I bought a lithium Iron battery for my '13 escalade esv. I didn't think it was going to be an issue. But people in FB group are giving me all kinds of mixed input. High risk of fire and wrecking the alternator are the ones that concern me the most. Can anyone shed some light on this for me? Also, if i go dual battery can i have one Lithium and one AGM? if so, which would be the main? thanks
Will a lithium battery ruin my alternator?
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swathdiver
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Your charging system was not designed to charge lithium or AGM batteries. The AGM does not like to see voltages pushed through it above 15 volts which the factory system does. This shortens the life of the AGM, meaning they work just fine and don't last any longer generally speaking than a lead acid battery. The Body Control Module controls alternator output.
Dual batteries ought to not only be the same, they ought to be the same age to get the best performance out of them.
Why do you want a lithium battery?
Dual batteries ought to not only be the same, they ought to be the same age to get the best performance out of them.
Why do you want a lithium battery?
swathdiver
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This is a 2013, right? First I've heard of that. Just checked my copy of the 2013 Escalade owner's manual and don't see that. Double checking ACDelco's website shows lead acid batteries only for a 2013 Escalade in all trim levels.
You're right. I could have sworn i read that in the manual when i bought it. It was only 3 years old when i got it and it had a Delco Professional AGM in it. And AGM is all I've put in it. And they typically last anywhere from 2.5 to 3.5 years before i have problems. I wanted to try something new. My brother has lithium on all his motorcycles and swears by them. But, someone planted the seed of "ruin your alternator" in my head and now im looking for input if its happening to people here.
the only thing I have read about it is it might be wise to use a good voltage regulator so the battery never gets overcharged. I guess they are used in marine applications a lot so that might be a place to look for more information.
Badbob
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As far as I know lithium batteries are for deep cycle applications not for starting.
I think your alternator will ruin your lithium battery unless it has the correct charging parameters for lithium
I think your alternator will ruin your lithium battery unless it has the correct charging parameters for lithium
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Sounds like a lot of "NO's" to your question from these knowledgeable folks, and I've seen the same responses to similar questions in the past. Keep it simple and purchase a good quality lead acid battery, and call it a day.
Gearz
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I have a 2011 Tahoe LTZ and it didn't like the AMG batteries. They only lasted 2 or so years then started giving me issues. I went back to flooded battery and the truck is fine now. Alternators are there to kept the electrical system operating not to charge your battery if it's weak so if you don't drive it every day then you need to charge periodically. I have used AGM chargers but AGM batteries are funky and need special treatment so I tend to stick with the battery that came with the vehicle, even on my tractor.
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Gearz
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The alternator is there to maintain a healthy battery not to charge a depleted battery. If your battery is weak you are wearing out the alternator because it's trying to maintain it. If you don't drive your car every day or have a parasitic draw AKA (draw) on the battery then you need to charge it or use a maintainer.
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You're assigning way too much intelligence to the alternator; and mixing two arguments into one.
joe
Gearz
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Just trying to give some knowledge of being a technician for over 35 years. Listen or not I will not argue!
the 18th letter
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I don’t drive everyday (commute to work by bike foot and train with a strip mall around the corner from my house equal weekend shopping trips only) and my batteries have consistently given me 4-5 years.
yep, a weak battery should be replaced, not just "charged"
tagexpcom
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A key difference between AGM and Lithium (just because of their chemistries - not done on purpose) is that AGM has a higher resistance to current flow while being charged and 'naturally limits' the current during charge. Whereas a lithium battery naturally allows huge current flow during charge - and can possibly over-stress you're alternator as it it will take all it can get. This youtube illustrates the issues.
I'd not put 'any' Lithium in a vehicle. Maybe there's one that is specific for 'regular vehicles/alternators'. Or you can add regulation to protect a regular alternator.
There are other issues such 1) Do not mix battery types and 2) Ambient temps can be a problem with Lihtium vs AGM but the main 'mysterious issue' is the one of current flow while charging.
These "Solar" oriented DC to DC chargers specifically control/limit the current from the alternator -> general purpose lithium batteries and is partly why they exist as a product category. *There's also the charge curve - e.g. absorb and float but that more of a nit than the main issue of current regulation to protect the alternator.
I'd not put 'any' Lithium in a vehicle. Maybe there's one that is specific for 'regular vehicles/alternators'. Or you can add regulation to protect a regular alternator.
There are other issues such 1) Do not mix battery types and 2) Ambient temps can be a problem with Lihtium vs AGM but the main 'mysterious issue' is the one of current flow while charging.
These "Solar" oriented DC to DC chargers specifically control/limit the current from the alternator -> general purpose lithium batteries and is partly why they exist as a product category. *There's also the charge curve - e.g. absorb and float but that more of a nit than the main issue of current regulation to protect the alternator.
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my sister bought my 03 silverado from a few years ago, she never drives it and the battery gets "depleted" it jump starts fine and after driving it a few miles the battery is no longer depleted, must be magic........
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Mine sometimes sits 2-3 weeks between being driven. Also, I consider the truck's electronics to be 'parasitic drain'. So the truck lives plugged into a Battery Tender. I have the pigtail hanging outside the grill.
Between trucks and motorcycles, I haven't had a battery failure since '95, when I first started plugging my bike in.
joe
Ya, I told my sister to get one so she doesn't have to jump it, but in one ear out the other
Gotta say Doobie, them little jump packs from Amazon or wherever are worth their weight brother…. Small enough to throw under the seat or in the console but powerful enough to start just about everything…. I bought one for each car/truck in my house. On top of that they have outputs for phone chargers and some have a flashlight and even a compass… 5-6 years ago my regular jump pack bit the dust so i was looking at replacing the battery in it but i found them little things…. Good **** dude
