[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]My '03 600 still has the original battery. I keep it on a battery tender and only started it outside in below 0 temps maybe three times,, but I do run plenty of acc. It's never failed me (yet) but how much more life should I expect to get out of it?? My buddies '02 700 battery died after a year and a half. When it starts to get weak will it crank over slow for awhile to warn me or will it leave me stranded on the trail??? (I always get told I'm going regret not having a recoil start back-up) thanks for any replies.

 

thats a good question. i wonder that about my 800 efi. but my 02 500 had the same battery in it until i traded this yr. we did replace my wifes t. blazer last yr and it was a 99. of course she only drove it 3 times last yr and we store them in a cold garage and never kept a charger on them and didnt take them out for the winter. i would think you should get at least this yr and maybe next out of it. if you hear staring your machine a little slow then i would worry. my 2 cents worth.

 

I got two years out of my battery ... but i have to winch alot and i think that killed the battery.

 

im yet to have a problem with mine and it fires up right away, i dont do anything with my battery. it sat for nearly a year when i had id all apart and i thought for sure it would be shot. but it fired up instantly, so knock on wood

 

I think with an 03 you should probably get through this year. The max I like to keep a battery is 4 years. No matter how well you maintain it, it is still a consumable item! And the time you need it most is when its going to fail on you.
What will start to happen, if its getting low, or old, is it wont hold a charge as well. Try using your winch at idle a fair amount, then shut your machine off. If it starts slow, your battery is getting weak!