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my '07 TL with 61k miles (only 500 of those put on by me) is apparently still running on its OEM battery (with a 100 month warranty!).
but it's time to replace it after almost being stranded at the airport this weekend, after having left it parked for 2 days.
so, thought i'd tap the hive-mind for recommendations and prices.
at present, i'm leaning towards an interstate mega-tron (plus) 24f--a.k.a. mt(p)-24f.
cranking amps = 750a; cold cranking (cca) = 600a; reserve capacity (rc) = 25.
2-year free-replacement and 5-year performance warranty.
lowest price I've found (at a local shop) is $118. (i know they can be purchased at costco for less, but i don't have a membership.)
any other recommendations for a replacement battery? anyone have any experience (good or bad) with autocraft, advanced auto parts's in-house brand?
Definitely don't pay any money to have a battery installed. It's incredibly easy. Hell, I'm pretty sure AutoZone or Advanced Auto will do it for free if you are concerned.
I replaced my battery within the first 10 days of owning my car because it died. Went with the AGM Duralast from AutoZone for $220. AGM's are superior is a couple ways to traditional lead batteries. They hold a charge for longer and are better in the cold. I am running about 1kW to my sound system, so AGM batteries also offer an advantage for audio as they have low internal resistance and are able to deliver high currents on demand.
I ended up just going to Napa. Didn't want to drive to Costco and find they didn't have it in stock. Napa discounts 10% when you reserve on line. Don't need to pay on line. Just reserve and go to store to pay and get it. I think it was about $115 out the door. I even bring the old one with me to pick up the new one so no core charge and no return trip to bring the core back. Anything you get will be better than your old one.
IIRC, Consumer Reports consistently ranks Interstate very high, but rankings do differ within brands based on battery size and geographical designation (north/south).
I went with a Sears Diehard Gold and have been very happy with it. Got it on sale for 25% off.
OP, you probably should investigate if your HFL is draining your battery...
Thx for the all the helpful input, guys. I disconnected the HFL module immediately after I bought the car 3 weeks ago, so don't think it's a parasitic drain issue. The battery is actually the factory installed one--10 years old, which is amazing.
Ended up picking up an Interstate Mega-Tron Plus (MTP)-24F for $130.00. A little more powerful CCA = 800a, RC = 125 minutes, 30-month free-replacement and 6-year performance warranty
After replacing the factory battery yesterday, I took the "new-to-me" TL into the shop today for a full run-down after 1 month and 550 miles of ownership.
First, they confirmed a vibration at highway speeds (60-65 mph) and will rebalance all 4 wheels and do an alignment. Hope it's not a bent rim, or anything worse.
Second, the ATF was very dark. So the system needs to be flushed and refilled. Good news is that the tranny seems to be shifting well and normally.
Third, brake pads are down to 4/32nds and rotors are warped. So, those have to be replaced.
Fourth, they found some oil on the oil pan and the crankcase, which could be from a sloppy oil change (arghhh!) or an active leak (hope not). Going to de-grease the engine bay and then keep an eye on it.
Fifth, front motor-mount, which was supposedly replaced 2 months ago by the dealer (not sure it was actually done) has some movement. So, keeping an eye on that as well.
And finally, there's some play in the rear sway bar end link. So will have to watch that, too.
Besides that annoying vibration at speed, everything seems mechanically sound (knock on wood) and everything that needs to be addressed are normal wear items.