Need New Battery for H3

[Slogger]

I think I'm soon to be in the market for a new battery. The last couple of nights getting out of the car the interior lights seem to turn off prematurely and each time I think to myself, "hmmm, I didn't turn those off." Now since it's happened a few times I'm thinking battery is going?

I have a 2006 H3. What's the best battery for the rig without too much fuss of installing? I've read some stuff on the Optima's but I'm not swayed into getting one, partially because of it's mixed reviews of hit or miss with them DOA or nonworking cells and having to modify the existing mounts or seat.

Should I just take it to Sear Auto and get a DieHard? or other?

Input please as all your guys advise is greatly appreciated.

Grazi!

[Mark]

I know you are not swayed to the Optimas but will just put out there that I have had several and never had an issue. Got a red top for the '06 then transferred it to the '09.

[fourfourto]

I checked with sears ,they dont make a battery for the H3 ?

I would also like to find a good battery that fits in the H3 box with no cutting (I have a light on it)

I didnt check other companys yet.

[The Other Rob]

The only one I found was at Autozone, was a special order (not normally on my local store's rack, but in town) and was $135.. I've also got a Yellow Top sitting in the garage waiting for a little warmer weather to be put in..

[alrock]

I got my battery at Checker aka O'Reilly. It was their top of lined, sealed battery. About $100. If you want the cover to stay on the battery (helps cool it) you'll want a sealed battery as the caps for regular batteries make it harder to fit the cover.

The Checker battery was slightly smaller than the OEM one so we had to add some material under the security strap to keep it tight.

http://shop.oreillyauto.com/ProductDeta ... ber=86EXTJ

[fourfourto]

Rob, what brand does autozone use?.
Same or more cranking power ?

[The Other Rob]

Rob, what brand does autozone use?.
Same or more cranking power ?

Gold-Duralast / Battery Part Number:
86-DLG
Warranty: 8 YR
Notes:
*** 640 cold cranking Amps (750 cranking Amps)
*** . -> 3 year free replacement <-. battery is encased within an active cooling box with an air snorkel to the outside of the engine compartment, labor intensive installation may take up to 30 minutes, battery located underhood in active cooling box.

$125 (with core charge) and still at only one store in town..

[fourfourto]

Rob
Did you have to modify it to fit in the stock h3 box?
Pic ?

[DAGKANA]

Ok, I figured Id chime in here...

I too have an 06, but I wouldn't limit the issue, or possible future issue to just that model year. As far as I know GM kept using the same crappy terminals on all the H3s, unless someone says otherwise. The battery terminals with that stupid single bolt/nut mechanism just plain suck, if you are using your rig with any accessories you might as well redo the system cause eventually its gonna fail on you. I used those post bolts for power to my winches. The reason I say winches is because I killed my first one and had to pull my assembly off for the second time to replace it, first was to put a black grille on, than my 12,000lb winch got locked up pulling an H2 out of a mud pit at Rausch Creek, so I had to respool it.

At some point the the whole system began failing on me, the battery terminals were loose to the point where I was not getting a good connection. I would get in the 3 to start her and would get nothing, or just the lights and radio etc... so I'd pop the hood and wiggle the cables and viola the truck would start... eventually this wore down the alternator some how, I think the surge in juice. and that ended up being the last straw... so here is my solution

[wpage]

That dual battery set up is cool...
You could do other things to if you dont mind making some mods. Get rid of the box and expand your options by adding just about any battery that will fit the metal tray under the plastic box. There are many batteries that will fit.

[The Other Rob]

Rob
Did you have to modify it to fit in the stock h3 box?
Pic ?

Nope.. Direct bolt in replacement..

[Sewie]

I too have an 06, but I wouldn't limit the issue, or possible future issue to just that model year. As far as I know GM kept using the same crappy terminals on all the H3s, unless someone says otherwise. The battery terminals with that stupid single bolt/nut mechanism just plain suck, if you are using your rig with any accessories you might as well redo the system cause eventually its gonna fail on you.

I did the same thing when I installed my winch. Cut off the OEM terminals and swapped in some marine style with accessory posts.

They did change the battery terminals for the '08 MY I think (maybe sooner ). I know there are pics on here somewhere.

[talusfan]

Mine lasted for about 7 months, I didn't even bother with warranty and getting another equally garbage battery put in. Chopped off the terminals since one was already broke, genius design there too, and threw a red top in it. You can't reuse the battery cover with one but it makes a good parts bin when your tearing things apart.

[Lyn-X]

I checked with sears ,they dont make a battery for the H3 ?

I would also like to find a good battery that fits in the H3 box with no cutting (I have a light on it)

I didnt check other companys yet.

is that a Air Compressor ? tell me more. Thanks Lynn

[Mark]

...threw a red top in it. You can't reuse the battery cover with one but it makes a good parts bin when your tearing things apart.

I have a red top in mine and use the battery cover. There is at least one discussion around here on what you need to do to make it fit.