I think I'm at 4 years on my stock A/C Delco OEM 12V battery. anybody would recommend anything better? I guess 4 years would be a good thing and why change? It does say 13-14V in my DIC btw.

 

An Optima is pretty good but the OEM battery should last at least 5 years to 7. After 6 years I go to the "big-box" auto parts stores and have a load test done every year.

 

I just replaced the 12v on my 2010. Was quite surprised one day to climb in and turn the key and get - nothing.

I jumped it and the DIC said 15v, but it was dead again the next day. Ended up just going to the local shop and getting a replacement - $160 - yikes! But that was cheaper then what the local GM dealer wanted.

After replacing the 12v - everything seems to be fine.

I guess it's one of the weird things you have to get use to with these vehicles - little warning when the 12v is reaching EOL - unlike a car with a starter where you can hear the battery start to fail.

The new battery has 950 CCA vs. 800 on the old one - but have no idea if that matters when you don't "cold crank"

 

Maybe fluctuations in power causing the jolt, lurching and stalling?

 

We are lucky to get two years out of a lead acid(Delco) battery here in Arizona because of the extreme heat. Delco's usually last about 1.5 to 2 years, stock Chrysler Batteries don't even make it that long, My wife's Town & Country went through 3 in 3 years(under warranty)

My Tahoe did act peculiar for a few weeks/months before my stock 12V battery conked out.

Replacing the 12V battery also has another beneficial effect, it clears the short term memory in the computer so the car has to "relearn" how to drive, and any "Boogers" get cleared as well. The first 10 miles after disconnecting the battery are interesting to say the least.

I have had very good luck with dry spiral wound batteries(Optima)

If your budget permits, Braille battery is probably the best quality you can buy(and lightest).