Motomaster Battery Too Small?

[mazdabetty]

I just purchased this battery for my car at CT and realized that its dimensions are significantly smaller than my original one. We raised it temporarily using a small block of wood so the clamp can secure it down, but I'm a bit concerned about this long term :S

Just wondering if this is normal or if I should try to return it, anyone else have this experience with this brand?

Any input is appreciated thanks!

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4/Auto/3/Batteries/BatteriesCables/PRD~0102485P/MotoMaster+Eliminator+Automotive+Battery.jsp?local e=en&isAutomotivePrd=true&tireSku=0107580&auto_type=part&icid=AutoSelector_PartsAccessories_2005+MAZDA+3+Se ries++4-1999+2.0L+DOHC_Batteries+%26+Accessories_0107580_V iewDetails

[TheMAN]

what's the group # you put in?
with this cold weather, you should take it back and get a group 24F, it's the largest size that fits... factory size on some canadian 3s
forget the application guides, they don't list everything accurately... mazda's own application chart is the only one to be trusted (available to dealers only)

[peterm15]

what's the group # you put in?
with this cold weather, you should take it back and get a group 24F, it's the largest size that fits... factory size on some canadian 3s
forget the application guides, they don't list everything accurately... mazda's own application chart is the only one to be trusted (available to dealers only)

+1.

I just put a motor master 24f in. 4 year warranty $119.00.

Slightly larger then stock. But fits perfectly.

Unfortunately being that you have already installed the battery, unless it's not listed in the CT computer as being a recommended size it's unlikely they will take it in as an exchange. Worth a shot though.

[S.F.W.]

Some batteries require a riser to sit in the Mazda3 battery tray. I know the Optima Red Tops do.

[TheMAN]

the group 26R, which is the closest thing to the smallest stock size (JIS # 50D20L) requires a riser
I definitely DO NOT recommend the group 26R... it is not something you want in canada... use a group 35 at least!

[loki]

Mine is wedged in with cardboard underneath the brackets. Been like that for 1.5 years now

[mazdabetty]

what's the group # you put in?
It is a group 35, which is weird it's so tiny...


Slightly larger then stock. But fits perfectly.
How snug are we talking exactly? I'm just asking because I have a lot of wires going to my subs, HIDs etc.. I need a little bit of room in the box to hide a lot of those haha


Some batteries require a riser to sit in the Mazda3 battery tray. I know the Optima Red Tops do.
Are you talking about the plastic thing that came with the red top? I know Gab mentioned that to me but plastic doesn't seem safe.... which is why he used wood under his and said it should be fine with mine too. It still feels ghetto though... I don't know how I feel about using cardboard either haha... my dad is a mechanic and I know if he ever saw me do that he'd flip out lol

I just called CT and they gave me a bit of grief saying they don't usually do returns on batteries but *might* make an exception depending on the condition of the battery. This could go either way... I'm thinking I'll return it if I can and buy a Mazda one maybe. I just found out they're only $89 at my dealership... had I known they were that inexpensive I would have gone that route in the first place.

It's only 550 cold cranking amps though as opposed to 690 in the motomaster one... not sure how much of a difference that's going to make in the -38 weather Ottawa has been having these days :S

[Flagrum_3]

Aslong as it's the right Group no. battery you should be fine Ash, and aslong as the wood piece is atleast the same dimensions as the battery's footprint to make it stable.

Edit; Just picked up your latest post; The cranking amps will make a huge difference, especially in frosty Ottawa ;-)

_3

[mazdabetty]

Aslong as it's the right Group no. battery you should be fine Ash, and aslong as the wood piece is atleast the same dimensions as the battery's footprint to make it stable.

Edit; Just picked up your latest post; The cranking amps will make a huge difference, especially in frosty Ottawa ;-)

_3

Blah, you think? So it's not completely unheard of to prop up a battery like that? lol

I'm just unsure because when I asked my dad about it he was like "no it's the wrong battery take it back blah blah" and went on about how it's a "safety issue" and it could cause problems if/when I try to sell my car etc etc.... lol

Anyway, thanks so much everyone for your help!

[Flagrum_3]

Blah, you think? So it's not completely unheard of to prop up a battery like that? lol

I'm just unsure because when I asked my dad about it he was like "no it's the wrong battery take it back blah blah" and went on about how it's a "safety issue" and it could cause problems if/when I try to sell my car etc etc.... lol

Anyway, thanks so much everyone for your help!

Well if it's the wrong battery your dad is right, but as far as placing wood under the battery, that is not unheard of or unsafe. As I said, if the wood riser has the proper footprint, i.e; the battery has no chance of tipping off, then it should be O.K. ...My '73 VW SuperBeetle had the battery under the rear seat and resting on a plank of wood, (from the factory), and I never had an issue. But it's up to you, do whatever makes you feel comfortable.

_3

[Cab0oze]

After my previous experiences with motomaster batteries i would never buy one again.
First one died after a month and left me stranded in the middle of nowhere... after a huge fight i got them to replace it, and then the second one (It looked used, not new despite their claims) started dying on me within a week. They said it was my car. Another huge fight later, I got a third battery that worked for a period of 4 months but I sold the car so I dunno how well that one fared.

I may have just had bad luck with the first battery and the rest of the issues was their customer service practices, but that alone would stop me from ever buying a motomaster battery again.

[TheMAN]

It is a group 35, which is weird it's so tiny...


How snug are we talking exactly? I'm just asking because I have a lot of wires going to my subs, HIDs etc.. I need a little bit of room in the box to hide a lot of those haha


Are you talking about the plastic thing that came with the red top? I know Gab mentioned that to me but plastic doesn't seem safe.... which is why he used wood under his and said it should be fine with mine too. It still feels ghetto though... I don't know how I feel about using cardboard either haha... my dad is a mechanic and I know if he ever saw me do that he'd flip out lol

I just called CT and they gave me a bit of grief saying they don't usually do returns on batteries but *might* make an exception depending on the condition of the battery. This could go either way... I'm thinking I'll return it if I can and buy a Mazda one maybe. I just found out they're only $89 at my dealership... had I known they were that inexpensive I would have gone that route in the first place.

It's only 550 cold cranking amps though as opposed to 690 in the motomaster one... not sure how much of a difference that's going to make in the -38 weather Ottawa has been having these days :S

if it's a real group 35, it should fit perfectly... it should measure 230x175x225mm... if it's not even close, it's not a group 35! some brands are cheap and try to make a hybrid group 35 / 75, which causes all sorts of fitment issues... battery not tall enough, side posts (that's what a group 75 uses) interfering with the battery box, etc
I'd take it back and get a group 24F, but not the one from Mazda... it's exide crap... go get a kirkland battery from costco, best bang for the buck


EDIT: just looked at the crappy tire link again... so it IS a hybrid group 35/75 battery.... definitely take it back! it's not worth messing with it! the fitment issues with these suck ass! I had an expensive Exide Orbital group 35/75 battery (they only make hybrid sizes of group 35/75 and 24F/78) and it never really fitted right nor hold down right in my Protege's battery tray.... stupid POS died after 4 years too

I want to shoot the people who think it's a good idea to sell hybrid sized batteries... I wonder how they even comply with the BCI battery standards because they really don't to me.... batteries should have one set of posts only, not both! If you see top and side posts, move along, DO NOT BUY IT!!! A true group 26R, 35, or 24F battery (all officially approved sizes for our cars) will have top posts ONLY with a right hand side positive post (closest to you when viewed lengthwise)

[mazdabetty]

Yeah it was definitely a 35/75 hybrid... Had no idea that was an issue when purchasing it. Ugh. I ended up just going with a Mazda replacement. Not the best batteries on the market I guess but the first one lasted me 7-8 years, so I'm not too worried about it. At least it fits perfectly!

Going to try to return the crappy tire one today, and give them hell for suggesting it in the first place. Makes you wonder what they do to people's cars to make it fit when they're actually paid to install it :S

Thanks again for all the help/useful information

[peterm15]

go get a kirkland battery from costco, best bang for the buck


Costco no longer sells 24f. I went to 4 and called 2 more and none have it.
The last guy I called said it wasn't even in the system. They do however have group 35.

[Cab0oze]

go get a kirkland battery from costco, best bang for the buck
What if you want a battery that doesn't explode?
bad joke, sorry :P

[TheMAN]

Yeah it was definitely a 35/75 hybrid... Had no idea that was an issue when purchasing it. Ugh. I ended up just going with a Mazda replacement. Not the best batteries on the market I guess but the first one lasted me 7-8 years, so I'm not too worried about it. At least it fits perfectly!

Going to try to return the crappy tire one today, and give them hell for suggesting it in the first place. Makes you wonder what they do to people's cars to make it fit when they're actually paid to install it :S

Thanks again for all the help/useful information

the original Mazda battery is a Japanese made, Japanese market only Panasonic... it is completely different and better than many batteries sold here, obviously including the crappy Exide rebranded Mazda battery you buy here at Canadian dealers
in the states, the Mazda batteries are Interstate rebrands

hopefully you get a decent life out of this battery... I heard many bad things about it from a certain someone no longer employed at a popular dealership here ;)
did you get a group 24F at least?

[TheMAN]

What if you want a battery that doesn't explode?
bad joke, sorry :P

then I got maypop tires to sell you too :P
lol

[TheMAN]

Costco no longer sells 24f. I went to 4 and called 2 more and none have it.
The last guy I called said it wasn't even in the system. They do however have group 35.
that's too bad... I think I remember having trouble finding it too
I ended up just getting the Interstate Megatron Plus MTP-24F (a group 24F)... their cheaper Megatron II and Megatron Plus versions do not have silver calcium plates, which means they don't last as long and they are more susceptible reduced life as well as sulfation in higher under hood temperatures... their shorter warranties speak for it too
it was worth it... the starter spins so fast and the engine comes to life in less than 2 seconds! :D

[yearoftherat]

So the consensus is that CT are not that great? Has anyone had any experience with ones from Walmart?

[peterm15]

So the consensus is that CT are not that great? Has anyone had any experience with ones from Walmart?

My motor master eliminator 24f, so far has been great. 4 year replacement 10 year something else.

Main thing I think to look for us warranty. The longer the better.

[DamagedGoods]

So the consensus is that CT are not that great? Has anyone had any experience with ones from Walmart?

Walmart batteries "Energizer" are made by Johnson Controls, they're a house brand. JC makes Kirkland batteries for Costco. JC is the manufacturer of Interstate batteries too. I hear more positive things about JC batteries, but of course the Internet can be bias.

If you have a Costco membership, id just pick one up there, prices are well below the competition.

I've run both brands in my truck, and have been surprised that the JC battery has performed better, and lasted longer than the Eliminator Exide battery. Once the Panasonic in my speed gives out, I'll probably throw a JC brand battery in there as well.

[S.F.W.]

Going to jack this thread, and mention with the cold weather lately, I realized I likely need a new battery for my speed3. Was leaning towards Optima, but have been reading a fair number of negative reviews. Looking at Odyssey now.

[Thrizzl3]

Going to jack this thread, and mention with the cold weather lately, I realized I likely need a new battery for my speed3. Was leaning towards Optima, but have been reading a fair number of negative reviews. Looking at Odyssey now.

it's warming up this week..see if it makes any difference with your current battery before you decide to change anything.

[peterm15]

Going to jack this thread, and mention with the cold weather lately, I realized I likely need a new battery for my speed3. Was leaning towards Optima, but have been reading a fair number of negative reviews. Looking at Odyssey now.

Just get a battery test done first. I wouldn't waste that kind of money without first testing.

[TheMAN]

Going to jack this thread, and mention with the cold weather lately, I realized I likely need a new battery for my speed3. Was leaning towards Optima, but have been reading a fair number of negative reviews. Looking at Odyssey now.

ever since Optima got sold out to Johnson Controls, they've been crap
I heard that the Diehard Platinums in the states are rebadged Odysseys, they're pretty good from what I heard.... I haven't gone to Sears lately to see what the Canadian Diehards are like

[TheMAN]

Walmart batteries "Energizer" are made by Johnson Controls, they're a house brand. JC makes Kirkland batteries for Costco. JC is the manufacturer of Interstate batteries too. I hear more positive things about JC batteries, but of course the Internet can be bias.

If you have a Costco membership, id just pick one up there, prices are well below the competition.

I've run both brands in my truck, and have been surprised that the JC battery has performed better, and lasted longer than the Eliminator Exide battery. Once the Panasonic in my speed gives out, I'll probably throw a JC brand battery in there as well.
yeah the Energizers aren't bad... just stay away from the US Walmart "NeverStart" batteries

[peterm15]

yeah the Energizers aren't bad... just stay away from the US Walmart "NeverStart" batteries

Sister went though 3 energizers on her tribute in 6 months. Purchased from Walmart.

[Shawn]

Interstate, I have had one over 10 years in another car with an tender. Still cranks hard, and the engine is high compression 70's era. "knock on wood" ;)

[TheMAN]

Sister went though 3 energizers on her tribute in 6 months. Purchased from Walmart.

what are her driving habits? Does she leave the lights on or listen to the radio with the engine off all the time?

[Flagrum_3]

what are her driving habits? Does she leave the lights on or listen to the radio with the engine off all the time?

Main reason for early battery deaths is 'Short runs', i.e; short trips to work or the mall ect. In this case the battery never gets a chance to recharge fully, especially in cold temperatures .People should plan their drives or atleast take slight excursions allowing the engine to warm up properly and giving the battery time to be recharged by the alternator. It doesn't take much to kill a battery in cold climates considering it is already at approx 70% just due of the cold. Several cold starts after short runs is enough to drain a healthy battery to nothing. Ofcourse leaving the lights on is a no brainer.

_3

[Jackal]

ever since Optima got sold out to Johnson Controls, they've been crap
I heard that the Diehard Platinums in the states are rebadged Odysseys, they're pretty good from what I heard.... I haven't gone to Sears lately to see what the Canadian Diehards are like

My Optima Yellowtop has been great. I also hear Odysseys are great.


yeah the Energizers aren't bad... just stay away from the US Walmart "NeverStart" batteries

Energizers are also a brand of Johnson Controls.

[peterm15]

what are her driving habits? Does she leave the lights on or listen to the radio with the engine off all the time?

Nope. It's actually mostly long runs. And radio was usually off due to a child.

The first one supposedly ( I'm not a mechanic so I'm taking ones word) failed because the alternator was toast. Second one was faulty, third one was altrrnators fault again ( some wire pulled off) and now this one seems like its gonna die again ( it's just over a year old).
So 2 of which I can understand, not the batteries fault. Faulty ones happen. But this one just didn't last long enough. I will say though Walmart had no problem returning them. So at least the warranty is decent. I am also pretty sure they are using the smallest recommended battery.

[Jackal]

Nope. It's actually mostly long runs. And radio was usually off due to a child.

The first one supposedly ( I'm not a mechanic so I'm taking ones word) failed because the alternator was toast. Second one was faulty, third one was altrrnators fault again ( some wire pulled off) and now this one seems like its gonna die again ( it's just over a year old).
So 2 of which I can understand, not the batteries fault. Faulty ones happen. But this one just didn't last long enough. I will say though Walmart had no problem returning them. So at least the warranty is decent. I am also pretty sure they are using the smallest recommended battery.
That's quite a few batteries. Do they come with a 6 year warranty? I wonder if there is something else draining that battery like a remote starter/alarm or other?

[peterm15]

That's quite a few batteries. Do they come with a 6 year warranty? I wonder if there is something else draining that battery like a remote starter/alarm or other?

No clue. Should be nothing else draining the batt.

[TheMAN]

alternators die because of bad/weak batteries
then depending on a weak alternator to keep a new battery recharged is going to kill both soon enough
and a crappy aftermarket alternator is just going to cause problems all around

the tribute/escape/mariner/maverick takes a group 40R

[peterm15]

alternators die because of bad/weak batteries
then depending on a weak alternator to keep a new battery recharged is going to kill both soon enough
and a crappy aftermarket alternator is just going to cause problems all around

the tribute/escape/mariner/maverick takes a group 40R

So other way around which makes it worse. I do know they replaced with what was in when they bought it.
Alternator they had had were replaced under warranty from the ford dealer they bought it from.

[Tuscani01]

So is there a consensus on what battery brand is the best? I am finally looking to replace the CAA battery that came with my car (purchased a used car) because it has died on me several times in the winter, and then again this morning after not using my car for the past 3 days. I was considering a Motomaster battery, simply because I work at CT's home office and can get the last sale price + an additional 17% off... but I'd rather pay for something that will last.

Reading through this thread, it seems like everyone has had issues with each battery recommended.

[mazdabetty]

I ended up buying one at Mazda for $88.

Was cheaper than the CT brand and there's a warranty on it. I'm not too worried about the lower cranking amps, car started just fine for the rest of the winter :)

[TheMAN]

Kirkland from Costco is the best bang for the buck... long warranty and good quality
the mazda ones are relabelled exides, and they're crap!

all batteries have warranties on them, regardless of where you bought it... even the bad fitting crappy tire batteries has warranty!

[ziegs2020]

I ended up buying a group 35 battery, and it's too short. It's a Canadian Tire motomaster battery. It's too late for me to return it for a 24F.

The battery can move back and forth. What would be a good shimming material? Wood? Rubber?