Why won’t my Explorer battery hold a charge?

A battery that won't hold a charge is almost as good as dead. The battery might be old. Or, you may have a habit of leaving your car doors open and the lights on overnight. Stop in for a free battery check at your favorite Firestone Complete Auto Care to learn more about the state of your battery.

What happens to my old Explorer battery?

We recycle it, taking care of both your car and the Earth.

What’s the cost of DieHard batteries for Ford Explorers?

Get affordable prices on Ford Explorer batteries by using one of our limited-time battery deals. Plus, all DieHard car batteries come with a free replacement warranty and extra coverage with DieHard Assurance.

What is the average lifespan of a car battery?

The typical 12-volt car battery may last three to five years, depending on the type of battery, the driving conditions, and how well the battery is maintained.

Why is there white, crusty buildup on my Explorer’s battery post?

The white, crusty stuff that can accumulate around Explorer car battery terminals is called corrosion. It is caused by a chemical reaction between the battery acid and the air, which creates a white, powdery substance that can build up on the terminals over time. Corrosion can interfere with the flow of electricity between the battery post and the car's electrical system, sometimes leading to poor electrical performance, difficulty starting, and even premature battery failure.

What do I do about corrosion on my Explorer car battery?

Regularly inspect the terminals and clean them with a mixture of baking soda and water, a wire brush, and a rag. Disconnect the battery cables before cleaning to help avoid the risk of electrical shock. Always reference and follow the instructions in your vehicle owner’s manual prior to disconnecting the battery cables.

Where can I find a battery for my Explorer?

When you need a new battery for your vehicle, Firestone Complete Auto Care is here to help. We sell and install Explorer batteries at our stores nationwide — and our Firestone Direct mobile vans can provide convenient on-site battery services. Learn more about our mobile battery services and book an appointment.

Car Batteries for 1996 Ford Explorer

Get a New Ford Battery

Get a Battery for Your Ford Explorer

Don’t let a dead battery stop you. Shop replacement car batteries for your 1996 Ford Explorer at Firestone Complete Auto Care.

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The Right Battery Size for a 1996 Ford Explorer

Need more info about Ford Explorer batteries? Use this chart to find the right battery size and CCAs for your Ford Explorer.

Battery	Engine	Warranty		Cold Cranking Amps
65-1	V6/4.0L	Replacement 24 months	Performance months	850
65-2	V6/4.0L	Replacement 36 months	Performance months	850
65-AGM	V6/4.0L	Replacement 36 months	Performance months	750
65-1	V8/5.0L	Replacement 24 months	Performance months	850
65-2	V8/5.0L	Replacement 36 months	Performance months	850
65-AGM	V8/5.0L	Replacement 36 months	Performance months	750

BATTERIES
V6/4.0L - Battery: 65-1 - Warranty: Replacement 24 months, Performance months - Cold Cranking Amps: 850
V6/4.0L - Battery: 65-2 - Warranty: Replacement 36 months, Performance months - Cold Cranking Amps: 850
V6/4.0L - Battery: 65-AGM - Warranty: Replacement 36 months, Performance months - Cold Cranking Amps: 750
V8/5.0L - Battery: 65-1 - Warranty: Replacement 24 months, Performance months - Cold Cranking Amps: 850
V8/5.0L - Battery: 65-2 - Warranty: Replacement 36 months, Performance months - Cold Cranking Amps: 850
V8/5.0L - Battery: 65-AGM - Warranty: Replacement 36 months, Performance months - Cold Cranking Amps: 750

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Buy the Right Battery for Your Ford Explorer

You can pretty much drive your Ford Explorer until you don't want to anymore. But your Explorer's battery? Don't count on it to last forever. Generally, car batteries last from three to five years. Check your battery regularly and replace it as needed so it doesn’t leave you and your Ford Explorer stranded. Pay attention to clues that your battery is on its way out. A sluggish engine start, a blinking battery or check engine light, bloated battery case, corroded battery posts, or faded headlights may all indicate that your battery is waving goodbye.

You can also get a Free Battery Test at your local Firestone Complete Auto Care. With best-in-class tools we can tell you how much "life" is left in your battery. Drop in for a free battery check and, if needed, get your Ford Explorer a replacement battery. Car batteries are only one of our many strong suits. Our technicians are well-acquainted with Ford’s service specs for Explorer car batteries’ reserve capacities and cold cranking amps. Get help choosing the battery size that fits your car perfectly, and schedule an appointment today for a quick car battery replacement.

Is There a DieHard Battery for Explorers?

We know what’s best for your Ford Explorer, which is why we carry just that. Your Explorer needs a reliable, durable and powerful battery in even some of the toughest conditions. DieHard batteries go above and beyond and house the latest technology to fuel the increasing power demands of new vehicles and their accessories. Don't call a DieHard battery ordinary. It's an extraordinary battery. Buy a DieHard battery for your Ford Explorer and get behind the wheel with confidence. Why? Because your battery will perform when you need it. That's the kind of battery we deliver.

Caring for a New Ford Explorer Battery

Have you recently had a fresh battery installed in your Ford Explorer? Good thinking! Now, help it last longer and stay charged by caring for it from the get-go. Help extend your car battery’s life by limiting short trips, keeping your battery posts clean, and not using electronics such as the radio and power outlets when the engine is off.

Commonly Asked Explorer Battery Questions

Get answers to common car battery questions, from Firestone Complete Auto Care. If you have a battery question that's unique to your Ford Explorer battery, visit your nearest store. Our technicians are happy to help.

Why won’t my Explorer battery hold a charge? A battery that won't hold a charge is almost as good as dead. The battery might be old. Or, you may have a habit of leaving your car doors open and the lights on overnight. Stop in for a free battery check at your favorite Firestone Complete Auto Care to learn more about the state of your battery.
What happens to my old Explorer battery? We recycle it, taking care of both your car and the Earth.
What’s the cost of DieHard batteries for Ford Explorers? Get affordable prices on Ford Explorer batteries by using one of our limited-time battery deals. Plus, all DieHard car batteries come with a free replacement warranty and extra coverage with DieHard Assurance.
What is the average lifespan of a car battery? The typical 12-volt car battery may last three to five years, depending on the type of battery, the driving conditions, and how well the battery is maintained.
Why is there white, crusty buildup on my Explorer’s battery post? The white, crusty stuff that can accumulate around Explorer car battery terminals is called corrosion. It is caused by a chemical reaction between the battery acid and the air, which creates a white, powdery substance that can build up on the terminals over time. Corrosion can interfere with the flow of electricity between the battery post and the car's electrical system, sometimes leading to poor electrical performance, difficulty starting, and even premature battery failure.
What do I do about corrosion on my Explorer car battery? Regularly inspect the terminals and clean them with a mixture of baking soda and water, a wire brush, and a rag. Disconnect the battery cables before cleaning to help avoid the risk of electrical shock. Always reference and follow the instructions in your vehicle owner’s manual prior to disconnecting the battery cables.
Where can I find a battery for my Explorer? When you need a new battery for your vehicle, Firestone Complete Auto Care is here to help. We sell and install Explorer batteries at our stores nationwide — and our Firestone Direct mobile vans can provide convenient on-site battery services. Learn more about our mobile battery services and book an appointment.