anybody running the Costco version of interstate 24f for at least a few years and happy, i.e. no issues?

Full details:

I replaced the original battery in our 4runner with an Costco interstate battery a year and half ago. I went to drive it yesterday and the battery was dead so I had to jump it. I did not leave any lights on as far as I can tell.

I work from home so I dont drive a lot and when I do usually pretty short drives. We did just recently drive it to go camping which was 2.5 hours each way so figure that should of charged it up.

After bumping it and driving it around it sort of holding a charge, barely turns over but does, so I am figuring that means my alternator is working.

Costco said they do not have the AGM version so I would need to stick with the standard 24f so wondering if I should. 1.5 years is pretty disappointing.

TIA
Jeff

6 years on my first Costco Interstate 24F, 2 years on the second and so far no problems. I have used them on previous vehicles and not had any problems. 5th Gens do have parasitic draw that will discharge a battery if not driven regularly. However, I think 1.5 years is not normal for these batteries . Have you tried putting a charger on it? Also, places like AutoZone, etc. will test it for free.

thanks for the reply.

I could put a charger on it but it dying on me does not give me a lot of confidence. I dont drive a lot but I do drive it, most it sits is a couple of days.

I am going to put a trickle charger on it, will take awhile to charge back up. Need to go to costco was thinking of swapping the battery then but might wait if it keeps a charge.

You need to upgrade to AGM and you have to charge it or drive it (at least 15 min a day).

When i was on disability for 6 month, i had a hard time keeping my batteries charged (drove it once a week). Back to work now (15 min commute), battery stays charged and charges fine.

Any warranty left on that battery? It’s been a while since I’ve dealt with a battery warranty, but it seemed they were around two or three years.

I had a battery crap out on me on my Subaru Outback three or four years ago, took it back to Carquest, and it was replaced free, including the tech installing it for me. The battery that died was between 1.5 and 2 years old.

yes, warranty is 3 years. You just give it back to you for credit what you paid. They do not even check if good or not like a normal costco return. From previous experience you need to do yourself.

I’ve always heard good things about Costco and Interstate batteries in general. But today’s batteries take a beating in modern vehicles. So any individual battery that comes off the assembly line weak will be the one that dies in somebody’s car or truck, giving the brand a black eye.

Unless you want or have a need for something like an Optima or a two battery set up, if it were me I’d just go the warranty route.

My nearest Costco is a three hour drive away north or south (Reno, Nampa, Idaho), so I buy from my local Carquest. Pretty much all batteries are made by Johnson Controls or East Penn anyway.

I have some aftermarket stuff and a 55ma current draw after everything falls asleep. That is fine for a daily driver, but I started to work from home and was having battery issues. Each time you drain the battery, it kills off a little bit of it's life. I installed a quick disconnect and hung it out the front grill to a battery tender jr for awhile

I finally dropped the money on a decent battery. Hybrid Battery.


There are coupons out there for 20% off. I have not had any issues since.

I've been using Walmart batteries for years, no problems and the warrantees are second to none. And they are everywhere.
The 4R sits unused for 2 or 3 weeks at a time with no issues.
The heat in S Florida is brutal on batteries, but have had no problems.

There is a local outfit that has brand new batteries for $50.00 with a 1yr warrantee.
So far I'm 2.5 years into one of those with no problems but not in a 4R.

Make sure your terminals and cable ends are very clean.
I douse them with a baking soda solution before connection. You cannot always see the corrosion.
Protect the batt terminal connections with grease to prevent oxidation.

I purchase one from Costco about every 24 months for my 99 SR5. It doesn't get driven much and must have a phantom leak. 1st 2 returns cost me $1. Last one was $20 due to inflation (Let's Go Brandon), but still worth it. I have had even worse performance from AC/Delco.

put a tricle charger on it when not in use for a while.