Does Walmart load test batteries? – killerinsideme.com (2024)


Does Walmart Replace Car Batteries? Yes, but you should know this

By comparing walmart car battery prices we can clearly see which one of the models are premium and which one are a budget option.

Does Walmart load test batteries?

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Frugality is the mental approach we each take when considering our resource allocations. It includes time, money, convenience, and many other factors.

Members Online

by kinda_fellin

Does Walmart load test batteries? – killerinsideme.com (1)

Hey guys just a heads up, do not buy car batteries from Wal-Mart.

Sorry for the wall of text, but here goes.

I bought an Everstart battery from Wal-Mart around 6 months ago. The last couple days I started having trouble with it not wanting to start my car. I went through all the typical troubleshooting steps ruling out the alternator (measured roughly 14.5 volts at the terminals with the car/alternator running) and checked to see if there was something draining the battery with the key in the off position. I only measured a .15 Milliamp draw. Took it to Autozone to have it tested with a proper battery tester that will do a load test and it failed immediately. The next morning I take the battery back to walmart where they put a glorified multi-meter on it and said they wouldn’t take it back because it read 12.3 volts and I didn’t have my receipt. If you know anything about batteries, you know the voltage doesn’t matter if you don’t have any amperage hence needing to put a load on it to test it which they did not do.

TLDR: Wal-Mart doesn’t have the proper tools to even diagnose a bad battery and will not honor the replacement period on Everstart batteries. Buy a car battery from ANY auto parts store instead.

Does Walmart Replace Car Batteries? Yes, but you should know this

Does Walmart load test batteries? – killerinsideme.com (2)

Depending on the circ*mstances, shopping for a new car battery can be incredibly frustrating, but knowing where to shop for the best prices ahead of time can make a world of difference. Walmart’s range of cheaper alternatives can be a lifesaver, especially if you weren’t expecting to replace your battery or if you do not have a lot of money to invest, but many people have asked, “Does Walmart replace car batteries?”

Walmart Auto Care Centre will fit your car battery, and they will fit it for free if the battery is purchased in-store. If the battery is purchased from another store, Walmart charges a $10 fitting fee.

Replacing a car battery used to be a pretty straightforward job; modern cars are, unfortunately, a little more work. In this post, you’ll learn how to get your car battery fitted for free at Walmart, but you’ll also learn why a modern car needs some special procedures before and after fitting a new battery.

Does Walmart load test batteries? – killerinsideme.com (3)

In this post, we’ll also cover Walmart battery brands, the diverse types of battery warranties that Walmart offers, and their returns policy.

Index

  • Get Free Battery Fitting at Walmart
  • Know This Before Fitting a New Battery
  • What Battery Brands Does Walmart Sell?
  • How Much Do Car Batteries Cost at Walmart?
  • Can I Return a Car Battery to Walmart?
  • How Long Is the Warranty for Walmart Batteries?
  • What Is a Pro-rated Warranty?
  • What Does a Walmart Battery Warranty Cover?
  • How Do I Replace My Battery with Walmart?
  • Other Helpful Car Battery Posts

How To Get Free Battery Fitting At Walmart

I love Walmart! Is there anything they don’t sell? While Walmart sells a massive range of car care products, it must be said unless your local Walmart store has an Auto Care Center attached, you won’t be able to avail of the great free fitting service they provide. You can check for your nearest Walmart Auto Care Center here.

So that said, how do you get Walmart to fit your car battery for free? – Simply buy your new car battery from them, and they’ll be happy to fit it FOC. Okay, but what if you already bought a new battery from another store, yep they’ll fit that too, but they’ll charge you a fee of $10.

I’ve been a mechanic for twenty-five years plus, and I can tell you without hesitation these Walmart prices are hard to beat. I think they represent amazing value for money, and the great deals don’t stop there; they offer a ton of other auto care services at knock-out prices. You can check out the complete list here.

Here’s a list of the battery services they offer and the prices.

Battery ServiceCostAt Walmart Supercenters Auto Care Centers Only
Battery TestingFree
Battery InstallationFree
Battery Charging$10

By comparing walmart car battery prices we can clearly see which one of the models are premium and which one are a budget option.

Does Walmart load test batteries?

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By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising.

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Frugality is the mental approach we each take when considering our resource allocations. It includes time, money, convenience, and many other factors.

Members Online

by kinda_fellin

Does Walmart load test batteries? – killerinsideme.com (4)

Hey guys just a heads up, do not buy car batteries from Wal-Mart.

Sorry for the wall of text, but here goes.

I bought an Everstart battery from Wal-Mart around 6 months ago. The last couple days I started having trouble with it not wanting to start my car. I went through all the typical troubleshooting steps ruling out the alternator (measured roughly 14.5 volts at the terminals with the car/alternator running) and checked to see if there was something draining the battery with the key in the off position. I only measured a .15 Milliamp draw. Took it to Autozone to have it tested with a proper battery tester that will do a load test and it failed immediately. The next morning I take the battery back to walmart where they put a glorified multi-meter on it and said they wouldn’t take it back because it read 12.3 volts and I didn’t have my receipt. If you know anything about batteries, you know the voltage doesn’t matter if you don’t have any amperage hence needing to put a load on it to test it which they did not do.

TLDR: Wal-Mart doesn’t have the proper tools to even diagnose a bad battery and will not honor the replacement period on Everstart batteries. Buy a car battery from ANY auto parts store instead.

Does Walmart Replace Car Batteries? Yes, but you should know this

Does Walmart load test batteries? – killerinsideme.com (5)

Depending on the circ*mstances, shopping for a new car battery can be incredibly frustrating, but knowing where to shop for the best prices ahead of time can make a world of difference. Walmart’s range of cheaper alternatives can be a lifesaver, especially if you weren’t expecting to replace your battery or if you do not have a lot of money to invest, but many people have asked, “Does Walmart replace car batteries?”

Walmart Auto Care Centre will fit your car battery, and they will fit it for free if the battery is purchased in-store. If the battery is purchased from another store, Walmart charges a $10 fitting fee.

Replacing a car battery used to be a pretty straightforward job; modern cars are, unfortunately, a little more work. In this post, you’ll learn how to get your car battery fitted for free at Walmart, but you’ll also learn why a modern car needs some special procedures before and after fitting a new battery.

Does Walmart load test batteries? – killerinsideme.com (6)

In this post, we’ll also cover Walmart battery brands, the diverse types of battery warranties that Walmart offers, and their returns policy.

Index

  • Get Free Battery Fitting at Walmart
  • Know This Before Fitting a New Battery
  • What Battery Brands Does Walmart Sell?
  • How Much Do Car Batteries Cost at Walmart?
  • Can I Return a Car Battery to Walmart?
  • How Long Is the Warranty for Walmart Batteries?
  • What Is a Pro-rated Warranty?
  • What Does a Walmart Battery Warranty Cover?
  • How Do I Replace My Battery with Walmart?
  • Other Helpful Car Battery Posts

How To Get Free Battery Fitting At Walmart

I love Walmart! Is there anything they don’t sell? While Walmart sells a massive range of car care products, it must be said unless your local Walmart store has an Auto Care Center attached, you won’t be able to avail of the great free fitting service they provide. You can check for your nearest Walmart Auto Care Center here.

So that said, how do you get Walmart to fit your car battery for free? – Simply buy your new car battery from them, and they’ll be happy to fit it FOC. Okay, but what if you already bought a new battery from another store, yep they’ll fit that too, but they’ll charge you a fee of $10.

I’ve been a mechanic for twenty-five years plus, and I can tell you without hesitation these Walmart prices are hard to beat. I think they represent amazing value for money, and the great deals don’t stop there; they offer a ton of other auto care services at knock-out prices. You can check out the complete list here.

Here’s a list of the battery services they offer and the prices.

Battery ServiceCostAt Walmart Supercenters Auto Care Centers Only
Battery TestingFree
Battery FittingFreeWhen Purchased in Store
Battery Fitting$10When Battery Not Purchased At Walmart
Battery Terminal End Replacement$5Parts not included
Battery Anti-Corrosion Treatment$3.50Per Battery

Fitting Charges Only Parts Not Included. Source: Walmart

You Should know This Before Fitting a New Battery

While back in the day, swapping out a car battery was a simple DIY chore. Not so with some modern cars; many aren’t so forgiving. While most older cars are easy to swap a battery, be mindful that a radio code may be required to reactivate the radio.

The issue with modern cars is they use a ton of control modules, many of which don’t like being powered down. A module’s main function is to manage a system, and to that, it must retain vital stored data.

Take, for example, your car’s HVAC system; flaps are used to funnel air to various zones of your car’s interior. The flap’s position is tracked carefully by the HVAC module; this, in turn, allows it to make fine adjustments to airflow, helping it manage cabin ventilation. Unhooking the battery on some cars causes the module to lose stored flap positions, often resulting in erratic or no heater control.

This is not the case with all modern vehicles, but certainly, the higher-end the vehicle is, the more likely you’ll run into issues powering down its modules. The problems range from the irritating to you’ll need to get this fixed ASAP.

Typical systems affected by disconnecting car battery include:

  • Steering angle sensor
  • Electric Windows
  • Radio settings
  • Transmission shift changes
  • Throttle body settings

Typical symptoms of a car needing calibration after battery change include:

  • Rough erratic idling
  • Awkward transmission shifts
  • Steering angle calibration dash warning
  • ABS/Traction warning lights
  • Erratic electric window actions
  • Erratic HVAC control
  • Lost radio settings
  • Radio code required (older vehicles)

The easiest way to avoid these issues is to use a KAM tool; it temporarily supplies power to the vehicle’s modules through the diagnostic socket located under the driver’s dash. While the modules are powered up, it’s safe to remove and replace the battery.

What happens if you just go ahead and change the battery without using the KAM tool?

In most cases, driving the vehicle as normal will fix the irritations. The smart modules will eventually just relearn new values. However, some vehicles may require a date with the main dealer diagnostic system to calibrate the troublesome module.

There’s a second issue that needs to be addressed. Most modern cars use a battery control module to manage battery health. As a battery ages it requires higher voltage to charge; if the battery control module isn’t notified of the new battery installation, the module will likely overcharge the new battery, which will shorten its life.

Anyway, I covered this repair in greater detail in the post “Is it hard to change car battery?”

Okay, that’s all the housekeeping out of the way; let’s take a look at the batteries on offer at Walmart.

What Battery Brands Does Walmart Sell?

Walmart sells several affordable batteries in its service centers, and customers can shop for brands such as EverStart, ValuePower, and Optima.

  • EverStart Batteries: One of the more popular brands sold in Walmart stores is EverStart. They are one of the more affordable options for people looking for high quality for a low-budget price.
  • ValuePower: EverStart Value batteries, called ValuePower in some locations, are one of the cheaper battery options available at Walmart. However, they do not have as wide a range of options.
  • Optima: These maintenance-free batteries are a bit more expensive than many of the other brands, but their unique Sprialcell and Pureflow technologies make them worth the price.

Depending on where you shop, you may find other battery brands as well, but the ones listed above are consistently sold throughout all Walmart locations.

How Much Do Car Batteries Cost at Walmart?

How much you will spend on a battery from Walmart will depend on the location from which you buy your battery and the type of battery your vehicle requires. However, the table below highlights the current average prices for Walmart car batteries in 2021.

Hey, I’m John Cunningham, a technical writer here at Rustyautos.com.

I’m a Red Seal-qualified Auto Service Technician with over twenty-five years experience working on Classic and Modern Cars.

I’ve worked for GM, Jaguar, Land Rover, Volvo, Audi, and VW main dealers.

Yep, I’ve skint my knuckles on them all!

Here’s What To Expect From Walmart Car Batteries EverStart!

Does Walmart’s car battery brand caught your attention?

It’s probably because of the lowest price out there with good quality.

So, you’re not entirely sure what to expect from the EverStart battery if you buy one.

If that’s the case, I will solve your dilemma:

Here’s What To Expect From Walmar.

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Are Walmart Car Batteries Good?

Walmart car batteries EverStart are excellent, affordable, and reliable batteries built by a reputable company. With maximum power, it will withstand any weather and terrain conditions. Many positive reviews from happy customers prove that these batteries are well constructed and of good quality.

Table of Contents

Does Walmart load test batteries? – killerinsideme.com (7)

The Quality Of Walmart Car Batteries?

Built quality is always in question when it comes to products that must last a longer period of time under tough circ*mstances.

One of those product parts is a auto battery. If built well, they will perform just as well in any kind of scenario that you throw them in.

Walmart EverStart batteries are built in the best, reputable, and well-known company Johnson Control which has decades of experience in battery manufacturing, on which you can read more below.

EverStart is not just another car battery brand from Walmart batteries lineup that pops up one day on the market and disappears overnight. It is here long enough to prove the quality and give you peace of mind and enough confidence to trust Walmart’s brand EverStart.

By the way, here is our car battery brand comparison, you can understand how Walmart’s EverStart brand batteries compare to others.

Does Walmart Put Batteries In Cars For Free?

If you buy an EverStart battery from Walmart store, they will install it for you for free. With that said, you must be sure that you will buy a battery from Walmart that has an automotive center division if you want battery to be installed by their technicians.

If they don’t have that department, you must install the battery yourself or bring it to a mechanic to do it for you.

Also, if you want to give them back an old battery due to replacement, they will cut the price of a new battery a bit. This is called a battery core charge.

Does Walmart Give You Money For Old Batteries?

Walmart does not buy old batteries from customers. But, when you purchase a new one and if you return them back an old battery, they will refund $12 of the core charge back to your bank account making the best experience. This is a best deal with a great price when a new battery is purchased from the store.

This is excellent practice and convenient because you get some money back and you don’t have to worry about the old battery. And they got an old battery which they will recycle. This is a win-win situation for both parties using core charge.

What Is The Warranty On Walmart Car Batteries?

As with all new products, a warranty comes with it. The length of the warranty depends on the battery category. So for Walmart EverStart batteries.

There are three categories of lead-acid auto batteries at Walmart. EverStart value, EverStart plus, and EverStart maxx.

  • EverStart value – One year
  • EverStart plus – Two years
  • EverStart maxx – Three years

You should always check the Walmart battery warranty length before purchase to ensure that everything is in order.

If, for any reason, the battery goes bad within the warranty period, the return policy is straightforward. Go to the nearest Walmart, which has an automotive center, and they will test your battery to make sure that it is bad. They will replace the battery with a brand new one. Make sure to bring your receipt from the battery you want them to test and replace.

Walmart have one of the greatest service when it comes to testing and replacing your battery. Again, just a reminder, bring receipt.

How Long Do Walmart Car Batteries Last?

You can be confident that EverStart batteries will surpass the warranty period if adequately maintained. You can read some of the customer reviews in the section below, which are very impressive.

As we read through reviews and analyze them, people are getting one or two years extra battery life on top of the warranty period, which is pretty good.

The clear winner is that guy to whom his EverStart battery from Walmart lasted whopping eleven years and five months, on which you can read more below.

Considering the fact that the manufacturer of EverStart batteries for Walmart is Johnson Control, many people are very satisfied with the quality if you count the lowest price on the market today.

Like with any product, there will always be a small percentage of bad products that come from the factory. There is nothing to worry about because you can always refer to a warranty under these circ*mstances.

What Do Reviewers Say About Walmart Car Batteries?

One of the best things you can do to verify the quality of any product is to visit customer reviews. As you can expect, we have done that for you, and we saw pretty awesome and unexpected comments on EverStart batteries.

On the 5 stars review verified purchaser gave very high rating on Everstart batteries.

Here is a couple of them:

  • KsGuy’s old battery is dated 9/13, and it’s 2/27/22, and he thinks it’s time for a new one. Pretty impressive, bad battery after 7.5 years.
  • Risie’s EverStart battery lasted for a little over five years, and he went back to Walmart and bought a new one. He gained trust in Walmart batteries because they last well and are not problematic for the battery’s expected life as advertised.
  • Westy23’s battery lasted him seven years and two months. Right before he went on a trip, his old Walmart battery died. So he went straight to Walmart again and bought a new one because he was very confident that the new one would last the same amount of time, if not more.
  • And the winner is Dan. His EverStart battery lasted for eleven years and five months. When he checked the date on a sticker, he wouldn’t believe what he saw. Again, Dan is another satisfied with customer service who goes back to Walmart to buy a new one. And who wouldn’t, after so much time that the old battery lasted.

As you can see, these are very encouraging comments from genuine customers. EverStart batteries surpass warranty period two and even three times warranty length in some cases, depending on the original warranty period. It’s no surprise there are many 5 stars review grades.

Where Are Walmart Car Batteries Manufactured?

Who makes Walmart batteries EverStart you might ask?

EverStart batteries were manufactured by the most famous company Johnson Control until 13 November 2018. The Power Solutions unit was sold to Brookfield Business Partners, which was re-made into a new company called Clarios on 1 May 2019.

Johnson Controls is the world’s largest battery manufacturer worldwide. It supplies more than one-third of the world’s lead-acid batteries to auto parts makers and aftermarket retailers, including Walmart, Sears, Toyota, and BMW. Johnson Control produces auto batteries for various brands such as Continental, OPTIMA, Heliar, LTH, Delkor, and VARTA.

Johnson Controls has been a Walmart supplier for more than 25 years. In 2009 the company received Walmart’s Supplier of the Year for Automotive award. That’s how both the companies are serious about their business.

On a question who sells everstart batteries, the answer is always, exclusively Walmart.

What Type Of Car Batteries Does Walmart Sell?

The Walmart brand EverStart comes in three different levels: EverStart value, EverStart plus, and EverStart maxx. Each of them has its advantages. All three models are available at Walmart stores. And they all come fully charge.

Here is the walmart car battery review for each one of the models.

EversStart Value will be sufficient for most cars in cold-cranking amps. But it all depends on vehicle specification and on what you really need.

Lets start with the everstart battery review:

EverStart Value

This is an entry-level car battery at Walmart with dependable power at a value price. You can get one for under $50 respectively. But, there’s a catch. Although it’s a reliable battery, it only comes with a one-year free replacement warranty.

Battery group size for EverStart value ranging from 490 CCA to 650 CCA, which fits most cars out there.

If you’re on a tight budget and in a hurry for a new car battery, EverStart Value batteries are excellent. It’s a no-brainer because it will do the job well and last a decent amount of time. Some of the customers reported that this battery lasted them over 3 year period. You can’t argue with that.

EverStart Plus

EverStart plus is a mid-range battery from Walmart with a reliable starting power. Starting price is under $80 and considering two years free replacement warranty, which is an excellent deal.

Starting power for EverStart plus is 525 CCA and goes all the way to 750 CCA. Again, like for EverStart value, this is a pretty good range to consider if you were buying a new battery for your vehicle.

Obviously, EverStart plus is a better choice than EverStart value because Walmart offers one more extra year of free replacement warranty. If an additional year really gives you peace of mind, without a doubt, this is a battery for you. It will last well over two years mark for sure. And with good maintenance, it will pass well over the warranty period.

EverStart Maxx

EverStart maxx is the top-of-the-line battery Walmart sells with Maximum Starting Power. You can buy one for as cheap as under $120. Because it’s a premium quality battery, It offers three years free replacement warranty.

Some car engine require powerful battery to be able to start and work properly. EverStart Maxx is a great option for that.

Maxx series comes in a variety of power, to be precise, from 370 CCA to 850 CCA. It will fit almost all of the cars on the market today.

There are numerous reports from people who bought the EverStart maxx series, which lasted for over five years. If the price isn’t an issue, a premium battery such as EverStart maxx with a three years warranty is the way to go if you need a new one for your vehicle. It will not let you stranded on the road because it has plenty of power for multiple starts in any weather condition.

By comparing walmart car battery prices we can clearly see which one of the models are premium and which one are a budget option.

Helpful Sources

Here you can find complete Walmart car batteries list of EverStart batteries.

Does Walmart load test batteries? – killerinsideme.com (8)

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Does Walmart load test batteries?

Does Walmart load test batteries? – killerinsideme.com (10)

Does Walmart load test batteries? – killerinsideme.com (11)

Does Walmart load test batteries? – killerinsideme.com (12)

Does Walmart load test batteries? – killerinsideme.com (13)

[ARCHIVED THREAD] – Walmart won’t honor my battery warranty. (Page 2 of 3)

Posted: 7/17/2021 9:17:18 AM EDT

Quote History

Quoted:
Wal Mart hooked my mom’s up to a multimeter and said it’s good. Had to go to AutoZone who pulled it and put it on the machine that said it’s bad under load.

View Quote

Posted: 7/17/2021 9:28:13 AM EDT

Everyone suggesting to discharge it are correct.

Next time get a quality battery.

Posted: 7/17/2021 9:30:06 AM EDT

Quote History

Quoted:
Bet it won’t pass their test after you short it overnight or dump all the acid and replace it with a baking soda solution.

ETA – beat by 34 seconds

View Quote

Posted: 7/17/2021 9:31:28 AM EDT

The tester they use is good for most cases, but it’s no “load” tester.
The problem is, the goons that occupy a Walmart service center lack the mechanical/electrical understanding to recognize that their magic tester is subject to error.
If they wanted to, it’s not that difficult to test one of the core batteries to produce a “bad” test slip from the machine.
Oddly enough, a simple diode placed inline with the tester leads will produce a horrendous fail from even the best battery. (At least it did with the “magic tester” that Chrysler has us using)

ETA: sometimes the tester is right; it’s not the battery, and your starter is on the way out or a connection is bad. Throw a volt meter across your battery terminals while cranking, and see what it shows.

Posted: 7/17/2021 9:36:23 AM EDT

I’m shocked that a sh*t ass battery from Walmart failed you.

Posted: 7/17/2021 9:48:35 AM EDT

We keep several failed batteries laying around our shop just so we can warranty out sh*t batteries. The Honda battery tester will tell you that a battery that was just jump started is fine. Gotta learn how to play the warranty game.

Posted: 7/17/2021 10:18:20 AM EDT

did it test good. charge required? then they should have put in on the charger, often it won’t fully charge and it will come back bad battery.

Posted: 7/17/2021 10:22:13 AM EDT

Quote History

Quoted:
had the same problem last summer,I talked to the shop mgr the next day and he took care of it(I was not karen)

the drones only know what the machine tells them,sadly most lack common sense

View Quote

Why are people so afraid of sticking up for themselves that they have to make that disclaimer. That’s the new racism. If they won’t do what’s right, I’m escalating until they do, who cares what other people think.

Posted: 7/17/2021 10:24:40 AM EDT

Quote History

Quoted:
Try another Walmart.

View Quote

This! At least worth a try.

Posted: 7/17/2021 10:30:46 AM EDT

Quote History

Quoted:
Walmart warranty is bullsh*t. They would warranty a tire that went bad 10k miles before warranty went out cause the tire was over inflated by 4 psi.

View Quote

If the tire still held pressure, it didn’t fail

Posted: 7/17/2021 10:31:35 AM EDT

Quote History

Quoted:
I got a lifetime warranty on a starter from Autozone for my Mustang. After the 6th faulty one I asked for the money back. They refused to do it. I told the manager the next bad one that strands me is getting returned through the front window.

Sold the car before it died

View Quote

6th faulty starter? Don’t think starter was your root problem.

Posted: 7/17/2021 10:44:44 AM EDT

The Everstart MAXX batteries are not tier 1 like an Odyssey but for the money I’ve been pretty happy with them. I just replaced the ones that were in my truck that were 7 years old and still worked fine.

Apparently the trick with getting the battery exchanged is to go there when the automotive part of the store is not open yet. Assuming we’re talking the guys testing are the tire/lube folks.

Posted: 7/17/2021 10:47:49 AM EDT

Take it to another Walmart, another part of your Walmart, or another person in your Walmart. There is a Walmart cashier who DGAF, trust me.

Posted: 7/17/2021 10:53:17 AM EDT

Quote History

Quoted:
I buy the cheapest vehicle batteries from Walmart and replace them every few years. No worries and no hassle.

View Quote

Posted: 7/17/2021 10:57:44 AM EDT

Seems easy enough. How do you make it not pass the test?

Posted: 7/17/2021 11:00:16 AM EDT

OP gets burned by Walmart, so he… buys another battery from Walmart.

Posted: 7/17/2021 11:01:23 AM EDT

Quote History

Quoted:
Did you speak with a salaried manager or an hourly employee? Have you reached out to Walmart HQ?

View Quote

That’s being a Karen and you’ll get punched in the face for it. And probably deserve it.

Posted: 7/17/2021 11:25:59 AM EDT

Costco has no battery tester and would have replaced their battery without question.

Posted: 7/17/2021 11:37:42 AM EDT

Quote History

Quoted:
I suspect there is much more (or much less) to this “story”.
The employees aren’t going to give two-sh*ts about replacing a battery still under warranty.

View Quote

No. their procedure for the last couple of years has been to use a handheld battery “tester” to see if it’s bad. Not sure what hocus pocus the machine uses but last time I took a sh*tty battery in they said it tested good. I got as far as the district manager and got the same answer. no mo WM Batts for me.

Posted: 7/17/2021 11:44:34 AM EDT

Enjoy your new battery and forget about it, your welcome.

Posted: 7/17/2021 11:45:36 AM EDT

For f*cks french fried f*cking sake why in the name of sweet saint Jemima of crackerton heights are you people still f*cking shopping at walmart?

There are SO MANY local places you can deal with that won’t f*ck around like this at all.

The beast is still alive because you won’t stop feeding it.

Posted: 7/17/2021 11:47:01 AM EDT

Quote History

Quoted:

That’s being a Karen and you’ll get punched in the face for it. And probably deserve it.

View Quote

If I buy a product that has a warranty and the product quits working as advertised during the warranty period. I’m likely to attempt to use that warranty depending on the product and the level of effort I need to expend to do it.

Posted: 7/17/2021 11:58:37 AM EDT

Go buy a couple big ass deep cycle batteries to start your killdozer and level that sh*thole.

Posted: 7/17/2021 12:05:37 PM EDT

Quote History

Quoted:
I got a lifetime warranty on a starter from Autozone for my Mustang. After the 6th faulty one I asked for the money back. They refused to do it. I told the manager the next bad one that strands me is getting returned through the front window.

Sold the car before it died

View Quote

That is so stupid. Make a threat Mr. tough guy. And if a starter gets returned through the front window, even if it was not you, guess who they’re going to think it was?

Posted: 7/17/2021 12:14:00 PM EDT

You bought a product at WMT and expect service?

Posted: 7/17/2021 4:20:05 PM EDT

Quote History

Quoted:

Not sure what hocus pocus the machine uses but last time I took a sh*tty battery in they said it tested good. I got as far as the district manager and got the same answer. no mo WM Batts for me.

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From what I recall, that style tester measures the internal resistance of the battery. From there, it estimates/calculates how many amps that battery *should* be able to push.
It works well enough on a worn battery, not so well on a “broke” battery.

There’s nothing like a real load tester, with a red glowing coil inside, as it’s turning 500 Amps directly into heat, cranking the big knob tighter until the battery voltage drops to 10.

Posted: 7/17/2021 4:40:40 PM EDT

Quote History

Quoted:

From what I recall, that style tester measures the internal resistance of the battery. From there, it estimates/calculates how many amps that battery *should* be able to push.
It works well enough on a worn battery, not so well on a “broke” battery.

There’s nothing like a real load tester, with a red glowing coil inside, as it’s turning 500 Amps directly into heat, cranking the big knob tighter until the battery voltage drops to 10.

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These type of testers also rely on the user I putting the correct battery info to perform the go/ no go reading. If they enter in that your battery is rated for 50 cca but really it’s a dead 1000 CCA it’s going to say it’s still good.

I bought one of thise testers and sent it back once I realized how subjective it was

Posted: 7/17/2021 4:54:16 PM EDT

My biggest ordeal has been tbat the 3 year warranty is based on original purchase date.

First battery craps out after 2 years, they replace it. Replacement battery craps out after 2 years; the warranty period is 3 years from intial purchase, not by battery.

Posted: 7/17/2021 4:59:11 PM EDT

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Try returning it to a different Walmart.

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This, go to one that doesn’t have the auto dept that installs tires and sh*t, if it’s like the one near me, they don’t test the battery when you return it.

Posted: 7/17/2021 4:59:24 PM EDT

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If it passes their test of “is it good” you’ll have a hard time getting them to warranty a perfectly good product in their eyes.

Have it tested at one or several of the auto parts stores around. See if it passes theirs too.

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This .. if they are using a small hand tester it will not be accurate and will pass ..

Posted: 7/17/2021 5:01:31 PM EDT

Also, whole lot of COC pressure washer type suggestions here.

Posted: 7/17/2021 5:06:45 PM EDT

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The Everstart MAXX batteries are not tier 1 like an Odyssey but for the money I’ve been pretty happy with them. I just replaced the ones that were in my truck that were 7 years old and still worked fine.

Apparently the trick with getting the battery exchanged is to go there when the automotive part of the store is not open yet. Assuming we’re talking the guys testing are the tire/lube folks.

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This post makes me feel better about the $286 I just spent on a new Odyssey Extreme for my wife’s vehicle. The OEM battery lasted three years, the “Super Start” I replaced it with lasted three years, and I’m already tired of dealing with it.

I have and Optima Red Top in my Jeep and it’s doing great six years in, but I’ve heard that their quality has gone to sh*t. I had to special order the Odyssey but here’s hoping.

Posted: 7/17/2021 5:08:00 PM EDT

Quote History

Quoted:
My biggest ordeal has been tbat the 3 year warranty is based on original purchase date.

First battery craps out after 2 years, they replace it. Replacement battery craps out after 2 years; the warranty period is 3 years from intial purchase, not by battery.

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yea. but I can see WM’s point from the standpoint that there ARE individuals that have exploited that to get a fresh batt just prior to the warranty expiring no questions asked (prior to this voodoo test machine)

Posted: 7/17/2021 5:10:26 PM EDT

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Quoted:

This, go to one that doesn’t have the auto dept that installs tires and sh*t, if it’s like the one near me, they don’t test the battery when you return it.

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My experience was at the customer service counter, the WM had no auto center. Now that I know the tester needs the correct info for the batt input prior to the test I’ll be sure to note that if I ever return a batt to a place with the voodoo tester.

Posted: 7/17/2021 5:18:38 PM EDT

Go back and ask to speak to the Team Coach. That is Walmartese for Asst. Store Manager.

Posted: 7/17/2021 5:36:38 PM EDT

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I’m shocked that a sh*t ass battery from Walmart failed you.

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They used to sell batteries by Johnson, which were great batteries.
Nowadays, different vendor, and poor quality.

Posted: 7/17/2021 5:44:45 PM EDT

This happened to me sorta a few years back.

Brand new battery from walmart failed to start 10mins after purchase. They would not return nor exchange it, as they’re policy said no on “new” batteries.

I talked to all managers present in the store! Nope!

I talked to corporate! Nice and apologetic, still nope!

Ended up buying an Interstate at Costco and getting a charge back through my credit card.

Posted: 7/17/2021 5:47:55 PM EDT

They were being lazy, if they went by the hand tester only. If it passes the hand tester, they are supposed to put it on the charger to see if it would fully charge. If you weren’t waiting for the test for two hours, they just wanted to get you out of their hair.
Ask for the Store manager. If they are unavailable ask for the Market manager’s number. The “Coaches” aha assistant managers will try to brush you off as well. I can’t tell you how many times I heard over the radio “Just take care of the customer.” Code speak for “give them what they want, I’m too busy to come talk to them right now”.

Posted: 7/17/2021 6:01:48 PM EDT

Did OP actually expect people working there to have any idea what was going on, or how to do their job?

Posted: 7/17/2021 6:06:40 PM EDT

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Quoted:

No. their procedure for the last couple of years has been to use a handheld battery “tester” to see if it’s bad. Not sure what hocus pocus the machine uses but last time I took a sh*tty battery in they said it tested good. I got as far as the district manager and got the same answer. no mo WM Batts for me.

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Posted: 7/17/2021 6:09:15 PM EDT

Quote History

Quoted:
This happened to me sorta a few years back.

Brand new battery from walmart failed to start 10mins after purchase. They would not return nor exchange it, as they’re policy said no on “new” batteries.

I talked to all managers present in the store! Nope!

I talked to corporate! Nice and apologetic, still nope!

Ended up buying an Interstate at Costco and getting a charge back through my credit card.

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Odds of your story being true. 0.00

Posted: 7/17/2021 8:38:10 PM EDT

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Everstart batteries suck. Never buy automotive batteries at Wal-mart. Every battery I have ever purchase there died within a couple of years.

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They’re mostly Exide. Exide sucks. Johnson controls is what you want.

Posted: 7/17/2021 9:12:14 PM EDT

Walmart batteries are half the price of any other store around here. The group 65 maxx 3 year warranty battery is currently $88. Mine usually lasts 5 years. Just checked and my current one is dated 8/19. The one time I had to warranty one I did so without issue. The cheapest battery from anywhere else around here is $110 for a 1 year warranty. The 1 year walmart battery is $55.

It sucks OP is getting the run around but that hasn’t been my experience. As far as I am concerned you would be stupid to buy a battery from anywhere else.

Posted: 7/17/2021 9:19:51 PM EDT

I pop the caps and drain out some fluid .

Never had an issue swapping it out.

Posted: 7/17/2021 9:29:14 PM EDT

Just drain it and take it in.

Posted: 7/17/2021 9:34:11 PM EDT

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Return the old battery with the new receipt. Bought it a few days ago, don’t want it anymore, doesn’t work. Doesn’t matter why, Doesn’t matter that it looks old. f*ck their games. Stick to your story. Go to a different walmart in town if you have to.

Sometimes the only way to have justice prevail is to play their games back at them.

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Serial number of the battery is on the receipt and in the computer system showing date sold.

My brother had a similar issue with an ignition module for a Thunderbird, at a parts store. Lifetime warranty, they required two tests saying it was bad for an exchange. Plug into tester-bad. Test again-good. Took him a week of repeated tests to get an exchange.

Posted: 7/17/2021 9:39:01 PM EDT

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Everstart batteries suck. Never buy automotive batteries at Wal-mart. Every battery I have ever purchase there died within a couple of years.

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Quoted:
So in May of 2019 my car battery died in a small town outside of Houston. the closest place with a battery was Walmart. I bought one of the Everstart ones with a 5 year warranty (3 years free replacement, 2 years prorated).

Well this past week my car has struggled to start. I checked cables, test voltage with alternator, and even cleaned battery post when it first showed symptoms. I drove it to HEB and when I went to leave it didn’t have enough power to start the car.

I removed the battery and got a ride to nearest Walmart. Tried to do a warranty claim but because the battery passes there test they won’t honor it. So I bought a replacement and kept the old one because I didn’t trust them.

Sure enough I install old battery it barely starts my car even after charging it. The new one starts it just fine. Went back to Walmart to try to get them to honor it again and because there stupid machine says its good they can’t honor the warranty. I tried to explain to them how it fails under heavy load but just got parrots repeating that it passes the test.

Any one ever have issues with them and their battery warranty?

Everstart batteries suck. Never buy automotive batteries at Wal-mart. Every battery I have ever purchase there died within a couple of years.

Posted: 7/17/2021 9:44:13 PM EDT

Quote History

Quoted:
My biggest ordeal has been tbat the 3 year warranty is based on original purchase date.

First battery craps out after 2 years, they replace it. Replacement battery craps out after 2 years; the warranty period is 3 years from intial purchase, not by battery.

View Quote

What’s wrong with that? You buy a 3 year battery, the warranty guarantees 3 years. Otherwise guys like some of the above could play f*ck f*ck games and get batteries for the rest of their lives for the cost of that first one.

Posted: 7/17/2021 9:44:57 PM EDT

Got caps that come off? Since the battery is bad pour some acid out, pour in tap water, return it. It will fail, I watched a friend do this.

Walmart only does 1 free replacement now because they caught onto this thing people were doing.

Does Walmart load test batteries? – killerinsideme.com (2024)
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