Battery failed (again)

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tinmanSC

tinmanSC

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Second Napa battery to fail in the warranty period in my GS300.
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I purchased a Napa Legend model 8424 on 9/01/2007, it failed on 10/27/2010 and I had it replaced, pro-rated, with the same model. Last week the replacement failed, on 12/31/2012. I went and got a replacement for the replacement and it looks like they have changed the battery design a bit. It's a slightly different plastic case, and the CCA have been increased slightly. Even with this change, I'm getting pretty suspicious of Napa batteries. I've had several Napa parts fail over the last 3-4 years. So far, this makes 1 jack, 2 rotors which arrived warped, 1 brake pad (friction material broke off the backing plate!), and now 2 batteries. What the heck is going on over there???
 
IIRC Napa is exide. Ive not had issues with exide batteries when they have been in my applications, but many others have.

So Id be suspect of an exide battery.

But user can be a major factor too. Excess draw, especially when the car is turned off, like dome light, sitting with the radio on, etc. can have an effect.
 
I don't really care about a product failing in warranty.

Much better than it lasting and extra year and a half then you having to pay for the replacement.

If I ever change a battery I try to stick with companies like Varta.

I try to avoid shop branded stuff to be honest.

Unless the warranty period is longer than the others at the same price point.
 
Originally Posted By: bigjl
I don't really care about a product failing in warranty.



It's a pro-rated warranty. So it's not a free replacement.
frown.gif


But yes, the reason I purchased this battery was because the warranty was so long, 84-month. glad I had the long warranty, but this has failed twice with in the pro-rated time. It has cost as much as 2 new batteries.
 
Originally Posted By: LT4 Vette


JC = quality.



Im not so sure... The JC batteries Ive used in my truck have not lasted well. Granted they are WM branded, so may be made to a lower standard.
 
Napa used to use Exide for batteries. Now they use East Penn (Deka), which probably explains the change in design. Your first battery was almost certainly an Exide... although I'm not sure about your second one. If I recall correctly, I started reading about the change in 2010... so depending on how long your first replacement was on the shelf, it might still have been an Exide.

Deka batteries are quite well respected. I think you will have a much better experience with your latest warranty replacement.

Of course, anyone can make a bad battery. I had an Interstate (Johnson Controls) battery fail in less than 6 months with a shorted cell.

As for Napa's other parts, I wouldn't be surprised if most of them said "Made in China" on the box. I don't think this is intentional on Napa's part. All they can get is what their suppliers have to offer. Sadly, more and more suppliers are moving towards cheaper labor and lower quality parts. Changing suppliers is only an option until all of them are making junk.
 
I was under the impression that NAPA,after decades of using Exide for its batteries (Globe Union before that) changed to East Penn a couple years ago. Here's a heads up....shortly,all battery companies will be going to a flat 1-2-3-4 year free replacement warranties and dropping pro rate.And you can only warranty a battery once.It doesnt start over when its replaced under warranty.Everyone will be going to this.Wal Mart already has,Exide is working on it and others will follow.
 
As for other parts failing,you are probably buying their second line stuff....Tru Grip this,Tru Stop that,Napa silver here,powerglide bearings there....seems a lot of NAPA franchisees dont want to stock 2 lines,so they beef up on the low priced stuff due to local competition.
 
You're sure the alternator isn't overcharging, and the starter isn't bad with a high draw? Any aftermarket lighting or stereo drawing more than your alternator can output?
 
Originally Posted By: LeakySeals
Do you plan to change brands? I can recommend if you want.


The Kirkland battery at Costco is made by Johnson Controls (JC)....is less costly than most....and has a long warranty.

Paid just $68 for mine about a year-and-a-half ago. No issues and performing strongly.
 
I laughed when I read this as I just made a 2 hour trip to Tyler Texas to fix a young ladies "dead car". The battery was bad and it was a NAPA battery she had just bought in Nov of 2012. Luckily they gave me no trouble in exchanging it for a new one. The Napa guy said the battery was made by Deka.

I sure won't use a Napa based on this thread.
 
Originally Posted By: asand1
You're sure the alternator isn't overcharging, and the starter isn't bad with a high draw? Any aftermarket lighting or stereo drawing more than your alternator can output?


that was the first thought I had when it failed the first time, and I checked it again the second time last week. Voltage is 14.15-14.25v when running and holds there for every test I did. Seems normal to me. There is no aftermarket lighting or sound stuff on this car. Not much of anything aftermarket, actually.
 
Originally Posted By: NHGUY
I was under the impression that NAPA,after decades of using Exide for its batteries (Globe Union before that) changed to East Penn a couple years ago. Here's a heads up....shortly,all battery companies will be going to a flat 1-2-3-4 year free replacement warranties and dropping pro rate.And you can only warranty a battery once.It doesnt start over when its replaced under warranty.Everyone will be going to this.Wal Mart already has,Exide is working on it and others will follow.


Walmart goes by the manufacturers date if you do not have the paperwork. How will they catch people going for a warranty on the 2nd battery?

What is happening to these failed batteries?
 
Originally Posted By: jim302
Napa used to use Exide for batteries. Now they use East Penn (Deka), which probably explains the change in design. Your first battery was almost certainly an Exide... although I'm not sure about your second one.

Right, when I was battery shopping a few months ago the NAPA batteries appeared East Penn/Deka made. Not a bad deal either, as I recall it was $99 for 72 month warranty, group 78 size

However, I ended going with a AC-Delco battery as they've always served me well in the past.
 
I think I am having a similar issue- I had my battery replaced in February with a NAPA 7591- the battery lasted maybe two weeks when the altenator went out. Had both the altenator and the battery replaced- since the battery got a bad cell - about 3 weeks after that the altenator went out again - so it was replaced again, but not the battery, yesterday my car stalled and limped into a mall parking lot, said low battery. The car would start but not stay started. I got a jump and the car would stay started and run as long as it was connected to the tow truck. After disconnection the car would die in a minute or two. I had it towed to my mechanic, who I hope will say battery, I may ask him to use a different brand....
 
Originally Posted By: JMG
I think I am having a similar issue- I had my battery replaced in February with a NAPA 7591- the battery lasted maybe two weeks when the altenator went out. Had both the altenator and the battery replaced- since the battery got a bad cell - about 3 weeks after that the altenator went out again - so it was replaced again, but not the battery, yesterday my car stalled and limped into a mall parking lot, said low battery. The car would start but not stay started. I got a jump and the car would stay started and run as long as it was connected to the tow truck. After disconnection the car would die in a minute or two. I had it towed to my mechanic, who I hope will say battery, I may ask him to use a different brand....


I'd be prepared for an alternator.
 
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