Just replaced my RDX vehicle battery. Size wise, its a: AGM Automotive Battery, Group H6 / LN3 / 48 12 Volt, 760 CCA

My Warning signs:

• Slow cold start up that would pause for a millisecond and not enable the seat to automatically go into position (had to use the memory button on the door).
  • This all Started 5 days ago - Based on this - I knew my days were limited before it would not start.
• Auto/start stop - stopped working about 2 months ago.
• 55 month old OEM battery, thats seen -10 degree temps to 112 degree temps.
• Probably would of lasted longer with a trickle charger on it while in the garage - but thats a pain in the butt.

Lots of options out there:

• Acura dealership was the most expensive option ($300) - 2 year warranty once your Acura OEM warranty expires (mine did in December of 2024).
• Autozone and Advanced auto parts were the same, about $244 with a pro-rated 3 year warranty.
• Costco was $178, however they do not install.

Best bang for the buck was Walmart, with a 4 year replacement and free install for $178. Plus there are tons of Walmart in the USA (if traveling).
EverStart Platinum AGM Automotive Battery, Group H6 / LN3 / 48 12 Volt, 760 CCA

https://www.walmart.com/ip/EverStart...R&athbdg=L1200

NOTE: You will have to reconnect the entertainment system to the vehicle after the battery is disconnected. Simple, just start the vehicle - turn the entertainment system on - then "push in and hold the volume power button" for 3-5 seconds and it will reconnect.

 

It's good that the battery gave you some warning signs and didn't just up and fail. How many miles do you have on your car?

We're at about 63 months and 35,000 miles on our 2020 RDX and so far I haven't noticed any of those warning signs.
We don't have those temperature extremes and we always turn off the stop/start feature so that probably helps.

 

28k miles and 50 months of ownership, but the battery date was a little older. Yes, that auto start stop kills batteries faster, especially in short commutes when it doesn’t get time to fully recharge the battery. Also, that auto start/stop wears the starter and tranny a bit more, just to save some petrol. Mostly I shut that off.

I was going to replace the battery soon anyways, as they 4+ years is long for a OEM battery and less of a headache if it dies unexpectedly somewhere out of the blue - plus cost the costs of tow or jump. Cheap insurance to keep motoring. First thing I have replaced on my RDX since new in 50 months (besides fluids/filters per maintenance schedule), one of the most reliable vehicles I’ve owned in a long time.

NOTE. The idiot battery warning light on the dash never came on, when the battery was just about to loose sufficient juice to start. Would rather have a digital reading of the volts, as that would have provided a better warning.

 

I would not let walmart install battery, better to DIY. I am still on original battery, over 5 years. AMG should last at least 5-6 years, I would not replace it if its working fine until its 6 years or more

 

Good for you - never had a battery last more than 4 years - glad I noticed the subtle warning signs before it left me stranded someplace.

AGM batteries rarely last 5-6 years, especially in the extreme cold and heat - which mine had a lot of. They did a great job - didn't have the tools and removing from a shoulder injury.

 

According to google AGM supposed to last longer than traditional batteries, but I guess it depends...
"Compared to traditional flooded lead-acid batteries, AGM batteries often last longer because they are less prone to sulfation (a common issue that reduces battery performance), and their sealed design minimizes the risk of damage"

Curious, do you disable AIS(stop and go) when you drive, they say frequent use of AIS is hard on battery. I always drive with mine disabled.

 

I swapped mine out after five years with the Interstate battery from Costco. I heard that Honda/Acura batteries were rebranded Interstate batteries.

 

Most of the time, no - the auto stop was not disabled. Surely that was a contributor, and also shorter trips in the last year. It's hard on the started and the tranny too - just to save a little gas & bump EPA mpg. Will be flipping the switch to turn that off every drive moving forward.

 

Its funny how they save us few dollars on gas but then we have to spend big to buy battery more often and shorten life of the starter, in the long run we end up paying more…

 

[QUOTE=Texasrdx21;16971446]
Yes, that auto start stop kills batteries faster, especially in short commutes when it doesn’t get time to fully recharge the battery.

I think the short commutes are key.
Covid hit shortly after we got our car so we weren't driving it much then and I hadn't got into the habit of turning the idle stop/start off yet. The car would start perfectly normally but I noticed that the idle stop wasn't working indicating that the battery was not quite fully charged. I was kind of shocked to find out that we would have to drive the car for over 100 miles to get the battery charged up enough to get it working again. My point being I don't think the charging system is very aggressive about bringing the battery back up to a full charge quickly so short commutes are not going to do it.

 

Dont forget about starter constantly starting your car with AIS. Those things supposed to last long, but you never know. If starter goes, I think its really big $$$, like $2K+.

 

Yep - I now am starting a new habit of turning it off right when it starts up. Don't need any premature parts failing, as I plan on keeping this reliable tank - as it's a great package and the SHawd is amazing. BTW - New Acura RDX starter motor assembly is $600 - $720 and then install (for those of use who neither have the tools and/or skills to do it correctly). So call it a nice even $1k or more.

 

i don't know if i would consider the walmart grease monkeys touching my car would be considered a value add or not

 

All depends on the tech, no different than at the dealership. Like I said, I would have done it myself - but didn't have a few tools and was still recovering from shoulder surgery - hence, lifting a 46lb battery into place was not an option. Just checked the install before leaving (no different than at any shop - including the dealer) and all was fine. Motor on - its a Acura, not a exotic vehicle.

 

before panicking about the starter, hear this guy out.

 

I saw it, maybe when your starter fails, you can say that you saw a video by Car Care nut and he said its supposed to last a long time, that may qualify for a free replacement?

 

Agree, everything on the interwebs is 100% accurate - NOT. Common sense tells you, the more it starts up in gear, there will be collateral damage/wear to a lot of parts - as that’s exactly how auto/stop start works. I turn that off now as soon as I put on my seat belt.

 

I concur Sir.

 

Starter will certainly last throughout warranty period, so if you are one of those people that get new car every 5-6 years, it does not matter. But if you keep cars 10 or more years, disabling AIS will reduce the odds of starter going bad.

 

Tip, if you use the thumb to hit the engine start button, the span of a hand allows the auto start/stop button to be hit by the pinky finger. Pretty much all in one motion.

 

With my 2019, the dealer notified of degradation during a service and recommended replacement and I took them up on it. 2023 is still too new.

 

I also found Walmart to have the best price available to me (not a Costco member), but if you do buy from them, do not buy it online as there is no way to get your $12 core charge back. Your online receipt will combine the core charge with sale tax and Walmart customer service is not able to refund it when you bring your old battery in. They were good enough to take the old battery though.