Battery replacement suggestions

[Sunnybird]

Hello everyone. Sunnybird’s battery died today. I just stored her for the first winter, started her up every week throughout the winter and thought I had made it...but it appears I did not. The existing battery is a NAPA Legend. I am curious if I should stick with that vented battery or if any of you experienced guys would suggest a better one?

Thank you in advance for your time and knowledge.

Melissa

[steelblue5505]

Because the battery is in the closed spare tire well in the closed trunk you will be a very wise person to keep using a vented battery, no matter who sells it to you.

[Sunnybird]

Thank you Mike. Do you suggest any particular vented battery manufacturer over another?

[007Cruiser]

Many of us have had very long life with the Ford Motorcraft battery. Pretty reasonable from the dealer. If you have them do the installation, be sure that they reconnect the vent line.

[Sunnybird]

Thank you Gene. Had not considered this as an option.

[2K2BIRD]

I agree with Gene that the Motorcraft batteries have been pretty darn good performers over the years.

This might be helpful for you:

https://owner.ford.com/maintenance/s...couponId=BT010

[Sunnybird]

Hi Paul. Thank you for the link. My brother Bob just mentioned to go to the Ford site and there might be a coupon there. Yes there is. Thank you!

[007Cruiser]

Once the battery is changed there’s a proper procedure for restarting the electronics. This comes from the 2003 owner manual. Check your manual or download one on line.

Because your vehicle’s engine is electronically controlled by a computer, some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery. When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the engine must relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy for optimum driveability and performance. To begin this process:
1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.
2. Put the gearshift in P (Park), turn off all accessories and start the engine.
3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
6. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.
• The vehicle may need to be driven to relearn the idle and fuel trim strategy.
• If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle trim is eventually relearned.
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery installed, the transmission must relearn its adaptive strategy. As a result of this, the transmission may shift firmly. This operation is considered normal and will not affect function or durability of the transmission. Over time the adaptive learning process will fully update transmission operation to its optimum shift feel.
If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed, the short drop glass, clock and the preset radio stations must be reset once the battery is reconnected.

[Gobird]

Motor Craft only.

[65TBSTEVE]

I found the Lincoln dealer in town to be about $20. less expensive for the Motorcraft battery a couple weeks ago than the Ford dealer.... $129.95

[65TBSTEVE]

I found the Lincoln dealer in town to be about $20. less expensive for the Motorcraft battery a couple weeks ago than the Ford dealer.... $129.95

[65TBSTEVE]

I found the Lincoln dealer in town to be about $20. less expensive for the Motorcraft battery a couple weeks ago than the Ford dealer.... $129.95

[Sunnybird]

You guys all rock. Thank you for all the feedback and for sharing your knowledge. I appreciate all of you.

[wcoates]

Well the Grey Ghost has given up the ………...well you know! Actually had AAA out for a jump and possible replacement but they didn't have a vented battery.

Feel stupid asking after owning for 7 years but what/how/where are the venting hook ups. Ask because the Allantes I owned had a tinker-top set of pieces for venting and I don't see anything like that in the Bird's battery area.

[Birdlover]

Well the Grey Ghost has given up the ………...well you know! Actually had AAA out for a jump and possible replacement but they didn't have a vented battery.

Feel stupid asking after owning for 7 years but what/how/where are the venting hook ups. Ask because the Allantes I owned had a tinker-top set of pieces for venting and I don't see anything like that in the Bird's battery area.

On the Motorcraft battery there is an oval vent hole near the negative terminal. Vent tube should be attached to it. Hope this helps.