[wag]

Well, I was wrong about Delco being independent. Delphi sold the ACDelco battery division to Johnson Controls, so that leaves just three very large battery manufacturers. I have not purchased a Delco (or Delco made) battery since the buyout so I can't comment on their current quality.
I was also wrong about Delco being the only battery manufacturer that makes maintenance-free batteries. Exide makes them but they are not truly maintenance-free and sealed like the Delco design (they just contain more acid and have flush caps that can be removed with a screw driver). East Penn also makes a sealed maintenance-free battery that can not be serviced, I just saw a maintenance-free 24F in East Penn's Deka brand (model #'s 424FMF, 524FMF, 624FMF, 724FMF). East Penn's design (like Exide's) differs from Delco's in that it just has a higher acid capacity above the plates. I suspect that it vents hydrogen gas like any conventional battery where Delco's design does not (under normal circumstances).
Exide used to be a big supplier to both WalMart and Sears. In a forum I was reading, some frustrated Exide shareholders were complaining about them losing some of the big battery contracts and the stock falling because of it. Now JCI has both of those contracts (except for the sears DieHard Platinum). http://www.jsonline.com/business/83454852.html
JCI also has the NAPA contract here in the US. JCI is the 800lb gorilla of the automotive battery business, no doubt about it.

 

[brian_bp]

Delphi sold the ACDelco battery division to Johnson Controls, so that leaves just three very large battery manufacturers.

I have updated the table to show JCI as the manufacturer of the ACDelco-branded models.

 

[wag]

Continuing my research I found a few bits of interesting information.

From REUTERS regarding Exide batteries;
"The Company's aftermarket customers include Bosch, Tractor Supply, Canadian Tire, ADI and GAUI. In addition, the Company is also a supplier of authorized replacement batteries for OEMs, including FIAT/Chrysler, BMW, Volkswagen, John Deere, Renault/Nissan, and PACCAR. The Company's OEM customers include International Truck & Engine, FIAT/Chrysler, the PSA group (Peugeot S.A./Citroën), Case/New Holland, BMW, John Deere, Renault/Nissan, Scania, Volvo Trucks, Volkswagen, and Toyota."
Curiously it appears that Toyota is purchasing the batteries they install at the factory from Exide and the replacement batteries they sell at the dealers from someone else (probably JCI).

I also found out that there is in fact a 4th player in the automotive battery business in North America. The company is EnerSys. Although they have a very small percentage of the automotive battery market, they have a very large percentage of the industrial battery market. For the automotive market they manufacture the very high quality and very expensive Odyssey and DieHard Platinum AGM batteries. For those of you that want the BEST battery money can buy, from everything I have read these are supposed to be the best!

Something else that I have been reading is that the quality of batteries manufactured in Mexico appears to be FAR below that of batteries manufactured in the US. JCI and Exide both have manufacturing facilities in Mexico but they also manufacture batteries in the US. East Penn and EnerSys DO NOT manufacture batteries in Mexico. To avoid getting a lower quality battery one should look at the case/label or look for a sticker that says "Made in Mexico". If the battery was manufactured in Mexico it will say-so somewhere, it is a federal law.
ALL of JCI's Optima batteries are now manufactured in Mexico and from what I have read their quality has suffered noticeably as a result. Anybody looking for the characteristics/advantages of an AGM battery should look at the high quality US made DieHard Platinum or Odyssey. They claim to have double the life of conventional batteries and have topped Consumer Reports battery rankings by a wide margin for 3 straight years. East Penn's DEKA Intimidator is also a high quality US manufactured AGM battery but it may be difficult to find.

 

[buba]

FYI....

My 37 month old OEM battery developed the dreaded clickie's this morning, 1st below 40F morning in my area. I did some quick web searches on the batteries listed in this thread and settled in on a Autocraft Gold from AdvanceAutoParts. Primary reason for this choice was price after using a $40USD off web coupon (BIG40) on a $100USD web purchase. Since the battery retailed in my area for $90USD I added a couple of oil filters onto the order to bring the total to $103USD (or $63USD plus tax after instance discount). The AdvanceAutoParts nearest to my location had everything in stock so I selected store pickup, jumpstarted the Sienna and headed over to the store to have them load test the old battery before installing the new battery.

I am not sure how long the web discount coupon code is good for but thought I would pass on the info in case anyone is in need. Try BIG40 or LC123 for the next week or two and see if it helps.

Battery Details, Autocraft Gold 24F, 700 [email protected], 875 [email protected], 130 Reserve Capacity minutes

Thanks to all for pulling the battery information together

 

[2006SiennaLE]

My 37 month old OEM battery developed the dreaded clickie's this morning, 1st below 40F morning in my area.

My 49 month old OEM did the same this morning after a short drive even though it never got that cold.
Jump-started it, drove it back to work to see if it recharged and it did.

Let's see if it starts at the end of the day, else I'll go buy a battery.

On that topic, for those who replaced their batteries with aftermarket, do they have any recommendations for a 24F?
I'm leaning towards Autozone, Kragen or Walmart if I need to get the battery replaced. I guess I should have the current one tested too.

 

[tonystewart]

2006SiennaLE & buba

Why would you place your personal safety in jeopardy with an OEM battery after 36 months?

???

 

[2006SiennaLE]

2006SiennaLE & buba

Why would you place your personal safety in jeopardy with an OEM battery after 36 months?

???

Not sure I understand.
I plan to get an aftermarket battery. I was just reporting that my OEM battery wasn't starting.

 

[buba]

My 37 month old OEM battery developed the dreaded clickie's this morning, 1st below 40F morning in my area.

My 49 month old OEM did the same this morning after a short drive even though it never got that cold.
Jump-started it, drove it back to work to see if it recharged and it did.

Let's see if it starts at the end of the day, else I'll go buy a battery.

On that topic, for those who replaced their batteries with aftermarket, do they have any recommendations for a 24F?
I'm leaning towards Autozone, Kragen or Walmart if I need to get the battery replaced. I guess I should have the current one tested too.

Autozone and Walmart appear to be made by JCI as is AdvanceAutoParts while Kragen Super Start brand appears to be East Penn

 

[wag]

At almost 6 years old my OEM battery finally showed signs of impending failure so I went ahead and replaced it. From past experience I know that it is not worth messing around with a battery that is on it's last legs, a failing battery can cause all kinds of other MUCH more expensive problems with the electrical system.
I chose a JCI/Wal-Mart MAXX 24FS for the following reasons;
1. Made in the USA
2. Very good ratings
3. Good price
4. Availability. There are over 3800 Wal-Mart stores in the US, if I have a problem with the battery I know that I can find a Wal-Mart store close by, wherever I might be.

 

[tbalon]

At almost 6 years old my OEM battery finally showed signs of impending failure so I went ahead and replaced it. From past experience I know that it is not worth messing around with a battery that is on it's last legs, a failing battery can cause all kinds of other MUCH more expensive problems with the electrical system.
I chose a JCI/Wal-Mart MAXX 24FS for the following reasons;
1. Made in the USA
2. Very good ratings
3. Good price
4. Availability. There are over 3800 Wal-Mart stores in the US, if I have a problem with the battery I know that I can find a Wal-Mart store close by, wherever I might be.

I also chose the MAXX 24FS. I would also add that:

5. The warranty is 36 mo free replacement and 109 mo prorated discount towards the price of a new one.
6. It is rated at 700 CCA and according to CR it has an excellent reserve capacity.

 

[2006SiennaLE]

At almost 6 years old my OEM battery finally showed signs of impending failure so I went ahead and replaced it. From past experience I know that it is not worth messing around with a battery that is on it's last legs, a failing battery can cause all kinds of other MUCH more expensive problems with the electrical system.
I chose a JCI/Wal-Mart MAXX 24FS for the following reasons;
1. Made in the USA
2. Very good ratings
3. Good price
4. Availability. There are over 3800 Wal-Mart stores in the US, if I have a problem with the battery I know that I can find a Wal-Mart store close by, wherever I might be.

I appreciate the detailed info. I'm planning to get the same one after seeing good reviews on CR.
Since my battery is only 4 years old, I'm giving it one more chance. If it acts up again, I'll replace it. Walmart isn't too far away.

I had the battery tested at Sears and they said that it was "a bit weak, but should work fine". They didn't test the individual cells, just the overall charge, voltage etc. I asked them for replacement options and their Gold series was $110 (3-year warranty) and Platinum (gel-based, 4 year warranty) was $179 or something ridiculous like that.

 

[brian_bp]

I had the battery tested at Sears ...
Platinum (gel-based, 4 year warranty) was $179 or something ridiculous like that.

If the Sears "Platinum" battery is an AGM design, $179 is not unreasonable. This type is not necessary for our application, but it is expensive.

From the table early in this topic (and many times updated) AGM choices include models with "AG" in their identification, under the DieHard name from Sears/Kal Tire in Canada, and under the house brand in the "Platinum" series from NAPA in Canada, both apparently built by East Penn (and those two are likely the same battery).

An automotive starting battery should not be of the gel type. AGM and gel are different.

 

[wag]

I had the battery tested at Sears ...
Platinum (gel-based, 4 year warranty) was $179 or something ridiculous like that.

If the Sears "Platinum" battery is an AGM design, $179 is not unreasonable. This type is not necessary for our application, but it is expensive.

From the table early in this topic (and many times updated) AGM choices include models with "AG" in their identification, under the DieHard name from Sears/Kal Tire in Canada, and under the house brand in the "Platinum" series from NAPA in Canada, both apparently built by East Penn (and those two are likely the same battery).

An automotive starting battery should not be of the gel type. AGM and gel are different.

EnerSys manufactures the DieHard Platinum AGM battery. It does not come in a group 24 size.

 

[wag]

I appreciate the detailed info. I'm planning to get the same one after seeing good reviews on CR.
Since my battery is only 4 years old, I'm giving it one more chance. If it acts up again, I'll replace it. Walmart isn't too far away.

I had the battery tested at Sears and they said that it was "a bit weak, but should work fine". They didn't test the individual cells, just the overall charge, voltage etc. I asked them for replacement options and their Gold series was $110 (3-year warranty) and Platinum (gel-based, 4 year warranty) was $179 or something ridiculous like that.

Don't mess around with that battery, replace it now! If you keep trying to squeeze a nickel to make a dime the next thing you know that battery will take out your starter (and/or maybe your alternator). ASK ME HOW I KNOW!!!
From what I can gather, the DieHard Gold series and the MAXX are the exact same JCI battery inside the case. I paid $77 for the MAXX with a 36 month free replacement warranty. If you live in the north, the MAXX 24FN is supposed to be an even better battery than the 24FS.

 

[brian_bp]

I had the battery tested at Sears ...
Platinum (gel-based, 4 year warranty) was $179 or something ridiculous like that.

If the Sears "Platinum" battery is an AGM design, $179 is not unreasonable. This type is not necessary for our application, but it is expensive.

From the table early in this topic (and many times updated) AGM choices include models with "AG" in their identification, under the DieHard name from Sears/Kal Tire in Canada, and under the house brand in the "Platinum" series from NAPA in Canada, both apparently built by East Penn (and those two are likely the same battery).

An automotive starting battery should not be of the gel type. AGM and gel are different.

EnerSys manufactures the DieHard Platinum AGM battery. It does not come in a group 24 size.

As the table shows, the NAPA Canada and Canadian DieHard AGM models are in Group 78 size, not group 24 or any variation. The rest of those lines are from East Penn, and East Penn makes AGM batteries, so my assumption is that the AGM models come from them. The U.S. DieHard line is unrelated, and may come from a different supplier, including EnerSys. The U.S. DieHard web site confirms that the Platinum is AGM, but of course does not name the supplier.

 

[wag]

I was not aware that Sears USA and Sears Canada were two separate entities.
RE: EnerSys and Sears DieHard Platinum (in the US):
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=180086&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=968004&highlight=
and
http://bestbatterytips.com/best-bat...num-battery-review-p1-p2-p3-p4-p5-p6-pm1-pm2/

 

[brian_bp]

I was not aware that Sears USA and Sears Canada were two separate entities.

There is an association, but they certainly are distinct; this is not unusual for companies operating in both Canada and the U.S. The auto centres at Sears Canada locations are not even part of the Sears business; in this area they are Kal Tire outlets.

RE: EnerSys and Sears DieHard Platinum (in the US):
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=180086&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=968004&highlight=
and
http://bestbatterytips.com/best-bat...num-battery-review-p1-p2-p3-p4-p5-p6-pm1-pm2/

Thanks for the information.

From the EnerSys news release:

Beginning in March, 2007, Sears Auto Centers will be the exclusive distribution channel for DieHard Platinum batteries.

Here, the DieHard brand is not limited to the auto centres at Sears locations, so the exclusivity would not apply. It is not even clear if this contract is for the U.S., the U.S. and Canada, or worldwide. It does it make it clear that in the U.S., a Sears DieHard Platinum is an EnerSys AGM battery.

The review link hints at the original branding: Odyssey

As the Odyssey specs note, a Group 34 Odyssey with reversed terminals (34R-PC1500) with a spacer will fit in the place of our 24F batteries, with the terminals on the correct ends for the Sienna's cables (unlike a normal Group 34).

 

[wag]

The review link hints at the original branding: Odyssey

Yes. I mentioned that the EnerSys Odyssey and DieHard Platinum are one and the same battery in my reply #62.
It appears that the Sears US and Sears Canada are one and the same company.
http://www.searsholdings.com/about/
In the US they also sell DieHard batteries at Sears Holdings owned NTB and Kmart stores.
In Canada Kal Tire and Sears Holdings are not connected except that Kal Tire has a distribution agreement with Sears to sell DieHard Batteries.
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=117881&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=548245&highlight=
I don't see anywhere on the Internet where the distribution agreement gives Kal Tire the right to have it's own DieHard batteries independently manufactured.
I know that Canada has some different laws pertaining to Canadian content, but, I would be very surprised to learn that Sears is selling DieHard Platinums produced by two different manufacturers depending on weather they were going to US Sears stores or Canadian Sears (or Kal Tire) stores.

 

[brian_bp]

The review link hints at the original branding: Odyssey

Yes. I mentioned that the EnerSys Odyssey and DieHard Platinum are one and the same battery in my reply #62.

Indeed...

I also found out that there is in fact a 4th player in the automotive battery business in North America. The company is EnerSys. Although they have a very small percentage of the automotive battery market, they have a very large percentage of the industrial battery market. For the automotive market they manufacture the very high quality and very expensive Odyssey and DieHard Platinum AGM batteries.

Who would have expected a discussion of batteries available to fit our vans would get to the point that reply #62 is way back in the discussion?

 

[2006SiennaLE]

Who would have expected a discussion of batteries available to fit our vans would get to the point that reply #62 is way back in the discussion?

Ha ha. I was thinking the same thing. The internet gives us too much information at times and makes simple things complicated.