[hikingnut62]

I've got an Autocraft battery I bought at Advance auto that will be 5 years old in November. We're planing a trip soon that will take us about 14 hours from home. I was checking for any codes before the trip and also ran the battery test. It came back with Warning. Innova (the code reader manufacturer) couldn't give me any additional info.

Given it's at the end of its useful life and given our upcoming trip, I'm going to replace it. Unfortunately, Advance Auto Parts has switched to Die Hard, which I'm not a real fan of.

The Autocraft we have is the Gold brand. Does anyone have recommendations for a replacement brand? The size is 51R2. I was checking prices and WOW have prices shot up. I paid $142 for this one in 2017.

I called my local Honda dealer just to see what they charge. There's is $175 (500 CCA). I asked what brand it was and he said all they do is put Honda stickers on it. He thought it might be Interstate. Any idea who makes Honda batteries?

Thanks,

Andy

 

[acutee]

I'd recommend a full size battery, like 24F; but it requires a little modification to the battery hold down bracket; or you can purchase the new 24f box and hold down bracket from dealer. I think either walmart or costco battery are good. 51R2 battery, to me, is unpredictable of its reliability.

 

[emeron]

I got 24F AGM in 2018, threw away the battery tray and never looked back.

 

[hikingnut62]

I'd recommend a full size battery, like 24F; but it requires a little modification to the battery hold down bracket; or you can purchase the new 24f box and hold down bracket from dealer. I think either walmart or costco battery are good. 51R2 battery, to me, is unpredictable of its reliability.

Why do you say the 51R is unpredictable? That's just the battery size indicator, isn't it?

 

[Ronch]

I put this Walmart battery in my '16 Accord CVT back in Dec'21.

EverStart Maxx Lead Acid Automotive Battery, Group Size 51R (12 Volt / 500 CCA). Cost ~$149 including installation, plus tax. Made in S.Korea. Sticker on top of battery says 12/21, so it was fresh when I got it.

It's sealed so doesn't need any routine maintenance. Came with 3 year full replacement warranty, but not pro-rated after 3 years.

 

[GerryB]

Die Hard is made by Johnson Controls. Domestic production, and I've had good results over time with them. Honda branded battery in the wife's car STB in 4 years.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

 

[KsiPhone]

Get the 24F of any brand as it will be better than the best 51R golf cart battery they put in these cars.

 

[greg1c]

You can put the 24f size in there (same battery as the V6), by taking out the plastic tray and slightly modifying the top bracket. Or buy the plastic box and a new top hold down and bolts from Honda.
There is a thread on exactly how to do it.

9th Gen Battery upgrade/replacement thread- sizes, what...

I remember people taking out the 51 series batteries from the 7th Gens and replacing them with 35 series. Anyone done this on a 9th Gen? I got my hands on an Optima Yellow Top for dirt cheap and was just wondering if it would fit. The base where the battery sits seems big enough but the tie...

www.driveaccord.net

You should go to Walmart and pickup an AGM 24f battery, as it is a 4 year replacement and is $159.84.

Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk

 

[bender218]

Die Hard is made by Johnson Controls. Domestic production, and I've had good results over time with them. Honda branded battery in the wife's car STB in 4 years.

I put in a Die Hard AGM about a year ago....it's been no problem and has a higher CCA than the original.

 

[sequoiasoon]

I'll probably upgrade to the 24F for the Accord when I do just to have the more CCA and reserve. That said the 51R I have in it is an autocraft silver (dealer installed before I bought it). My Solar Capacitance Tester says it's in great shape and has higher CCA than what is rated even after sitting for a full day. Walmart is great as easy to get country wide if an issue.

The last 2 batteries I bought were Interstate from Costco. Best prices I could find. One is in my '19 Pilot now and the other in my FIL Jeep Renegade. I prefer the AGM but price and warranty I stayed with FLA. The Pilot has a battery box with a fan and other BS. I stayed with what it came with. Costco won't install so you will need to do that.

I have had no issue with the seemingly very small batteries in the Accord and CRV even in sub zero temps. As long as rest of vehicle is maintained and you use synthetic oil they seem to crank over with no issues.

 

[Hudouc]

I'll probably upgrade to the 24F for the Accord when I do just to have the more CCA and reserve. That said the 51R I have in it is an autocraft silver (dealer installed before I bought it). My Solar Capacitance Tester says it's in great shape and has higher CCA than what is rated even after sitting for a full day. Walmart is great as easy to get country wide if an issue.

The last 2 batteries I bought were Interstate from Costco. Best prices I could find. One is in my '19 Pilot now and the other in my FIL Jeep Renegade. I prefer the AGM but price and warranty I stayed with FLA. The Pilot has a battery box with a fan and other BS. I stayed with what it came with. Costco won't install so you will need to do that.

I have had no issue with the seemingly very small batteries in the Accord and CRV even in sub zero temps. As long as rest of vehicle is maintained and you use synthetic oil they seem to crank over with no issues.

Not to mention that the 51R and 24F are exactly the same price at Costco. It's a no brainer to upgrade. I upgraded on both of mine.

 

[johnk_11]

Definitely go with the 24f upgrade, as mentioned by the other members, well worth. Peace

 

[RTexasF]

Whichever size you decide on Walmart's Maxx Everstart has a three-year over the counter exchange warranty then prorated for two more years. 24F is around $120.

 

[longhornaccord]

Just last week my Honda branded battery from 9/17 went out. Got five years out of it! I went to AutoZone and got their battery. The Honda battery was 550 CCA but the Autozone one is 650 CCA. I've had good luck with AutoZone batteries. Have one of their 750 CCA battery's in my truck and it's been going strong for several years. This 650 CCA battery cost a total of $206.

I have a '15 V6. Does the V6 come from the factory with 24F or 51R?

 

[hikingnut62]

@acutee

My understanding is the AGMs are designed for newer cards with more electrical demands (such as GPS, video systems, etc.). Not really wanting to modify anything at this time. Is there a compelling reason I should give this serious consideration if I don't have any major electrical demands in my car?

@sequoiasoon

I was looking at the Interstate batteries yesterday. They seem to have a good reputation and Costco has them for $110 with a 3 year warranty. I'd have to buy a membership for $60, but that's still far cheaper than some batteries out there (like the Diehard at Advance Auto Parts for $200+. Plus my other Honda has an Autocraft battery that's 5 years old as well, so both need replacing (although only the one in my 2014 is showing Warning when I run a battery test. The 2004 shows Good, so I may wait a few months on that one).

How long have you had/did you have your Interstate batteries?

 

[sequoiasoon]

@acutee

My understanding is the AGMs are designed for newer cards with more electrical demands (such as GPS, video systems, etc.). Not really wanting to modify anything at this time. Is there a compelling reason I should give this serious consideration if I don't have any major electrical demands in my car?

@sequoiasoon

I was looking at the Interstate batteries yesterday. They seem to have a good reputation and Costco has them for $110 with a 3 year warranty. I'd have to buy a membership for $60, but that's still far cheaper than some batteries out there (like the Diehard at Advance Auto Parts for $200+. Plus my other Honda has an Autocraft battery that's 5 years old as well, so both need replacing (although only the one in my 2014 is showing Warning when I run a battery test. The 2004 shows Good, so I may wait a few months on that one).

How long have/did your Interstate batteries last?

The AGM's don't have as many issues as others for corrosion in my experience and often had a longer reserve capacity and higher CCA. If totally drained they do require a better smart charger that can accommodate the requirements. I have used them in many vehicles.

Interstate normally gets good reviews for all the tests. Not always the lowest cost but good performance. I just replaced the Interstate in my John Deere lawn tractor after 9 years. It sits all winter, no charging etc. It was still working but tested low. The ones I had in vehicles lasted 5+ years. I have had multiple brands in many vehicles with family and friends. Life really depends on the heat vs. cold, how many short trips and how many times someone left something on and killed them a couple times that extremely reduces the life.

The Costco membership (and BJ's/Sam's) is a slippery slope. Next thing you know you will be buying 32 rolls of paper towels, double box cereal, $5 Rotisserie chicken and $1.50 hot dogs..... . If you like Michelin and Bridgestone choices the tire sales alternate almost monthly.

 

[hikingnut62]

Thanks for that additional info. We live in North Carolina where the temps are not extreme at all. We rarely get into the 20s during the winter months. 90s a few weeks in the summer.

I went ahead and bought a membership at Costco and got the 51R Interstate battery. I think it will do fine based on many reviews I've read. I just didn't want to deal with modifying the battery compartment at this time. Plus, the battery was only $120 (excluding the core charge) and with a 3-year warranty, I don't think I can go wrong.

I know what you're saying about those places lol But, I know what a zoo those places can be so I'll avoid the physical store. I'll just use them online as an alternative to the "evil empire" known as Amazon

Although today was a quick in-and-out. About 5 minutes to get my card and about 5 to pick up the battery.

Thanks to everyone for your input.

 

[lji]

The 24F size upgrade on 4 cyl Accords is a popular one around here - I've done the same to my Accord. Really don't need to modify much. The plastic battery compartment is only there for any spills, which with an AGM is not an issue. With Costco, one thing I've noticed is that per policy, they will only sell you the battery size specified for a specific model, although they don't make the differentiation between engine sizes. I've been able to get a 24F from them with no issues.

 

[sequoiasoon]

They also normally had toilet paper when I went during the great shortage . They had other stuff in stock that supermarket and walmart didn't. I did have to stop a couple times to keep checking but I pass 3 on my way home from work and able to help family, neighbors and friends then with availability.

On weekends more crowded but working nights gives daytime options with very few in there.

 

[hikingnut62]

The 24F size upgrade on 4 cyl Accords is a popular one around here - I've done the same to my Accord. Really don't need to modify much. The plastic battery compartment is only there for any spills, which with an AGM is not an issue. With Costco, one thing I've noticed is that per policy, they will only sell you the battery size specified for a specific model, although they don't make the differentiation between engine sizes. I've been able to get a 24F from them with no issues.

That's an interesting point about what they sell. When I went through the process of specifying my car, an AGM battery wasn't even an option. They only listed the 51R. I think the Interstate is maybe 1/2" taller but should fit fine. I'll install it tomorrow after the rain passes.