Battery - Highest Cold Cranking For Cold Region

[Oka]

Would a 900 Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) be too much for the Alaskan temps?
I currently have a 730 CCA and think I need some more 'juice'.

Thanks

[abscate]

You can't have 'too many' cold cranking amps. The car will draw what it needs - a larger capacity will give you more cranking time, not faster cranking or more current.

These cars should start just fine, even in AK, if they are in good tune and repair.

[Oka]

. . . a larger capacity will give you more cranking time . . .

The "more cranking time" is what I was refereing to, especially with our remote starters
that tend to go through more electrical processes to start.

[oragex]

Oh, a 900 cold amp would spin that puppy like a squirrel. More than enough. Just make sure to use a 0W30 (preferred) or 0W40 oil with a good filter such as Mann (if you are just switching to synthetic, keep a weekly eye on the oil level and perhaps replace the filter after only 500miles again). I had mine turning quite easily at -15F with an old battery with some 680 amp cold. You'll surely get a bunch of -40, but a fresh battery and correct oil will take care of it.

By all means make sure the thermostat has been replaced. It fails open after 8 years, the engine will keep cold for long and the PCV doesn't like that - neither your feet will.

[abscate]

On your really cold snaps I imagine your car will be happier with a block heater or even a oil pan pad, -40F is just down right nasty.

[Rattnalle]

The OE block heaters are completely useless for actually warming the engine up. A hose heater would be a better option. Especially the modern ones with a pump to circulate the coolant.

But apart from that a battery charger would be just as good an investment as a larger battery depending on you usage pattern.

[oragex]

On your really cold snaps I imagine your car will be happier with a block heater or even a oil pan pad, -40F is just down right nasty.

And I remember years ago, they got -40 straight for a couple of weeks without a day of relief. Alaska

One other 'trick', especially for older batteries, if the weather goes crazy, nothing better than pulling the battery and keep it inside the house over night.

[Oka]

You can't have 'too many' cold cranking amps. The car will draw what it needs - a larger capacity will give you more cranking time, not faster cranking or more current.

These cars should start just fine, even in AK, if they are in good tune and repair.

". . . in good tune and repair" could be relatively subjective; a 2001 car would have some unforeseen ailment.
I have two little ones which adds to the issue of a "good" responsive start. The battery is five years old and
I just want to change it. With the remote starter, that "more cranking time" is my goal.

Thanks for your info.

[abscate]

So if the car has to reliably start ....

New battery
New battery cables
Pull starter and have it rebuilt or at very least test current draw, compare to new spec
Learn how to bypass ignition switch on your model

Evaluate plugs and coils and carry spares

All these are much better than some more cranking amps

[jonesg]

Heated garage.