Vectra engine battery?

[Pushrod]

I am looking into replacing the starting batteries on my '06 Vectra 40FD. The Alliance part # on the batteries is AE1131XMF, which is either a 950 or 1000 CCA battery. FCOC tells me that according to their info, the Freightliner part # should be A06-30097-000, which is a 760 CCA battery. The engine is a 400hp ISL. What have any of you replaced their starting batteries with?

[Pusherman]

Check your local Freightliner dealership. You might be surprised at their prices (Rochester NY's prices are quite competitive).

[Pushrod]

The local Freightliner dealer (who is not an Oasis member), wants $140 per battery, plus and hour installation, looking at four Benjamins at least ($400). What I rally want to know is what size (CCA's) were the originals. I have found some Duralasts much cheaper, just want to make sure they are strong enough.

[Pusherman]

Call Freightliner's HELP line 1-800-FTL-HELP. Give them your VIN, and they can tell you the specs for the battery.

[cbeierl]

Freightliner calls for "Two 950 CCA @ 0oF (-18oC); maintenance-free" according to this document from FCCC: Built on Freightliner: Winnebago 2006 Vectra .

[Jeeperrmartin]

I got 2 batteries last fall at a Freightliner dealer for 89.95 each. I installed them myself. Took about 20 minutes, and I had not done it myself before. They also wanted an hour of labor. I am sure they are more now.

They also charged $30 to check the batteries, but since I got batteries, they waved that fee.

I got whatever battery it called for. It was for a 2008 425 HP. It was less than a month out of warranty, but they would not honor the warranty, because it was on a new MH, and they have to go by the manufactures warranty. There was not much I could do, I needed the battery.

They also told me if I had bought them outright and they were that old they would have replaced them. I thought that deal sucked, but what can you do.

[Jeeperrmartin]

I just found the ticket. The batteries were 1000CCA AE1131XMF batteries.

The list was 143.89, and they charged me 89.99 each.

[Pushrod]

I agree with Jeeperrmartin as to what is supposed to be the correct battery, but how did you get the discount price, my dealer, Valley Freightliner in Mt Vernon,WA, says $144. I know I can put them in myself, just trying to save a few bucks.

[Pushrod]

Okay, FCCC verified my suspicions that I need the AE1131XMF batteries, now I just need to find a deal? Thanx all.

[Jeeperrmartin]

I don't know how I got the discount, but I have been to different dealers around the country. Some give the discount and some don't. I make a not to mysef on which ones do. I never asked for the discount either. Maybe just try asking.

I got the batteries from a dealer in Flagstaff, AZ.

That would be steep, paying retail and labor. $108 plus whatever the hour of labor would be.

[Midniteoyl]

Try Ford.. came up with the same battery.

PS-EPM-AE1131XMF-FORD-BATTERY 1000CCA


Cheaper place; ELMHURST, IL -- TRANSCHICAGO TRUCK GROUP


However, there are comparables:

Original:
-------------------
EPM/AE1131XMF A06-30097-002

Cross reference:
-------------------
Delco:31-900CT

Excide: XHP-31D

Interstate: 31XHD

Powervolt: V31S-7G


Who said you need THAT battery?

[Pushrod]

Finally replaced my engine batteries with Duralast 31-1000s, 1000cca, 195rca. It was a bit of a hassle to get them though, even though they are listed at Autozone on line, the local store had them as unavailable. After a few emails to corporate, they finally got shipped to my store. They were $203 for the pair, compared to $286 (plus $100 install) for Alliance brand at my local Freightliner dealer (non-Oasis type). Got them in and out in ten minutes and Mr. Cummins fired right up! Will head south with no hesitations now.........

[Big Oil Guy]

Good for you..! The Autozone Group 31 batteries do a good job. I've used them for years in my diesels (pickup and MH) with good results. Plus, AZ is good to work with if there's a problem, and are handily located. Have a good trip on your way south!