Best battery for 2012 Mustang GT

JG-1

forum member
Joined
Mar 2, 2016
Posts
512
Reaction score
53
Location
Hainesport, NJ
Currently using the Motorcraft and I'm not impressed. I replaced the battery last November and I need a new one already.

I noticed the Optima batteries wont work for the 2012? They state wont fit without modification.
 

skwerl

tree hugger
Joined
Aug 6, 2011
Posts
16,193
Reaction score
1,138
Location
central Florida
I went down to Batteries Plus and picked up an AGM style battery for mine. Size 47. The book says it won't fit but it fits fine, it's about a half inch taller than the original one with same width and length. My original Motorcraft was leaking at the terminals and corroded the battery blanket badly. Figured I'd change it before it rotted out the battery tray and more.
 

travelers

Senior Member
Joined
Apr 6, 2007
Posts
3,028
Reaction score
79
Location
Eastern Pa
I'm using a Interstate batt. I don't remember which one right now but will check later. With mine in the trunk, and a batt box a little larger then the batt, when I need another I'll go a size larger.
 

pass1over

I like it LOW
Joined
Oct 9, 2011
Posts
1,512
Reaction score
236
Location
Trenton, FL
The best battery would be one that fits and works IMO, lol

But seriously, my OEM battery lasted almost 7 years, it just died about 3 months ago. I swapped to an Interstate blemished unit (yea, I'm cheap), works great, at half the price.
 

stkjock

---- Madmin ----
Staff member
Administrator
Super Moderator
S197 Team Member
Joined
Jul 10, 2007
Posts
40,224
Reaction score
3,139
Location
Long Island NY
Currently using the Motorcraft and I'm not impressed. I replaced the battery last November and I need a new one already.

I noticed the Optima batteries wont work for the 2012? They state wont fit without modification.
if the MC is only 9 months old, why would you just not get a warranty replacement?

same your money for now
 

JJ427R

Senior Member
Joined
Jan 14, 2015
Posts
3,305
Reaction score
1,205
Couple months ago I had, if I remember correctly, an 18 month old Interstate replaced, think the new battery was $185 and prorated paid $135 of it....
 

D1984

forum member
Joined
Jan 16, 2015
Posts
235
Reaction score
4
Location
SF Bay Area
I just went with the Motorcraft one when I replaced it. I remember picking it up off the counter and was amazed by how light it is, and wondered why the hell people are spending tons of money on lightweight batteries when the factory battery hardly weighs anything
 

WJBertrand

forum member
Joined
Dec 11, 2013
Posts
737
Reaction score
184
I have had good luck with Costco batteries. Relatively cheap too. I think they are Interstate batteries.
 

nawagner

forum member
Joined
Jul 31, 2012
Posts
341
Reaction score
38
Location
IA
Was going to suggest Motorcraft before reading your post... I've had nothing but good luck with them and they are rated as one of the best batteries. Definitely check on the warranty.
 

Iceman62

Bullitt 6005
Joined
Feb 5, 2017
Posts
1,297
Reaction score
386
Location
NE
Currently running OEM b/c previous owner had it installed when I bought Bullitt. When she's done, I plan to swap w/Advance Auto special (AutoCraft). They're actually re-branded Deka batteries...made in USA. Have them in my other vehicles (riding mower, motorcycle, truck) & never a problem.
 

redfirepearlgt

forum member
Joined
Mar 19, 2011
Posts
2,497
Reaction score
263
Autozones gold series duralast has been highly rated. I have one in my truck and bought it over the motorcraft only because they were closer, had it in stock, and I was in a pinch. Holding fine now for 2+ years. I've always had good luck with Motorcraft batteries. One bad apple in the basket doesn't spoil the whole bunch. As mentioned take it back and get a swap out. Under one year should be full replacement......hopeful thinking.

Something to consider is checking the charging system for DC output as well as AC ripple in case the alternator may be starting to degrade. 6 years on it if it is OEM.
 
Last edited:

702GT

S197 Fanatic
Joined
Mar 18, 2010
Posts
2,060
Reaction score
52
Location
Las Vegas
Currently using the Motorcraft and I'm not impressed. I replaced the battery last November and I need a new one already.

I noticed the Optima batteries wont work for the 2012? They state wont fit without modification.

My OEM lasted about 6 years, it ended up being a failing alternator that did it in. Only reason I figured out it was failing, the Duralast Gold I replaced it with failed about 4-5 months later. Ended up replacing the alternator with a 200A crown vic police interceptor alternator (Mitsubishi, ironically). The death of multiple batteries in a short time frame usually isn't a coincidence. I would do the warranty and scrutinize the new battery over the next several months (meter the battery, keep a log). May not hurt to do a draw test while you're at it, see what the static draw is.

I took the duralast in under warranty and they let me apply it to an optima red top. They're nice batteries, but for the money there's still better. I will give the red top a lot of credit, it took some serious abuse and never failed. Got stuck in California on vacation with a tune issue. Decided to switch to an (at the time) un-finished E-85 tune and accidently flooded the engine. I didn't have time (or the tools) to pull the plugs and let it sit, and it wasn't safe to roll it down a hill for the good 'ol rolling start (*SMH w/*facepalm). I knew it was flooded because that was the unfinished issue we were having. Having removed the check valve from the returnless fuel line, the tuner was having issues getting start-up fueling right on E-85. It was up to me to time the pump priming cycle right to kick the engine over, most of the time I'd get it perfect. I failed that time, badly. In the end, I had to sit in the hotel parking lot cranking and sputtering the engine for at least 5-10 minutes. WOT to kill the injectors and hopefully clear the cylinders, every once in a while it would sputter like it was going to turn over so I'd let off WOT and it'd flood out again. When it finally did fire, it let a nice flame out the tail pipes letting everyone know the big pile of Ford was finally leaving, lol. Girlfriend remained in the hotel room, ashamed to be seen with the struggling S197.

But that red top endured almost 10 minutes of on/off cranking (so did the factory starter!). With the battery relocated to the trunk, I thought for sure just the distance draw would kill it. Glad I did hardwire stranded cable and not automotive grade.
 

JG-1

forum member
Joined
Mar 2, 2016
Posts
512
Reaction score
53
Location
Hainesport, NJ
I finally got around to brining my car back to Ford. They ended up fully warranty the battery and replaced for free. The battery was 11 months old.
 

Iceman62

Bullitt 6005
Joined
Feb 5, 2017
Posts
1,297
Reaction score
386
Location
NE
Cool deal for you - glad things worked out and at no cost.
 

Gabe

Whippled Coyote
Joined
Aug 7, 2011
Posts
8,440
Reaction score
1,531
Location
NC
Motorcraft batteries you buy over the counter are usually really good, I've sold many with very few issues.
I'd go for a warranty replacement and be done.

I've heard nothing good about Optima batteries lately, by the way.
And whatever you do, stay away from AAA batteries.
 

Latest posts

Support us!

Support Us - Become A Supporting Member Today!

Click Here For Details

Sponsor Links

Banner image
Back
Top