Battery Replacement

[Ponchoguy]

Just curious how many out there have had to change their battery before the 6 year (what it's marked) warranty period that's on the OEM battery. Mine is a 2012 sedan with the 1.8L auto.

I will check it out further, but it seems like I have a bad battery. Car was just in the dealer for 2 weeks for the head gasket replacement. When I first bought the car, it sat from September 2011 until February 2012 when we bought it, and it seemed a little weak even back then.

Thanks for any input out there....

 

[TMac]

My OEM battery went out on me in about two years.

 

[Ponchoguy]

My OEM battery went out on me in about two years.

Thanks. I called AC Delco and even though it's marked as a 6 year battery, it's really only warrantied for the bumper to bumper warranty (which expired in Feb 2015). So, it's $110 for a new one with a 42 month warranty. I'll install it this weekend, assuming it's the only problem....

 

[Ponchoguy]

I charged up the battery with my Diehard wheeled charger until it was fully charged. I then put my DVOM on it and it started it. Cranking volts were good--10-11. Started right up and was charging at 14.5V or so. But, when I added accessories such as the AC, blower, rear defogger and the like, it went down as low as 12.3 . I think the alternator is discharging.

Anyone else have this problem with their 1.8 Sonic?

Thanks.

 

[Ponchoguy]

Battery/Alternator

Anyone?

 

[Ponchoguy]

Battery failed the load test I did with my Associated load tester. I'll change it and restest the alternator output and see where it gets me.

 

[laborsmith]

In the end, I did the Big Three and have had no battery problems since. I did change the battery before adding the Big Three. I have been told that even though the alternator is rated at 100 amps the wires can only handle 80 amps. I do not know if this is true. I do have several after market items drawing current.

Laborsmith

 

[Ponchoguy]

In the end, I did the Big Three and have had no battery problems since. I did change the battery before adding the Big Three. I have been told that even though the alternator is rated at 100 amps the wires can only handle 80 amps. I do not know if this is true. I do have several after market items drawing current.

Laborsmith

Big three?

 

[ScarabEpic22]

Big 3 battery upgrade:
Battery + to Alt +
Battery - to Engine block ground -
Battery - to chassis ground -

 

[Ponchoguy]

Big 3 battery upgrade:
Battery + to Alt +
Battery - to Engine block ground -
Battery - to chassis ground -

Enlighten me a bit, fellas. Are there updated parts from GM for this? The car is going back to GM under a goodwill warranty to fix the issue, I made a few phone calls.

I installed a new battery (A Delco 47PG, with the upgraded CCA) and even with that, I still get as low as 12.1-12.2 on the DVOM with the main accessories on. (AC, blower, rear defog, headlights, radio). Still seems too low.

Thanks.

 

[ScarabEpic22]

Enlighten me a bit, fellas. Are there updated parts from GM for this? The car is going back to GM under a goodwill warranty to fix the issue, I made a few phone calls.

I installed a new battery (A Delco 47PG, with the upgraded CCA) and even with that, I still get as low as 12.1-12.2 on the DVOM with the main accessories on. (AC, blower, rear defog, headlights, radio). Still seems too low.

Thanks.

No. This is an aftermarket solution that lots of audio guys and people with larger current draws install on their vehicles.

Here's a JL article, just search the internet for "Big 3 wiring upgrade" for more:
JL Audio Big 3

 

[LorbeerTLC]

OEM Battery Question: Can it be Serviced (Filled)

Hey all, I have a question.

I have a 2012 Sonic LTZ 1.4L with the original battery.

On a wet cell I understand the only major difference between a "serviceable" battery and a "maintenance-free" battery is that the maintenance-free battery has deeper wells so the cells remain covered without the need to service it by adding distilled water. However, under extreme conditions there still is a chance that the level(s) could go down and expose one of the cells shortening the battery life.

I've noticed that there seems to be caps (albeit sealed), on the top but don't know if it's serviceable. I'm afraid to force a screwdriver in the slot to pry it open in case I might break it.

Does or has anybody ever tried to add distilled water to the OEM Delco battery and if so, how is it done or can it be done?

Thanks!

 

[Ponchoguy]

Battery failed the load test, so I changed that to the upgraded 47PG Delco unit. The dealer did the alternator under warranty, so far so good.

 

[Stu Pidaso]

Just curious how many out there have had to change their battery before the 6 year (what it's marked) warranty period that's on the OEM battery. Mine is a 2012 sedan with the 1.8L auto.

I will check it out further, but it seems like I have a bad battery. Car was just in the dealer for 2 weeks for the head gasket replacement. When I first bought the car, it sat from September 2011 until February 2012 when we bought it, and it seemed a little weak even back then.

Thanks for any input out there....

My factory battery in my 2012 died this past weekend.

 

[Dingleberry69]

Yeah my battery died at about 120k Kms. Went and replaced with a mid grade interstate battery and never had a problem since. Original battery was 12 years old, as the vehicle was sitting around unused for a while before I bought it.