So how many OEM Batteries are still Cranking?? [Archive]

JUST 1BULLITT

12-12-2009, 09:10 PM

Now that my '04 Marauders 6th WINTER is here I notice she turns over a bit weaker when she sits for over 10 Days now...but it is the Original battery and all so I'm just curious how many still have theirs?? (I have an '01 BULLITT Mustang that STILL has the original battery too! BUT I'm sure I'll be replacing that soon!! For peace O' mind if nothing else! LOL!)

LANDY

12-12-2009, 09:14 PM

when i wrecked my MM two weeks ago it still had the oem batt. at 84k miles

Glockafella

12-12-2009, 09:18 PM

Sill rocking OEM 2003 early build, it looks pretty bad lol

blazen71

12-12-2009, 09:22 PM

My 03 still has the original. It doesnt see any winter cold starts though

kariamack

12-12-2009, 09:23 PM

I just replace mine a month ago

Mr. Man

12-12-2009, 09:27 PM

Replaced the original this past summer. It was working fine but nowadays when they go they go quick. Bought an Interstate 1000/800cca. Works like a champ.

Shora

12-12-2009, 09:40 PM

300a, built in 08/2002. 66K miles.

Still on original battery.

I have been looking for a replacement though for when the day comes.

JUST 1BULLITT

12-12-2009, 09:49 PM

Yeah I NEED to find a suitable replacement too...after this impressive run; I"m thinkin' MOTORCRAFT actually -- almost any battery is Expen$ive these days...but that's impressive Shora for sure!

stevengerard

12-12-2009, 10:53 PM

mine has been a bit difficult to start in this brutal cold the last few days but mine is still original

TAKEDOWN

12-12-2009, 11:24 PM

So far, so good, hopefully I didn't just jinx myself!

Hacklemerc

12-13-2009, 12:39 AM

I just replaced mine with 100k on the clock in the 03 MM. The stock battery was still kicking just way to weak for this cold, so I put it in my 72 Maverick while I work on it. Still enough juice to turn over the 302 so I'm keeping it..

jabird56

12-13-2009, 05:56 AM

Had to replace the battery twice in the first year (2003) of ownership, bad lot as I guess. The 3rd battery is still kickin" strong since then.

Bigdogjim

12-13-2009, 06:04 AM

Aug build of '02 50K + still doing the job:up:

boatmangc

12-13-2009, 06:34 AM

I replaced mine within a month of bringing it to SoFlo

Bluerauder

12-13-2009, 06:57 AM

So far ... so good on a January 2003 build.

White Knuckles

12-13-2009, 07:00 AM

still going strong since Aug '02 build

Spectragod

12-13-2009, 07:03 AM

Still original in both MM's, 04's, 12k on the SB, 19k on the DTR, both have battery tenders on them.

1stMerc

12-13-2009, 07:08 AM

Still oe battery at 56k

bob6364

12-13-2009, 07:21 AM

Yeah I NEED to find a suitable replacement too...after this impressive run; I"m thinkin' MOTORCRAFT actually -- almost any battery is Expen$ive these days...but that's impressive Shora for sure!

Just so you know I just had the battery in the MM changed out at 80k miles by the local Ford garage for 108 dollars out the door....didn't even get my hands dirty.A big interstate battery must be within 10-15 dollars of that ,best part is its a Motorcraft. :D

PS It was changed because it was 5 years old and I have enough things to repairaround without getting the wifes emergency phone call from some frozen Mall waste land "it won't start"<====said with excited nasally sarcastic like voice, all you married men will know this one....

davidholland

12-13-2009, 08:01 AM

Still on the original it will be six years old in april 2010

gohogs

12-13-2009, 09:05 AM

June 02 build.....still OEM battery at 48K. Frankly, I've been going to get a new one, but the discussion around here about getting poor service on new ones has persuaded me to wait until it craps out.

I've carried jumper cables the last three years. though! :eek:

MCAT

12-13-2009, 09:16 AM

I don't care if you have an 03 or 04, or how many miles you have
if your still rocking the original battery your living on barrowed time.
good luck to all.

Brian H

12-13-2009, 09:22 AM

6/02 also here, 117,xxx and still org. Jumped 1cem trickle charge since. oh yea, retired DD since 6/09!!! yayyyyyyyy!!!

Brian H

12-13-2009, 09:22 AM

^^^^ jumped once

a_d_a_m

12-13-2009, 09:24 AM

Pretty sure mine is OE.

1stMerc

12-13-2009, 09:25 AM

I've carried jumper cables the last three years. though! :eek:

Have you seen the new Michelin jumper cables. Pretty neat.

https://www.buysmartcables.com/ver4/index.asp

1stMerc

12-13-2009, 09:28 AM

I don't care if you have an 03 or 04, or how many miles you have
if your still rocking the original battery your living on barrowed time.
good luck to all.

We know this. The thread is "are you on your original battery?"

Speed

12-13-2009, 09:40 AM

I don't care if you have an 03 or 04, or how many miles you have
if your still rocking the original battery your living on barrowed time.
good luck to all.

I concur; I'm still on the original battery since 05 when I bought it (300a), definitely on my list of new equipment.

Brian H

12-13-2009, 09:45 AM

Best part about the smart cables is the free tool kit has a HAMMER! just in case.

SC Cheesehead

12-13-2009, 10:09 AM

06/19/03 build still going strong on the OEM battery.

offroadkarter

12-13-2009, 10:09 AM

I don't care if you have an 03 or 04, or how many miles you have
if your still rocking the original battery your living on barrowed time.
good luck to all.

Oh noes the end of the world is coming!!!! Everyone quick replace your batteries!!!

Mine is still original, havent had any issues with it. I believe impalaslayers and stranger in a black sedans batteries are OEM as well...

SC Cheesehead

12-13-2009, 10:25 AM

Oh noes the end of the world is coming!!!! Everyone quick replace your batteries!!!

:rolleyes:

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. When it starts cranking slow, I'll replace it, but not before then.

johnnyrauder

12-13-2009, 11:25 AM

picked up the car in june/o2 same battery 17k on it... however the indercater has been red for 2yrs. now lol

DOOM

12-13-2009, 11:27 AM

Still have my original battery but its time for a new one.
My car isn't a "daily driver" and because it sits for so long when i go to drive it i have to jump start it with my vic first.

baltimoremm

12-13-2009, 12:24 PM

mines still original 6/02 build and over 100k miles.
on a related note, i've never had to replace a bulb either!

Spectragod

12-13-2009, 12:43 PM

I don't care if you have an 03 or 04, or how many miles you have
if your still rocking the original battery your living on barrowed time.
good luck to all.

I love living on the edge. If your not on the edge, your taking up too much space.

Ken

12-13-2009, 12:48 PM

Bought mine June 02. Just replaced this summer, after I gave someone a jump; kept blowing a fuse under the hood, finally checked and replaced battery.

Ken

gilby04

12-13-2009, 12:49 PM

My OEM, build date 08/03, has worked flawlessly, but after (6) Michigan winters as a daily driver, I didn't want to tempt fate. Yesterday, I replaced the Motorcraft BXT-65-650 with a BXT-65-850.

rauder775

12-13-2009, 12:50 PM

My '03 MM still has original battery (50k miles) but I have been wondering when it will "expire". I too have an '01 Bullitt (14K miles) and I replaced it's battery last year, preventitive and the fact that I wanted to get a MotorCraft replacement that matched the original before they changed the look.

FreddieH

12-13-2009, 12:51 PM

I replaced my original in June with a Diehard Gold.

DEFYANT

12-13-2009, 01:07 PM

My OEM battery was dead within 7 days of ownership!

Kennyrauder

12-13-2009, 01:10 PM

My Marauder is sitting in a cold garage with a battery charger keeping it topped up... going on 7 years old now. I won't start my Marauder until May 1 though..... snow will still be on the ground until then. Merry Christmas!!!!!

Spectragod

12-13-2009, 01:14 PM

Extremely good jumper cables.... http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=shop&item_ID=11325&group_ID=1484&store=&dir=catalog

I also keep up on my batteries by using a Microvat tester, it will tell you all you need to know about your battery status....

http://buy1.snapon.com/products/diagnostics/eecs304.asp

MCAT

12-13-2009, 01:40 PM

[quote=offroadkarter;837399]Oh noes the end of the world is coming!!!! Everyone quick replace your batteries!!!

I don't no you from adam, but what are you 12 years old,
this is the reason I don't spend as much time on this site any more
to many young & dumb tossing out stupid comments.

JUST 1BULLITT

12-13-2009, 02:37 PM

Yeah, no doubt -- we're all in the same boat! I think trickle chargers are the KEY to a prolonged life...especially for DOOM...bummer having to jump it whenever you get it out! (you must not have power where you store it?? IF you do, get a trickle charger; they're awesome!) GOOD plan on replacing w/ Motorcraft before they totally change the look! I'm the same w/ my BULLITT...pushing the envelope; living on the edge... thanks all for the responses...interesting...I'll let you know what happens; I'm going as far/long as I can; we'll see what this winter brings! I carry cables around a lot in this car now too! LOL!

My '03 MM still has original battery (50k miles) but I have been wondering when it will "expire". I too have an '01 Bullitt (14K miles) and I replaced it's battery last year, preventitive and the fact that I wanted to get a MotorCraft replacement that matched the original before they changed the look.

justbob

12-13-2009, 02:53 PM

We go to a few double feature outdoor theaters during the summer months. After playing the sound thru the speakers for four hours you could notice a huge difference from year to year. So last summer I finally caved.

ozziewynot

12-13-2009, 03:21 PM

As with most name brand batteries I believe there are only a few actual manufacturers . But , Motorcraft has my vote for a quality product , whoever makes it .
I needed a battery for my daily driver so I swapped out the 5 year old OEM for the top of the line Motorcraft . I think it was one series up .
The old one still works fine as well in the DD .
Like other Marauder owners , I'm overly cautious about keeping the Marauder in top shape . Aside from the security of having a good battery is the belief that nothing kills a starter quicker than than a marginal battery .

Davesvt2000

12-13-2009, 03:24 PM

Still on original battery, but car is kept in a heated garage, and battery is disconnected for the winter while the car is off the road..

ImpalaSlayer

12-13-2009, 04:58 PM

i THINK mine is original but its on its way out.

J D

12-13-2009, 10:28 PM

I'm still on the original battery, but I need to get some of the corrosion off the positive terminal that I've noticed recently. Oh and I've got 36k on it, and underdrive pulleys on a stock tune, good thing most of my miles are highway or I would have drained it a while ago.

kartherma

12-14-2009, 05:14 AM

This is kind of odd....
I just had to replace my battery last weekend!

and now that I have, I think I need to replace the alternator now....here is why.

I noticed about 3 months ago that my remote door lock didnt work any more. when I replaced the battery in the car it worked again. (i thought it was the batter in the key fob).

One week after battery replacement, the remote doesnt work any more...

What is the "normal" reading for the voltage meter (mine seems low, but I just dont know anymore...)

also, since I am in Guam, I really need to order the parts online and ship them, it is much cheaper that way.

So, when I go to autozone.com there are a few choices, but most notably there is the "stock" 130 non-police package one and the 175 amp "police option" one.

can i get and install the 175 amp one?

be good!
curt

MM2004

12-14-2009, 07:01 AM

Original battery and doing well!

32,8** on the clock.

:cool:

Mike.

Glockafella

12-14-2009, 07:24 AM

Glockafella

12-14-2009, 07:35 AM

http://www.paperformance.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=295

Stranger in the Black Sedan

12-14-2009, 08:09 AM

My 8/2002 build car still has the original battery. Only 41k miles on the car but it does sit a lot and then get started and shut off after only 30 seconds of run time when I'm moving cars around the garage, and I don't have a battery tender on it. I am hoping it will last an even 10 years.

Matt In Detroit

12-14-2009, 08:15 AM

I believe mine is original. 28.5 on the clock and 6 years old. Seems to perform fine. Had a real cold day here last week (low teens) started fine.

GordonB

12-14-2009, 12:24 PM

Hi,
I have both orig. Motorcraft batteries -- one in the '03, built May '03, 75K mi. and one in the '04, built June '04, 66K mi. I think I have a good battery/electrical tester coming in my Christmas stocking from Santa so I'll be able to check out both batteries in more detail in the next 3 weeks!
GordonB

hotford

12-14-2009, 12:43 PM

mine is a late build in 02 and the battery is still kicking, no signs of slowing down...But its only a matter of time, 74xxxx klms.

FastMerc

12-14-2009, 12:48 PM

Still have my original works fine.Motorcrafts are hard to beat just put one this year in the old 63 Ford galaxie has a heck of a warranty.

irish

12-15-2009, 06:47 AM

My battery is 6yrs. old & still cranking strong, even here in N.J. with the damp chilly weather we have been having.

silvermm254

12-15-2009, 09:11 AM

04' going on 39,000 miles. Still oem baby!!!!!

Merc-O-matic

12-15-2009, 10:47 AM

Still running with original battery (3/21/03) but using Battery Tender
for taking a nap. Also, 4 original tires with the original AIR!!!!

Gotta Love It!:beatnik:

03blackmerc

12-15-2009, 01:15 PM

122,000 on mine still orginal battery & alternator thinking about swapping them out this winter though.

offroadkarter

12-15-2009, 01:23 PM

Bigdogjim

12-15-2009, 03:08 PM

Well Offroadkarter you pretty much put your foot in you mouth yet again!

CRUZTAKER

12-15-2009, 07:09 PM

Original August 2002 battery.

I didn't realize how long I have had it.:rolleyes:

chader

12-16-2009, 05:31 AM

MM has had a battery change, but my '95 Grand Marquis is still going...it needs to be changed soon!

dohc324ci

12-16-2009, 10:57 AM

Just swapped mine out at 110K and 6yrs; bought another motorcraft 850ca.

SILVERSURFER03

12-16-2009, 11:12 AM

Just switched mine after 114k on the oring.battery

mossiehorn

12-17-2009, 11:09 AM

original and she still starts even when I forget to plug her it. The boat gets the garage.

Dragcity

12-17-2009, 01:04 PM

98,000 miles on my 2004 OEM and no battery charger. Battery has never been dead.

Storing for the first time this year, So I'll run it for 30 minutes once a month.

Shora

01-24-2010, 06:03 PM

300a, built in 08/2002. 66K miles.

Still on original battery.

I have been looking for a replacement though for when the day comes.

A month later and she was replaced.

The details of the new battery can be found here:

http://mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?p=855281#post85 5281

FordNut

01-24-2010, 06:25 PM

Wife's car has 150 k and still cranking on the OEM 2003 battery.

BurpyTurtle

01-25-2010, 06:54 PM

04 38,000 miles

I had to change the battery 3 days before Christmas 2009.

dgearlsr

01-27-2010, 02:19 AM

12/17/03 57300 mi yea baby can i get 1 more yr lol

Mote

01-27-2010, 07:08 AM

'03 w/32K miles, original battery

babbage

01-27-2010, 07:21 AM

03 with 55K (right now) I did change out the battery for Boston Mikes which was a sealed OEM Motorcraft battery. My origional battery was also a motorcraft but you could take off the caps to add water. I guess I should replace it this summer?

jonroe

01-27-2010, 07:22 AM

5/18/04, 70700 miles, original still in place.

CooLManZilla

02-15-2010, 11:26 AM

Bought mine June 02. Just replaced this summer, after I gave someone a jump; kept blowing a fuse under the hood, finally checked and replaced battery.

Ken

Do you remember what fuse?

CooLManZilla

02-15-2010, 11:30 AM

quite sure my battery is original.
Car is 04 with 25k miles,
seems to still work but reads a little low on a tester.
I am blowing a fuse under the hood as another member had stated.
It seems that this would be a less expensive route than a new alternator.

JUST 1BULLITT

02-15-2010, 11:36 AM

Thanks for all the responses guys N' Gals! :D Pretty IMPRESSIVE #'s with lots of miles on our OEM Batteries! GOOD DEAL! it's been a TOUGH WINTER for all of and it surely "AIN'T over yet" so we'll see IF mine keeps cracking once I go to get 'er out of storage finally! (looking forward to that day!!) :banana2: I'll keep you all posted as the "Winter Hibernation" period ends! :eek:

69428SCJ

02-15-2010, 11:55 AM

Mine appears to be the original, with 94,000ish miles on it!

B.C. Bake

02-15-2010, 12:37 PM

04 and just replaced mine. Not mileage, Maybe because it sits allot. I went with the optima red, I have them in all my vehicles now and have had real good luck with them.:)

LeoVampire

02-15-2010, 01:24 PM

But already have a replacment lined up for this year. I noticed as the temp started to drop and we got our first snow fall it was cranking slower and the motor raced at first to charge it up where it never did that before.

So planed on a new Interstate MEGA-TRON PLUS - 85 MONTHS - 850 CCA battery $125.95 for her next month.

I figured I am replacing the bad o2 sensor on the forward left bank and going to have it disconected anyways so might was well get it out of the way and have no worries with going to Carlisle this year. It will actualy be the longest trip I ever made with her @ one point and time.

drj02

02-25-2010, 05:17 AM

2004 w/ 16,400 miles. Still crankin'! (OEM Original battery) Will be replacing soon just to be safe with the OEM Motorcraft 850 CCA version. No sense in pressing my luck fer a buck n' a quarter or so.

Black Dynamite

02-25-2010, 10:03 AM

Mines still cranking away. Although I think it's finally starting to show signs of weakness. 69k miles and (unfortunately) still my DD.

Ozark Marauder

02-25-2010, 10:57 AM

7 years and still cranking

LSp8

02-25-2010, 12:01 PM

Appears to be the original, 9/23/03 @ 70,xxx miles and starts like champ. Hasn't been moved this winter at all just weekly start-ups. OEM Motorcraft is the way to go.

Granite

02-25-2010, 12:22 PM

i replaced my oem battery in my '03 at about 115K i'm at about 124K now

JUST 1BULLITT

02-25-2010, 06:21 PM

Yeah, I'm going w/ OEM Motorcraft for sure; just wish the Dealer's would put 'em on sale once in awhile! :D (MAYBE I'll get lucky and when the time comes they'll price match?!)

Keep on Crankin' out there! I'll let you know when I replace mine.

:eek:
Appears to be the original, 9/23/03 @ 70,xxx miles and starts like champ. Hasn't been moved this winter at all just weekly start-ups. OEM Motorcraft is the way to go.

SVT_MERC

02-25-2010, 07:11 PM

My '02 still had its original Motorcraft battery at its time of death last year with 98k on it.

B.C. Bake

02-26-2010, 12:10 AM

Lots of power compared to my OEM.

SC Cheesehead

03-21-2010, 08:27 AM

6 years, 22 months, 8 days, and 55,794 miles after original installation, time to change out the OEM battery. Still cranking, but getting weak.

CRUZTAKER

03-21-2010, 06:36 PM

I posted already that my '02 is still in the car...but today learned that my grandfather's battery went in his '98 Marquis.

It was the origianal!:eek:

That's the oldest I have heard of around here thus far.

SC Cheesehead

03-21-2010, 07:30 PM

Dragcity

03-22-2010, 06:46 AM

Well, I think it is time for me. Had to give somone a jump yesterday and noticed my green dot is now orange.

There's my sign !

JimP

03-22-2010, 06:43 PM

February 2003 build here, still have the OEM battery but will be changing it for peace of mind. No signs of trouble but you never know, the hot weather also rakes havoc on batteries.

Kennyrauder

03-22-2010, 08:06 PM

We are fortunate in Canada. My garage keeps my Marauder & battery at 32F plus the battery is always on charge. Fired it up last week after 5 months in hibernation...just like new. I think I'm going to be good for at least 2 more years.Marauder was born 10/ 02.

jabird56

03-23-2010, 04:47 AM

Had to replace the battery twice in the first year (2003) of ownership, bad lot as I guess. The 3rd battery is still kickin" strong since then.

Didn't knock on wood hard enough, battery is dead this morning. To add to the chaos:

The Jetta went into the shop last night for a rattle in the right rear suspension.
And the Superduty has a tire sidewall that's "herniated" (bubble blister), will be replaced later today.

All I can say is FUN FUN......

babbage

03-24-2010, 06:45 AM

Lots of power compared to my OEM.
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=18 909&d=1267168206

Looks good I was thinking about getting one of these optima batteries too.
They do have less CCA than a motorcraft (850CCA) but they are cleaner - no hydrogen or corrosion terminals.

I was quoted $124 for an 850CCA Motorcraft battery, I'm not sure which way to go. How is this held down?

Marylandrauder

03-25-2010, 06:44 AM

04 still cranking

blazen71

03-25-2010, 09:57 AM

Just had to replace my OEM battery last week.

1time

03-26-2010, 12:18 PM

120k same battery

ctrlraven

03-26-2010, 04:00 PM

I had my OEM replaced little over 2 years ago. I keep the OEM in my shop at work as a 12v power source for testing my units. I just throw my battery jumper box on it for 5 mins and it's good for 2 months.