we have a nox that was 2 years old end of July
went out today and the 6 year battery, 2 years in, completely died

took it out and had it checked. 0 cranking amps
one thing i noticed was the lower sides of the battery were slightly bulged. i am calling dealer in the morning to see if it is under warranty

i put in the battery I took out of the HHR when i put the Optima in and it works great.

guy told me today that they have sold alot of batteries and the heat is killing them.

any truth to this, especially you guys that live in Az?

Although I don't live in Az, I've never had a battery die due to heat. I've lived in Miami for the past 20 years, where it is d@m hot most of the year.

Although I don't live in Az, I've never had a battery die due to heat. I've lived in Miami for the past 20 years, where it is d@m hot most of the year.
i lived in S Texas, but we have had 105+ heat now for over 3 weeks, closer to 4

Found this information HERE (http://www.ecozen.com/battery1.htm).

Effect of extreme heat on a battery.

Extreme heat causes the water in the battery to evaporate faster than under normal temperatures. The heat also causes the grids that make up the positive plates to corrode more rapidly. These two factors are detrimental to the long-term life of the battery.

Which is more detrimental to a battery, heat or cold?

Both extremes create battery problems. Extreme heat will allow the battery to increase its performance level for a short term. However, internally it accelerates corrosion and other deterioration factors, which lead to an overall short battery life. Extreme cold temperatures within the battery result in a reduction of battery efficiency level, which reduces short-term performance.

Life of the battery is considerably reduced by heat, overcharging and by keeping the battery in discharged condition.

oneton here; cj i work in a H-D after market shop we tried optima batt. in the customs we build very short life in a motorcycle no longer use, if batt. gets low very hard to recharge read how to recharge , can not use everyday charger and must ck charging rate often. if batt. falls below 10v you can not always bring them back. don't like or use any more

Extreme heat causes the water in the battery to evaporate faster than under normal temperatures.

Just what is "extreme heat"? If the engine temp is normally about 200 degrees, then I can't imagine that 100 degree temps are "extreme".

CJ, for all it is worth, batteries die all the time, usually in the summer months, due to cold/ heat fluctuations. Also, if it`s a Delco, it will crack on the pos. terminal. As I am with you, this is rediculous after two yrs, to replace a battery, even if it is pro-rated. After 7 Delco`s in the old truck, I went Yellow top Optima out here in the desert. In-laws went Red Top. I had aftermarket stereo stuff. I called Optima, they said the red top will LAST 5 yrs in this heat, as it has a 3 yr free replacement warranty. I have had the yellow top now 2 1/2 yrs, without a problem. Not even a slight drain on the lights when cranking (turn lights on at night before starting as a test).
So, I will never go back. I did notice that Exide makes a similar type, no dice, gotta go to the original. I did speak to a Tech last time I was in the dealer, He stated his C1500 P/U has had the Red top in for ten years, and it now died. Wow 10 yrs on the same battery, I told him to call Optima, as he may get a free one for his testimonial. He was goning to get another red top.

Just what is "extreme heat"? If the engine temp is normally about 200 degrees, then I can't imagine that 100 degree temps are "extreme".
If you combine the heat generated by the engine with an additional 100 degrees, that's pretty extreme.

Modern cars restrict the amount of air flowing through the engine compartment to improve both aerodynamic efficiency and economy. New engine compartments are pretty crowded. The elevated temperatures are enough to boil the electrolytes right out of the battery. This is one of the reasons some cars have batteries installed in the trunk area instead of under the hood like we have on our HHR's.

We're not in AZ but live in the desert also. Near Palm Springs California. We are about 5 degrees cooler than what PS reports. We do see 108+ degrees for a few weeks out of the year. A few days run up over 116 on ocassion.
We have never has an issue with a dead one other then just plain old age in the life of a battery.

I can not think of a time I had a battery die do to just the heat. I have had some that are like 4 years old die and told time and heat could have cause this. And I do not think I have ever had one die during the summer.
If it is only 2 years old it should still be covered

:cool: I've lived in Arizona for 40 years now, just So. East of Phoenix. I consider myself very lucky if I get 3 years out of the best of batteries:( !
I had one last 4 years in a new '85 Honda Civic, but one only lasted 1 year in a new '86 Honda Prelude!! Go figure:confused:
The '99 GMC Sonoma I had before getting the HHR was bought used in early 2001. It probably had the original battery in it, but a couple of Months after we got it the "Sealed" Delco battery in it cracked on the side and leaked acid all over the place.:roll:
I replaced it with the same type of battery at the Chevy Dealer where I had bought the truck. About a year later my Wife drove it to the Post Office, when she came out it was deader than a doornail !!
I went over with our Altima and jump started it. She drove about 20 ft. and it died and wouldn't start. I jumped it again, she drove a little furthur and it died again. (We were still in the P.O. parking lot.) We figured it wasn't worth playing this game out on the streets so we had AAA tow it to the dealer:( .
I guess it was completely shorted out. They replaced it no charge, but it sure made for a wasted few hours!
I'm really hoping the battery, being in the back of the HHR, doesn't spring a leak and cause some damage back there:eek:. It's sort of "outa sight outa mind" back there!! :bye:

FYI. I had an experience with a piece of medical equipment called an AED, Automatic External Defibrilator. These are portable and we issued one to each Deputy Cruiser in our County to use if needed, sometimes they are first on scene of needed medical attention. Anyway, these things have a nickle cadnium battery in them. I received one of the machines one day due to a dead battery. The machine also has a small computer in them that stores information about the life of the machine, including the times it is turned on. This machine had a maintenance issue with it along with the dead battery. After downloading the information on it, I was amased to find that the temperature of the machine had hit 425 degrees and feel this is probably why the battery was dead. These machines were kept in the trunk of some and in the back of others, a Jeep. The officer said he never took it out of the trunk. So, a black vehicle, in the heat here in West Virginia, we may have one or two days that may hit 100, but not many. The battery in the HHR is in the trunk, and I would have to say, if the windows were up and the vehicle sat outside, 400 degrees wouldn't be out of the question, and how many 400 degree days would it take to kill any battery.:roll: Just food for thought.

the Nox wife drives has a battery box up front and it is totally sealed cept for one lil tiny drain hose, no air. it seemed it had leaked a little but dont know where.

the HHR is in the back but it does get some air and if you ever pull the passenger side rear panel off you will see a lil vent like on dryers,,, very cool so i dont think it will be as bad a problem.

i put on a yellow top optima bought at Sams for $130. Awesome battery.
if you notice there is not one on the drivers rear side but there is a panel there.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j313/cjkrause/IM000465.jpg
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j313/cjkrause/IM000480.jpg

we have been in Las Vegas for 3 years and we had to replace the battery on the Subby STi about a month after we moved out here and then again about 2 months ago ....... so about 2years +/- is about average in this climate. 118 degrees is a killer on batterys

If you combine the heat generated by the engine with an additional 100 degrees, that's pretty extreme.

Deb not to be a S**T but 100 plus 200 in the case of temp does not make 300. Since 200 is the highest temp, whether the outside temp is 100, 50 or zero, the engine compartment may still be 200, so as long as the thing is designed to withstand 200, being 100 outside should have no effect. :D

Cj, why is the HHR in a body shop?

Cj, why is the HHR in a body shop?
it isnt
the Equinox is what i had trouble with on the battery

Shaggy is fine as can be
those were pics of when i did the 2 tone,,, :rof:

didnt figure out what you were asking till i posted
here is a link to some of the pics of the 2 tone if you want to view what they did
http://www.carspace.com/cjkrause/?50@@.59a2c2c8

Cj, why is the HHR in a body shop?
I'm sure you're referring to the pictures he posted. I would venture to guess that those were taken when he had the 2 tone paint job done and he is showing the ventilation areas on the back of the HHR.

we have been in Las Vegas for 3 years and we had to replace the battery on the Subby STi about a month after we moved out here and then again about 2 months ago ....... so about 2years +/- is about average in this climate. 118 degrees is a killer on batterys

:cool: Not only is it a killer on batteries, it is also on fan belts, hoses, motor mounts, and some dashboards if they're not covered:( ! I've been told that motor mounts on transverse engines are especially vulnerable to breaking due to our excessive heat in Ariz. I've had to have all 3 on our Altima replaced over the last 4 or 5 years. And boy !!! That ain't cheap:roll:.

Update on battery
6 yr warranty battery shown on top- chevy warrants it for 3 years as full replacement, which is good
got a brand new battery and it is in

chevy found out what i did, 0 cranking amps

Yes,

The average life of a battery here in Sunny AZ.... 2 years. Also, outhere they go out without warning. One day good the next start no good.

Also, wiper blades wear out faster. Not from use :) but from the heat.

Mike

also the battery that comes in the hhr just does its job nothing more adding extra also with a stock battery and you're a jumpstart waiting to happen like me with two 12 just my 2 cents

Sold my 2000 Ford Ranger in 2005 (for the HHR), with 50k miles on it. Lived in the desert (120-degree heat in summer), for 2 1/2 of those years. When I sold it, the stock battery had plenty of life left in it.

Wife's 2001 Toyota RAV 4 - under same conditions, battery died at 60k miles.

Go figure.

When in doubt - replace your battery! :lol:

I've had more than a few batteries die over the years due to heat/humidity- or at least that's what the repair guys told me. Everyone from Pontiac to Toyota to Dodge to Sears Die Hards.
They just pro rate me the replacement and act like it happens everyday..

It's not the cost of replacing the the battery, since they usually die long before the warranty has expired, it's the possible inconvenience of having it die on you out in the boonies somewhere that bothers me.

:cool: This is from an article in the July/August issue of "Highroads", the AAA Magazine for Arizona. The topic is "What is the effect on a car battery's life in Arizona's heat"? Their answer was:
"The average life expectancy of a car battery in Arizona is 22 Months.
Regardless of the length of the warranty on your battery, if it has been in your car for longer than that, you are running on borrowed time.
Most car battery failures in Arizona happen without warning. You don't get the slow cranking, dim lights or other warning signs that you may notice in moderate or cold weather states. The battery just dies in most cases.
The only way you can know the condition of your car's battery is to have it tested. If your battery is over 22 months old, you should consider having it tested next time your car is in the shop for routine maintenance.
As for other maintenance issues due to Arizona's severe summer heat, you will notice that you go through rubber parts more quickly here in the desert.
Things like wiper blades, motor mounts, belts, hoses and tires just don't last as long in the severe heat and extreme dry conditions.
In addition to the heat, the dust tends to take a toll on air and cabin filters.
Both should be replaced annually for maximum benefit."


:( Speaking from my own experiences over the last 40 years in this area, AAA is right on the mark, (sorry to say), with this article.:p:

We get lots of batteries in the shop off the big rigs. Some of them smell like rotten egges. Most of the time its from the heat killing one of the batt's and then the other three can't power the truck.

courthousedeb is quit right about heat related battery failure. The bulging is sulfation caused by excessive heat and is common here in Laughlin NV where summer temps exceed 115 degrees. Suggestion;buy a walmart 9 year warrenty/3 year replacement battery. Might not last three years but they will replace it.

courthousedeb is quit right about heat related battery failure. The bulging is sulfation caused by excessive heat and is common here in Laughlin NV where summer temps exceed 115 degrees. Suggestion;buy a walmart 9 year warrenty/3 year replacement battery. Might not last three years but they will replace it.

:smile: I wonder if these "Sealed" batteries have some sort of vent on them to relieve any pressure built up by this sulfation. :confused: I've wondered about this ever since one just cracked down the side a few years back on my '99 Sonoma. :eek: I think I'd just as soon have one with vented caps so I could keep an eye on the acid level.;)

Yep heat destroys batteries. Batteries that swell up after a couple of years is a common occurrence here in Southern Nevada(across the river from Arizona.
By the way cold lowers the power output but doesn't destroy the battery unless it is discharged and freezes.

General rule of thumb here in sunny Phoenix. Batteries last an average of 3 years. Does not matter if it's a high end or low end battery. The ambient temp combined with the underhood temp is a killer.

Mike

General rule of thumb here in sunny Phoenix. Batteries last an average of 3 years. Does not matter if it's a high end or low end battery. The ambient temp combined with the underhood temp is a killer.

Mike
+1. Most I ever got out of a battery was 4 years. Optima Red Top

Here in Fla with our heat and humidity, we're lucky to get 4 yrs out of a battery. After talking with the Interstate Battery people, they say that heat is the number one enemy of a battery, and vibrations are the number two enemy. So if I get 3 yrs out of a battery...I'm happy.

A very good friend of mine moved to Phoenix AZ 7 years ago. He changes the battery every two years no matter what (non HHR).

He is from Ohio and had a battery explode under the hood from the heat. From what he was told, it's quite common in Phoenix, routine maintenance.

Batteries are "hit-and-miss" as far as how long they will last. There are MANY factors that can contribute to battery longevity. Batteries on the whole should last at least 3 years. Anything over 5 years is a "gift."