Car question

[Weirdo]

Okay, I just had to get my wife's car serviced, and the mechanic tells me some things that are plausible, but I'm not quite sure about. People here tend to be knowledgeable about anything, so I'll ask any auto nuts present.

Is it true that Saturn Ions('04, to be precise) use very specialized batteries, and for some reason, mount them in the trunk? The problem appears to be a bad battery, but due to the odd location, special casing, and odd battery, it's running a lot pricier than simply buying a normal battery and swapping it. Is this true, or was the mechanic bullshitting me?

[greatsarcasmo]

I shall check for you, I'm heading to buddies shop in an hour or so--I'll see what the procedure is and cost.

[awclawson]

The battery should be in the trunk.  It may require a vent kit which will limit you to the manufacture suggested replacement battery.  It is very important to use what is recommended because using the wrong battery may cause electrical problems.  A battery that is not rated for the system may not charge properly or will over charge and blow (had this happen to me because I used a temp battery till I could get to the shop and get correct one).

If you have a battery specialty shop go there and talk to them.  A regular chain store may not be able to answer your questions and may charge you more.

[Wombat]

Somewhat of a battery noob, but why can't you just pick up a $60 battery at Walmart?  ???

[Goose]

I'd trust Sears long before I went to WalMart.

If your shop is looking for something like $600, get the hell out, now . . .

[Mechawyvern]

Quick search on web says the battery should be in the trunk with the spare tire.  Also, web gods say the battery is nothing special, and should be replacable by places like Autozone, Advance Auto, or Sears Automotive.  If the shop is quoting something outrageous, get a second opinion from somewhere else.

[Iron Mongoose]

Trunk mounting is not normal, but not perticularly specal.  Its nice on space packed designs, since you don't really need to have the battery any perticular place, unlike a radiator for example.  On a difrent car, it might be a weight ballancing mesure, but not a Saturn.

As for being a specal, unusual batery, I'd be a bit doubtful of that.  The internet seems to indicate that while some places try to charge a lot for the vent kit situation, they're not really on base, and paying overly much is not indicated.

[sir_spamalot]

In any case it never hurts to price around before you purchase.

[scatcat]

I use this site to gauge repair prices on our cars. Does a pretty good job.

[Damage Inc.]

according to the Oreilley's site, its a regular battery, andd retails for around 75 bucks.  If you need a hand, let me know.

[Traecer Revenant]

Okay, I just had to get my wife's car serviced, and the mechanic tells me some things that are plausible, but I'm not quite sure about. People here tend to be knowledgeable about anything, so I'll ask any auto nuts present.

Is it true that Saturn Ions('04, to be precise) use very specialized batteries, and for some reason, mount them in the trunk? The problem appears to be a bad battery, but due to the odd location, special casing, and odd battery, it's running a lot pricier than simply buying a normal battery and swapping it. Is this true, or was the mechanic bullshitting me?

Several cars models mount the battery in a location other than the engine bay.  I've heard of some sports cars mounting them in the trunk "for better weight distribution," or more probably, lack of space in the engine bay.  At least one car model I've heard had the battery mounted under the rear seat!  Regardless of the reasons why GM put it there, replacing it isn't that much more complicated than replacing a battery in the engine bay.  And although I don't know much about Ions first hand, googling a little turned up enough anecdotal evidence that the Ion's battery is not particularly special other than its location.  Any AutoZone or Checkers (or Wal-Mart, if you're desperate) can test your battery for you and recommend a new one.

[Cannon_Fodder]

Truck mounting is becoming more and more common. As engine become more advanced with more components for better performance and fuel efficiency, engine compartment space is becoming a premium. Moving a bulky item that only needs to be connected by wires to the trunk makes sense. PLUS batteries contain chemicals that can spill and become hazards at accident scenes for responders. Since the most violent accidents are front end to front end collisions the trunk is a safer place.

[Jimmyray73]

Trunk mount is nothing special really. If they want a lot of money I'd recommend moving along.

[Weirdo]

Well, this'll learn me to ask about such things before I agree to the work. Oh well, I guess I'll chalk up the extra cost to the fact that I really needed it done immediately.

[Goose]

Just think: It's the last cash them shysters will ever get from you! ;)