I need to replace my 12v starter battery in my 2008 HCH-II. Original battery is 325cca. Can I replace it with an "off the shelf" Type 51R 500cca battery or must I get one from the dealer? Will the DC converter recharge it properly or will it cause a strain of the system with the "stronger" battery. Thanks for your input.
Long time lurker, first time poster. PS: I have an 05 and an 08 HCH. Love them both.

 

I bought the Everlast 51R-4 from Walmart for around $75. Minor modifications to make it fit.

I am very happy with it.

 

Thanks for the reply. What modifications will I need to do if I go with one of those?

 

Mine was a 2007. Had to remove the plastic tray that held the original battery. And there was a plastic piece that went around the top of the old battery that also had to be removed. New battery is larger than the original.

 

Thanks, Sam's Club has the Energizer 51R for about $65 after bringing back the old battery. I think I'll give it a try. That dealer battery just seems too small anyway. Thanks for your input.

 

Make sure the terminals are properly oriented. There is a difference between 51R and 51R-4.

 

Got the new 51R Duracell battery from Sam's Club and installed it. Had to remove the plastic shroud that surrounded the old battery and had to remove the plastic battery tray. Not needed with the new larger battery. A snug fit but went perfectly fine. Car seems a little more responsive now and just generally behaves better. Will monitor for a few days. NOTE: Remember folks to find your factory "Radio Code" before you begin so you can reset the radio after the install. In all and easy install of a more powerful battery for less money than the dealer's version. Plus, a definite improvement in general performance and reliability in my opinion (for whatever that is worth.)

 

Is the procedure the same for the 2006 civic hybrid? Also what tools were needed to unhook the battery and the tray? 10mm socket use to be the most popular for most import applications.
Looking for the battery I only found Pepboys had the Bosch brand for $165, at that price I'd like to consider the yellow spiral optima one, or if 51R sizing works I'll just get one from Costco or Sears.

Thanks,

Ray

 

I've got 15000 miles on a $40 lawn tractor battery- same CCA.

It may not las as long, but given how little this battery has to do, it boggles my mind that they soak people for this much money.

I promise to come clean if this experiment results in disaster- but it won't.

 

Did you have to re program the radio? H