Updated Battery Replacement Catalog Numbers

File In Section: 6 - Engine

Bulletin No.: 63-64-01

Date: February, 1996

INFORMATION

Subject:
Updated Battery Replacement Catalog Numbers

Models:
1988-96 Passenger Cars and Trucks

Replacements For Original Equipment (OE) Batteries

In February of 1995, the catalog numbers of some replacement batteries were upgraded to reflect improvements in the batteries. Because of this change, it is necessary to refer to the current AC Delco catalog (7A-100 or equivalent) when ordering a replacement battery. DO NOT USE THE NUMBER ON THE OLD BATTERY.

Improvements

In order to add a line of maintenance-free batteries with 84-month warranty for aftermarket retail customers, several of the replacement battery models underwent design modifications to lengthen the average service life. These modifications have little effect on the cold cranking ampere (CCA) and reserve capacity (RC) ratings of the batteries.

Catalog Numbering System

Because the catalog numbering system used by AC Delco includes the aftermarket warranty period for retail customers, several of the catalog numbers of established battery models were changed to reflect the longer warranty period. In a catalog number like 78A-72, the "72" refers to the warranty period applicable to a retail battery purchaser. With the battery improvements, a battery that was 78A-72 was modified for longer life, and the NEW number catalog number is 78A-84. At the same time, however, a new battery with different specifications for CCA and RC was introduced and given the number 78A-72.

Not all battery models were affected by these changes, so some catalog numbers were changed, while others remained the same.

DO NOT RELY on "recommended replacement" catalog numbers on original equipment (OE) batteries built before February, 1995, or on the information in Section 6D of the Service Manuals for 1996 and earlier vehicles. Using these former catalog numbers could, in some cases, result in the use of a battery with lower CCA and RC ratings than is recommended for the vehicle. Refer to the latest AC Delco recommended replacement catalog instead and use the battery listed as being equivalent to the OE battery.