Memory Saver For Battery Replacement

[DaJo]

Hey gang, as we all know our stock Panasonic batteries are pretty weak - and after about 6 years of ownership, I think it's almost about time to replace it for a more powerful & deep-cycle battery (since I run a dash camera).


Now I also want to save all my memory (radio presets, because my radio is apparently wonky - locks me out and none of the codes work... Already dealt with dealer and they sent it in for reflash but still couldn't get the codes)... Have any of you used a method where another power source is plugged in while changing out the old battery? (Through OBD2, or cigarette lighter?)

[firekat]

Panasonic batteries weak? I just replaced the battery on my 2007 FJ Cruiser, that I actually purchased in May of 2006! 12 years, and it still had not fell over. It did not pass the load test on the last service, so I replaced it just in case.

At the Odyssey battery dealer they had a memory saver that hooked up to the ODB port, I do not know if a OBD reader could do the same function. Might be worth looking up. Just a quick google search nets a bunch of alternatives.

[sato]

I don't get how come you people had a battery for 6 or 12 years... hahaha. I've had to replace mine in 2 years time. Replaced with Optima RedTop, no issues.

PS I also replaced my older car with a RedTop, but had forgotten to turn in on while it was "resting" for 3 months due to suspension issues. It barely started up, but once I ran the car for a day, it is running and starting up just like new.

[why?]

Originally Posted by sato

I don't get how come you people had a battery for 6 or 12 years... hahaha. I've had to replace mine in 2 years time. Replaced with Optima RedTop, no issues.

PS I also replaced my older car with a RedTop, but had forgotten to turn in on while it was "resting" for 3 months due to suspension issues. It barely started up, but once I ran the car for a day, it is running and starting up just like new.

extreme heat and cold can kill batteries.

[JD001]

Originally Posted by why?

extreme heat and cold can kill batteries.

And lack of use... As I found out..

[DaJo]

Originally Posted by sato

I don't get how come you people had a battery for 6 or 12 years... hahaha. I've had to replace mine in 2 years time. Replaced with Optima RedTop, no issues.

PS I also replaced my older car with a RedTop, but had forgotten to turn in on while it was "resting" for 3 months due to suspension issues. It barely started up, but once I ran the car for a day, it is running and starting up just like new.

I have my eyes on the Optima YellowTop for my style of usage (since I have a dash camera with parking mode functions). They're hella expensive haha but I'm sure they're worth it! I'll be doing this in the near future but just want to see how everyone's saving their memories while replacing their batteries.

[ze12o]

did you perform the suggested normal maintenance of adding water to the battery?

[extrashaky]

Originally Posted by firekat

Panasonic batteries weak?

Seemed weak to me. That stock battery was a turd. It didn't take much to deplete it, and it was wimpy on starts. The car would actually stumble when I turned the lights on, which I didn't realize was a battery issue until I replaced it and the stumbling stopped. Once the guys at the dealership left the door open for a few minutes while they were changing the oil and had to jump it to get it started again. I started carrying a rescue jumper battery just in case.

I finally replaced mine with a Duracell AGM battery from Sam's Club, and the difference was immediate and noticeable. It starts right up the way it's supposed to, and it doesn't stumble around when I turn the lights on now.

Originally Posted by DaJo

I have my eyes on the Optima YellowTop for my style of usage (since I have a dash camera with parking mode functions).

Optima had a very good reputation while they were being made in the USA. Then right around the turn of the century they moved their manufacturing to Mexico and started having problems. Now they seem to be hit or miss. Either you get one that lasts seven or eight years, or you get a dud that lasts three months before stranding you somewhere. Some people have had to get their batteries replaced under warranty twice. Now that you can buy them in AutoZone, the AZ store managers dislike them because they have to deal with so many irritated customers bringing them back for replacement. Optima has a serious quality control issue but continues to ride on a reputation built up before the move to Mexico.

I'm not personally sure what to recommend instead. As I noted above, I put a Duracell AGM from Sam's in mine a few months back, but I haven't had it long enough to testify to its longevity. It's made by East Penn/Deka, which has a decent reputation. So far so good. It cranks better now than it ever did.