I ever need another battery for a car that I planned on keeping a while, and it was not covered by a warranty, I would definitely buy and Optima Red Top.

BTW, I recently saw the Optima battery in Costco for the lowest price around (can't remeber it exactly), so if you want an Optima I would buy it at Costco.

Acurod
05 RL

lausy

So is it everyone's consensus that if the steering wheel does not go into its memory position, it may be the battery? I noticed my 06 has been doing that lately, but not all the time. Definitely when try starting the car after it's parked overnight in the garage or when it's unlocked via key fob (I do not lock the car all time). May be worth a trip to the dealer to have it checked out even though the closest one is 60 miles away.

TampaRLX-SH

It is the most noted symptom. But also be sure your Fob is linked, Fob batteries are good and your MEM 1 or MEM 2 settings are linked (the light should be illuminated corresponding to the FOB Driver #).

My RL would only partially telescope, then stopped starting about 3 weeks before the battery finally surrendered. Some have reported XM issues and loss off settings as well, just before the battery died.


*Heading South to Amundsen - Scott*

rlerman

I thought I was having issues with my battery as the steering wheel was only partially retracting when shutting off the car and I noticed a harder start at one point. However, after taking a 200 mile trip, the steering wheel now fully retracts when I shut the car off. I still have the original battery. My typical daily driving pattern is only about 12 miles, then the car sits all day, then return 12 miles and it sits overnight. Just guessing here, but given the age of the battery, might it be that the these short trips are not enough for the alternator to keep the battery fully charged. Will the car just not start one day or will I be given more advance warning? Seems to start fine, no other issues with memory on radio or other settings.

You'd think that if the car can tell me my cabin filter needs to be changed, it should be able to measure CCA's to let me know the battery is dying.