Stock battery life? - Honda Pilot

mfisher1967 · 04-11-2008, 11:06 AM

How long before you opted to replace the OEM battery that came with your Pilot? Is there any value, or advantage, in sticking with an OEM replacement battery?

humanoid · 04-11-2008, 11:07 AM

I'd say about 4 years and the OEM battery is crap. There are other batteries out there that are much better.

N_Jay · 04-11-2008, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by humanoid
I'd say about 4 years and the OEM battery is crap. There are other batteries out there that are much better.

Got over 5 years from our Pilot and only replaced it as a precaution after it was killed 3 times a short span (interior lights left on, etc.)

6 years and going strong on the CRV battery.

If these are "crap", how long does a "good" battery last?

humanoid · 04-11-2008, 11:35 AM

My OEM one lasted a tad over 3 years, so I guess, N_Jay, you got good OEM ones then, because every car I had the OEM battery has lasted less than 4 years.

N_Jay · 04-11-2008, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by humanoid
My OEM one lasted a tad over 3 years, so I guess, N_Jay, you got good OEM ones then, because every car I had the OEM battery has lasted less than 4 years.

How long have replacement batteries lasted?

In general, battery life is shortened most by high temperatures.
While people worry about the winter killing your battery, it is the summer that does the most damage.

I get great life in IL, but got so/so life in SoCal.

My brother got terrible battery life in AZ.

humanoid · 04-11-2008, 12:08 PM

Can't believe I'm gonna say this, but yeah, you're probably right

. I thought about the heat issue after I posted. Heat can really shorten the life of the battery.

whizmo · 04-11-2008, 12:37 PM

Periods of disuse (e.g., leaving the car the airport for weeks at a time), deep cycling (leaving the dome light on overnight and having to jumper the battery to get going again), and short trips (cold starts and never driving far enough to full charge) are the biggest factors in battery life.

These days, the OEM batteries that ship with vehicles are Okay, generally equivalent to the cheaper models in aftermarket lines. Anything after 4 years or so is living on borrowed time and I replace at the first sign of weakness (slow starting in cold temps or after sitting any significant time).

If you have a Costco membership, I'd buy a battery there. Reasonable quality, reasonable price.

- Mark

dustino8 · 04-11-2008, 03:43 PM

My 03 is still on the original. Thought about replacing this winter, but it still turned over strong after sitting outside for a few hours in -30C temperatures. However, I've never drained the battery, so thats probably the reason for its long life.

N_Jay · 04-11-2008, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dustino8
My 03 is still on the original. Thought about replacing this winter, but it still turned over strong after sitting outside for a few hours in -30C temperatures. However, I've never drained the battery, so thats probably the reason for its long life.

And the general cold weather (or lack of hot weather)

ctobio · 04-11-2008, 04:28 PM

Note that a battery will last so long as you maintain it. The battery in my Pilot is not maintenance free. No battery is, unless it says so. Therefore, every 6 months you must check the water level of the battery. More if you live in a hot climate. Add distilled water as needed.

jdeanski · 04-11-2008, 08:05 PM

My Pilot turned 4 years old last month and I figured I was on borrowed time with the battery so I bought a new one at Costco. I swear that the idle learn procedure was in the manual but never found it. HP.org search came through for me.

ltp646 · 04-12-2008, 10:01 PM

The original battery in my '04 Pilot is still good. I Have the vehicle for about 4.5 years. The battery could be a few months older. Plan to replace it soon with a new battery from Costco. I've been using Costco batteries in my other vehicles for about 15 years now. I found them to be very good.

acornct_dad · 04-13-2008, 12:58 PM

I have found in the past that sometimes you get what you pay for. Cheap batteries don't last very long. So it would behoove you to invest in a quality battery.

Go to this site for more info on auto batteries.

Auto Batteries

acornct_dad

N_Jay · 04-13-2008, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by acornct_dad
I have found in the past that sometimes you get what you pay for. Cheap batteries don't last very long. So it would behoove you to invest in a quality battery.

Go to this site for more info on auto batteries.

Auto Batteries

acornct_dad

I agree.

Cheap batteries are usually not worth the trouble and expensive batteries are usually not worth the cost.

Get the cheapest battery that fits from a reputable retailer.

Costco has never done me wrong.

xGS · 04-13-2008, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by N_Jay

Cheap batteries are usually not worth the trouble and expensive batteries are usually not worth the cost.

Get the cheapest battery that fits from a reputable retailer.

How can you be certain that the "cheapest battery that fits from a reputable retailer" is not one that is "not worth the trouble?"

Is physical size the only criterion of importance?
Shouldn't the CCA rating be considered, as well?

04-11-2008, 11:06 AM	#1 (permalink)
mfisher1967 Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: South Houston, TX Posts: 58 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Stock battery life? How long before you opted to replace the OEM battery that came with your Pilot? Is there any value, or advantage, in sticking with an OEM replacement battery?

04-11-2008, 11:07 AM	#2 (permalink)
humanoid Super Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Sunny SoCal Posts: 2,970 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I'd say about 4 years and the OEM battery is crap. There are other batteries out there that are much better. __________________ 2005 EX-L Sage Brush Pearl -->OEM Running Boards, OEM rear mud guards, OEM crossbars, AVS bug deflector, 5000K HIDs, OEM Accord EX emblem, full sized spare, Hella FF 75 driving lamps, Nifty CatchAll Mats <------------ click here first, n0oB!!!

04-11-2008, 11:35 AM	#4 (permalink)
humanoid Super Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Sunny SoCal Posts: 2,970 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	My OEM one lasted a tad over 3 years, so I guess, N_Jay, you got good OEM ones then, because every car I had the OEM battery has lasted less than 4 years. __________________ 2005 EX-L Sage Brush Pearl -->OEM Running Boards, OEM rear mud guards, OEM crossbars, AVS bug deflector, 5000K HIDs, OEM Accord EX emblem, full sized spare, Hella FF 75 driving lamps, Nifty CatchAll Mats <------------ click here first, n0oB!!!

04-11-2008, 12:08 PM	#6 (permalink)
humanoid Super Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Sunny SoCal Posts: 2,970 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Can't believe I'm gonna say this, but yeah, you're probably right . I thought about the heat issue after I posted. Heat can really shorten the life of the battery. __________________ 2005 EX-L Sage Brush Pearl -->OEM Running Boards, OEM rear mud guards, OEM crossbars, AVS bug deflector, 5000K HIDs, OEM Accord EX emblem, full sized spare, Hella FF 75 driving lamps, Nifty CatchAll Mats <------------ click here first, n0oB!!!

04-11-2008, 03:43 PM	#8 (permalink)
dustino8 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: SK, Canada Posts: 764 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	My 03 is still on the original. Thought about replacing this winter, but it still turned over strong after sitting outside for a few hours in -30C temperatures. However, I've never drained the battery, so thats probably the reason for its long life. __________________ 2003 SS EX-L; Sidesteps, aftermarket hitch and tranny cooler, prodigy brake controller, Airlift 1000 2007 Toyota Tundra Dearly departed 1991 Prelude and 2005 Civic

04-11-2008, 12:37 PM	#7 (permalink)
whizmo Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: WA State Posts: 1,817 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Periods of disuse (e.g., leaving the car the airport for weeks at a time), deep cycling (leaving the dome light on overnight and having to jumper the battery to get going again), and short trips (cold starts and never driving far enough to full charge) are the biggest factors in battery life. These days, the OEM batteries that ship with vehicles are Okay, generally equivalent to the cheaper models in aftermarket lines. Anything after 4 years or so is living on borrowed time and I replace at the first sign of weakness (slow starting in cold temps or after sitting any significant time). If you have a Costco membership, I'd buy a battery there. Reasonable quality, reasonable price. - Mark

04-11-2008, 04:28 PM	#10 (permalink)
ctobio Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Central Connecticut Posts: 737 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Note that a battery will last so long as you maintain it. The battery in my Pilot is not maintenance free. No battery is, unless it says so. Therefore, every 6 months you must check the water level of the battery. More if you live in a hot climate. Add distilled water as needed. __________________ Constantino Tobio Vehicles in the driveway: '06 Honda Pilot EX-L w/RES, Redrock Pearl '03 VW Passat Wagon GLX V6, Blue Anthracite '73 VW Fastback, Marina Blue '94 John Deere LX176

04-11-2008, 08:05 PM	#11 (permalink)
jdeanski Drill Here, Drill Now Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: North Florida Posts: 1,839 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	My Pilot turned 4 years old last month and I figured I was on borrowed time with the battery so I bought a new one at Costco. I swear that the idle learn procedure was in the manual but never found it. HP.org search came through for me. __________________ 2004 Starlight Silver, OEM Self installed accessories: Rear Splash Guards, Running Boards, Trailer Hitch with Wiring Harness, Auto Dim Mirror, Cargo Tray, Chrome Exhaust Tips. Non OEM self installed: PIAA Extreme White Headlight Bulbs, USA Spec 6 Disc OEM type Changer, Polk db 65 speakers in front and rear doors, K&N Filter, Hardwired Valentine V1, Redline Water Wetter, Weathertech License Plate Frame, In Channel Weatherflectors, Audiovox Express, Catch-All Premium Mats, Michelin Cross Terrain's, Real Rosewood Dash Kit from Sherwood, Fullsize Spare, Bosch Micro Edge Excel Wiper Blades, T-Rex Billet Grill, Mobil 1 0w20 Oil, TYC clear taillights, garmin nuvi 660 1984 Jeep CJ7 2004 Pontiac Vibe

04-12-2008, 10:01 PM	#12 (permalink)
ltp646 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: New York Posts: 105 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	The original battery in my '04 Pilot is still good. I Have the vehicle for about 4.5 years. The battery could be a few months older. Plan to replace it soon with a new battery from Costco. I've been using Costco batteries in my other vehicles for about 15 years now. I found them to be very good.

04-13-2008, 12:58 PM	#13 (permalink)
acornct_dad Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: God's Country - Virginia Posts: 23 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I have found in the past that sometimes you get what you pay for. Cheap batteries don't last very long. So it would behoove you to invest in a quality battery. Go to this site for more info on auto batteries. Auto Batteries acornct_dad

Remove Advertisements Sponsored Links
Piloteers.org Advertisement

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread: