I just got a 97 cherokee sport 2 weeks ago, the battery is toast... Are these jeeps cold blooded in the winter? I live in South Dakota, where it can be pretty cold in the winter and it will sit outside all day while I'm at work. Seems like all the standard batteries at the chain parts stores here in town are rated around the mid 400's in CCA and around 50-65 bucks. Is it worth the extra 30-40 bucks for the batteries with the CCA's in the mid to upper 500's?

 

I bought the best one red China had to offer (wallmart) It has 700cca's and was $80 without core. If you have that and still problems cranking I would guess starter or fuel issues.

 

In South Dakota, I would go for the extra CCA.

 

So would I.

Remember this is something that you are going to count on for the next 3-5 years. Fork out a few extra bucks and get at least a mid-line battery.

 

I agree completely!

 

I'm having problems finding a group 58 battery with a higher CCA. Most I've seen are in the 500's, any ideas?

 

Those are Johnson Controls made in Mexico. At least all the ones I've seen are. In L.A. they're carried across the borders on the backs of coyotes. ;-)

Wal Mart does not carry the correct group size for the XJ so their application guide lists a smaller battery with fewer CCAs than stock... so buyer beware, as usual.

 

CCA for sure in that area

 

If you can park it near a power plug you might want to invest in a block heater. I always had one when I lived in Nebraska (especially when I parked outside overnight) and my cars started when everything else was frozen. I also believe that it is better for your engine to start it up with warm oil.