What size battery?

[BobT]

Does anyone know the recommended CCA battery for a 1997 Pontiac Bonneville 3800 Series III v6?

[Jeremy airjer W]

Group 78. Most GM's from that time period are either 78's or 75's

[Macgyver55]

They are between 700 and 800 CCA normally.

[BobT]

My daughter was unable to start the car on Monday morning and I thought at -10 it should have been up to the task. I bought the car used and this is the first winter. The battery that is in there is only rated at 525cca and I thought that sounded a little light for that size engine and considering all the electronics involved. The battery is only about a year old based on the date stamp on it. The battery is a Napa brand so I stopped in and tested it and it barely passed. My first thought was to consider it a warranty situation but then I asked if the battery was a bit small for the car and they indicated that it does require a bigger battery. The clerk (also the manager) didn't seem too concerned when I began to talk about the possibility of a warranty call but knowing what I do now, I'm hesitant to push for warranty coverage. Installing an undersized battery and expecting it to perform like its big brother is a bit too much to ask isn't it?

[Jeremy airjer W]

On top of the battery there should be a part number, Whats the number?

If they warranty the battery they will give you the same battery. If its the wrong battery your right back in the same situation.

The current battery you have is probably a battery made by exide. NAPA has switch there battery supplier to another company which I cannot remember right know.

[BobT]

Actually, he suggested possibly replacing it with the recommended group 78 and I'd pay the difference after warranty. He said the battery that is in there came with a 6 month replacement coverage and 50 months pro-rated. I know the manager quite well but I don't want to take unfair advantage of that relationship. I honestly don't feel it would be fair for me to expect warranty when the wrong battery was used for the application. That would be like using the wrong cartridge in a firearm and expecting the manufacturer to warrant it when the barrel splits. I also know that the battery was not purchased in Osakis and I don't know who made the decision to use an undersized battery. If it was a Napa rep. then I could see holding them to the fire but if the customer made the decision then I can't seem to justify doing that.

My guess is that the car needed a battery and the previous owner just put in what cost the least and still got it running. Sucks for me but I guess that's the risk one takes buying used equipment.

[1968]

I always recommend the highest CCA battery listed for any vehicle. Those also typically have the best warranties as well.

[Jeremy airjer W]

I always recommend the highest CCA battery listed for any vehicle. Those also typically have the best warranties as well.

As long as they fit. Late model vehicles have tight battery tolerances. Bigger doesn't always fit!