Another battery question
 

Replaced the original battery in our 4runner with an Costco interstate battery a year and half ago. I went to drive it yesterday and the battery was dead so I had to jump it. I did not leave any lights on as far as I can tell.

I work from home so I dont drive a lot and when I do usually pretty short drives. We did just recently drive it to go camping which was 2.5 hours each way so figure that should of charged it up.

Costco warranty is 3 years so going to call them on the warranty procedure. Question is are the sometimes bad batteries or should I look into my alternator? I am guessing Costco does not have the ability to check it. I might upgrade to the AGM if they have in stock, previously they did not.

TIA
Jeff

Costco doesn't do any testing of anything. Battery warranty is done on a return for refund basis. You just return it to customer service and go buy a new one.

As far as testing goes, usually an autozone/advance auto will test for free. They also have very expensive chargers that are very good at resuscitating dead batteries (to cut down on warranty exchanges).

thanks for the reply.

It is starting up with the battery, barely though, after driving it around. I hope that implies the alternator is working at least so will probably just swao for a new one or if AGM is in stock then upgrade to it.

Also if you don’t drive it much a battery tender is worth the investment.

Yep - I have 9 or 10 of those things around the garage and shop. Boat, mower, both generators and all the cars... Each of them has a BatteryMinder that I connect when I know the 'item' will be unused for more than a day.

I have a battery tender from my turbo so hooked it up this afternoon. The most it sits is a few days so I assume it is not needed,