Battary Warranty Question

[blaniac22]

I took my 4R in for an oil change on Wednesday (the day before Thanksgiving). i've had it for about 2 years 8 months and 26K miles.

Anyway, the service manager came out and said everything was good except the battery tested "marginal" but it's not bad enough to replace under warranty. It was late in the day and I had a few stops to make afterwards at places that we're getting ready to close, so I didn't let it get to me figuring I'll look into it in the next week or two.

When I got home, I looked at the paperwork closer and it said "Marginal" and vehicle may not start at temps below 26 degrees. Well, if I were staying in San Antonio that wouldn't be a problem, but I'm getting ready to take a road trip at Christmas where it'll surely be under 26 degrees.

I looked at my warranty paperwork - it doesn't specifically say the battery is covered, but doesn't say it isn't either. Parts guy at the dealership says it is, but I'm not all that trusting of the service manager.

What are your guys thoughts?

 

[riverider]

I took my 4R in for an oil change on Wednesday (the day before Thanksgiving). i've had it for about 2 years 8 months and 26K miles.

Anyway, the service manager came out and said everything was good except the battery tested "marginal" but it's not bad enough to replace under warranty. It was late in the day and I had a few stops to make afterwards at places that we're getting ready to close, so I didn't let it get to me figuring I'll look into it in the next week or two.

When I got home, I looked at the paperwork closer and it said "Marginal" and vehicle may not start at temps below 26 degrees. Well, if I were staying in San Antonio that wouldn't be a problem, but I'm getting ready to take a road trip at Christmas where it'll surely be under 26 degrees.

I looked at my warranty paperwork - it doesn't specifically say the battery is covered, but doesn't say it isn't either. Parts guy at the dealership says it is, but I'm not all that trusting of the service manager.

What are your guys thoughts?

Unless your battery is really dead I don't see any warranty doing you any good. A good battery is $90 at Auto Zone, if it was me I would get auto Zone to do a battery load test. If they showed you the test and it was the same "Marginal" results I would invest in a new battery.

Even the OEM battery's should last four years in the worst conditions.

 

[MikesToy]

Why didn't you have them replace it under warranty? I would've have them replaced as long as it was the "Panasonic" battery.

 

[blaniac22]

Why didn't you have them replace it under warranty? I would've have them replaced as long as it was the "Panasonic" battery.

Normally I would have pushed it - but it was late in the day, had other errands to run and I couldn't wait around another 1/2 hour for them to get to it. I haven't had any problems with it so far, it's the original OEM, and the blue ring is still there for what that's worth.

I'm going to go to Auto Zone down the street and have them do a load test to get a 2nd opinion. Then I'll call the dealer today.

 

[Nuke]

I find that any battery will go south faster the more you do in-town and short trip style of driving although some will simply crap-out for no apparent reason. There are many variables but quality of construction is #1. Most people don't realize the abuse most starting batteries take.

If you're not the type to be intimidated then you probably can get it replaced although most dealerships will argue. I have heard where some dealerships WILL replace it under warranty. Otherwise, just go get a new battery and be done. IMO, Interstate is a great 1st Choice. As much as I like Optimas, I think they're just overkill and overpriced considering our application.

 

[blaniac22]

The dealer replaced the battery under warranty with no hassle whatsoever. Admittedly, I'm pleasantly surprised. They gave me one of their Trustart batteries - I don't know who actually makes them.

I can't complain - it's $100 or so I don't have to fork out before the holidays. At least I have the peace of mind knowing it's good.

Thanks for all your input!