Don't guess I'll be buying a new truck

So far this year I've had to change the battery in my zero turn and my tractor. Easy peasy. Except the batteries do seem to be getting heavier.

Then came my 2014 1/2 ton truck. Good grief, half the frame has to come apart to even get the battery out. Never mind that it's now tucked back in a corner where I'd have no chance of lifting the old one out in that space or put the new one in.
 
robin416 said:
So far this year I've had to change the battery in my zero turn and my tractor. Easy peasy. Except the batteries do seem to be getting heavier.

Then came my 2014 1/2 ton truck. Good grief, half the frame has to come apart to even get the battery out. Never mind that it's now tucked back in a corner where I'd have no chance of lifting the old one out in that space or put the new one in.
Click to expand...

Could be worse. My folks had a 1999 Plymouth Breeze.
The battery was located inside the front-left (driver's side) fender well.
To access the battery, you must go through the wheel well (that meant take the tire off) rather than the engine bay.
 
That's B.S.

Why People Think You Need a Dealer
Modern vehicles use a Battery Management System (BMS) to monitor the battery's age and health. [1, 2]
  • Smart Charging: As a battery gets older, the truck's computer tells the alternator to charge it more aggressively.
  • The Risk: If you install a new battery without telling the computer, it may continue "overcharging" the new unit as if it were the old, worn-out one, which can significantly shorten the new battery’s lifespan.
  • System Glitches: Skipping registration can sometimes cause features like "Auto Start-Stop" to stop working or trigger false "Low Battery" dashboard warnings.
Solution?
Reset the BMS yourself!
 
I found a list of the top 5 no computer, shade-tree-mechanic friendly trucks in the US:

Ford F-150 1948-1975
Chevy Silverado 1960-1999
Dodge Ram 1500 mid-1980s and older
Toyota Tacoma '95-2004
and the Nissan Frontier '97-2004, when it was called the D22

With blessings from the EPA, Dept of Health, and climatologists, I imagine fuel-dependent internal combustion vehicles will be completely replaced with fully computerized cars and trucks within 20 years.

Street-racing will be history, there'll be no ramps for runaway semis, streets and highways will be quiet and orderly, but we still have time to thrill over the roar of the engine.
 
My mother had a nice Cadillac she couldn't give any of us family members. We didn't want the financial pains of taking it to the shop.
 
Last edited:
There was a time in my working years when I traded a car in about the time the warranty ran out or not long after. Some people probably still do that, so they don't have to worry about it. Would be nice to live that lifestyle now, but I can't afford it.
 
VaughanJB said:
It takes only a few seconds to punch this scenario into Google, in order to determine that changing the battery is an easy job. Good grief.
Click to expand...

Found it. (y)
Manual Reset Method:
  1. Switch the ignition to ON (engine off).
  2. Flash the high beams 5 times.
  3. Press and release the brake pedal 3 times.
  4. Wait for the battery icon on the dash to flash, confirming the reset.
 
I'm also a bit concerned about the new federal law now that requires automakers to install
"advanced drunk and impaired driving prevention technology" in all new passenger vehicles by 2026–2027.

The technology is expected to monitor driver behavior (e.g., erratic steering) or detect alcohol levels, and it may disable the vehicle by refusing to start or limiting its operation if impairment is detected.

It's concerning that they haven't completely addressed things like... what if you're dodging children, or potholes, or squirrels or most anything? How does this technology figure erratic from everyday issues?

Seems like it got bum rushed through without a whole lot of thought. JMHO
 
When my 2019 Toyota Tacoma was destroyed in an accident about a month and a half ago, my insurance paid me off well, more than I paid for the Tacoma. However, things have changed since 2019, new trucks and most other vehicles are all now near or over $40K, which was a deal breaker for me. I decided I ain't never buying a new car again, instead I picked up this little jewel just this past Monday:

2001 Ford Ranger V8, Stepside. Decent shape, just $4k not $40k.

1new.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top