Battery Replacement

[BillyL]

FYI. The two times I have replaced my battery I have went with the OEM motorcraft battery from the local ford dealer. The last time the off the shelf battery was dated two years and I had to request they order another one. Yesterday I was at my local Advance Auto Parts store and saw they are now stocking Die Hard brand batteries. The store had a vented 750CCA battery in stock listed as a OEM replacement for our thunderbirds. The battery retailed for $160.00 so it would have to be on sale to be a better value than motorcraft. But at least it is an alternative source. Has anyone tried the Die Hard battery in their bird? Back in the day I would buy Die Hard batteries from Sears.

[clenet]

Die Hard's are not what they were years ago. Anyone that I have talked to in the last year or so have never had anything good to say about the Die Hard's and they all said they didn't last long at all. I would stick to the OEM Motorcraft. Yes, watch out for the dates on the new battery.

[007Cruiser]

The Die Hard brand is now owned by Advance Auto.

In 2019 Johnson Controls sold their battery division to Clarios, LLC, who manufacture DieHard brand, along with Duralast, Varta, and AC Delco, as well as 20 other brands.

[Frank Dreano]

The Die Hard brand is now owned by Advance Auto.

In 2019 Johnson Controls sold their battery division to Clarios, LLC, who manufacture DieHard brand, along with Duralast, Varta, and AC Delco, as well as 20 other brands.

Yes, there are like only two battery manufacturers in business now regardless of the labeling.
I just replaced the 2002 birds battery with a Duralast from Batteries Plus franchise down the road.
I doubt seriously a Motocraft label means much anymore.

[007Cruiser]

Best I can find is that Motorcraft was made by Johnson Controls in 2010. It’s no doubt now one of the 20 other brand’s made by Clarios. I’m sure that they are Ford specifications. I’ve had good luck with Motorcraft

[Eyelawdoc]

I have replaced the original battery in my 2003 twice as well. Both times, I purchased as my replacement a Motorcraft from the local Ford dealer. Not only were they less expensive than the aftermarket auto parts store brands, but they have lasted a long time and given good service. My last battery is dated 6/16 and is still going strong. YMMV!

[BillyL]

I agree the OEM motorcraft battery is the best way to go as long as Ford continues to offer them and if your dealer has one in stock. I thought it was good information to share that there is an alternative aftermarket available. Advance Auto parts stores are just about everywhere.