Why doesn’t my C3500 battery stay charged?

A battery is in its final hour when it will no longer hold a charge. The battery might be old. Or, you’ve been leaving the doors slightly open and the cabin light at night. Stop by for a complimentary battery check at your favorite Firestone Complete Auto Care and learn more about your battery's charge.

What happens to my old C3500 battery?

We recycle it! Nearly 100% of all lead-acid batteries are recyclable.

How much will replacing my GMC C3500’s battery cost if I get a DieHard battery?

You can find affordable C3500 batteries by using one of our car battery coupons, when available. Plus, every DieHard battery comes with extra coverage thanks to DieHard Assurance and a free replacement warranty.

How long is a car battery good for?

A car battery normally lasts three to five years, but this number can vary based on battery type, your driving habits, and battery maintenance.

Why is there white, flaky stuff around my C3500’s battery post?

A chemical reaction between battery acid and the air can cause a white, crusty buildup to form on the terminals of your C3500 car battery. This buildup — known as corrosion — can impede the flow of electricity and cause a range of issues, from poor performance to premature battery failure.

How do I clean a corroded C3500 battery terminal?

To help extend the life of your battery, you should routinely inspect and clean the terminals using a baking soda and water mix, wire brush, and rag. Be sure to disconnect the battery cables before cleaning and check your C3500 owner’s manual for instructions on how to do so.

Where can I find a battery for my C3500?

Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care sells and installs C3500 batteries in your neighborhood. Our Firestone Direct mobile vans can even come to you and do it! Learn more about mobile battery services.

Car Batteries for 1986 GMC C3500

Get a New GMC Battery

Get a Battery for Your GMC C3500

The middle of nowhere is the wrong place to have a weak battery. Shop replacement batteries for 1986 GMC C3500 today and schedule a quick installation at Firestone Complete Auto Care.

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The Right Battery Size for a 1986 GMC C3500

Researching battery replacements for your GMC C3500? Use this chart to find the right battery size and CCAs for your GMC C3500.

Battery	Engine	Warranty		Cold Cranking Amps
75-2	V8/5.0L	Replacement 24 months	Performance months	650
75FT-3	V8/5.0L	Replacement 36 months	Performance months	700
78-AGM	V8/5.0L	Replacement 36 months	Performance months	740
75-2	V8/5.7L	Replacement 24 months	Performance months	650
78FT-2	V8/5.7L	Replacement 36 months	Performance months	800
78-AGM	V8/5.7L	Replacement 36 months	Performance months	740
75-2	V8/6.2L	Replacement 24 months	Performance months	650
78FT-2	V8/6.2L	Replacement 36 months	Performance months	800
78-AGM	V8/6.2L	Replacement 36 months	Performance months	740
75-2	V8/7.4L	Replacement 24 months	Performance months	650
78FT-2	V8/7.4L	Replacement 36 months	Performance months	800
78-AGM	V8/7.4L	Replacement 36 months	Performance months	740
34/78-4	L6/4.8L	Replacement 24 months	Performance months	800
75FT-3	L6/4.8L	Replacement 36 months	Performance months	700
78-AGM	L6/4.8L	Replacement 36 months	Performance months	740

BATTERIES
V8/5.0L - Battery: 75-2 - Warranty: Replacement 24 months, Performance months - Cold Cranking Amps: 650
V8/5.0L - Battery: 75FT-3 - Warranty: Replacement 36 months, Performance months - Cold Cranking Amps: 700
V8/5.0L - Battery: 78-AGM - Warranty: Replacement 36 months, Performance months - Cold Cranking Amps: 740
V8/5.7L - Battery: 75-2 - Warranty: Replacement 24 months, Performance months - Cold Cranking Amps: 650
V8/5.7L - Battery: 78FT-2 - Warranty: Replacement 36 months, Performance months - Cold Cranking Amps: 800
V8/5.7L - Battery: 78-AGM - Warranty: Replacement 36 months, Performance months - Cold Cranking Amps: 740
V8/6.2L - Battery: 75-2 - Warranty: Replacement 24 months, Performance months - Cold Cranking Amps: 650
V8/6.2L - Battery: 78FT-2 - Warranty: Replacement 36 months, Performance months - Cold Cranking Amps: 800
V8/6.2L - Battery: 78-AGM - Warranty: Replacement 36 months, Performance months - Cold Cranking Amps: 740
V8/7.4L - Battery: 75-2 - Warranty: Replacement 24 months, Performance months - Cold Cranking Amps: 650
V8/7.4L - Battery: 78FT-2 - Warranty: Replacement 36 months, Performance months - Cold Cranking Amps: 800
V8/7.4L - Battery: 78-AGM - Warranty: Replacement 36 months, Performance months - Cold Cranking Amps: 740
L6/4.8L - Battery: 34/78-4 - Warranty: Replacement 24 months, Performance months - Cold Cranking Amps: 800
L6/4.8L - Battery: 75FT-3 - Warranty: Replacement 36 months, Performance months - Cold Cranking Amps: 700
L6/4.8L - Battery: 78-AGM - Warranty: Replacement 36 months, Performance months - Cold Cranking Amps: 740

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Shopping for GMC C3500 Car Batteries

Sadly, your GMC C3500 won't last forever. Neither will its battery. Generally, car batteries last from three to five years. You want to replace your 1986 GMC C3500 battery before it fails and leaves you stranded. Watch for signs that your current battery is getting too old or too weak. A slow engine crank, an illuminated check engine light or battery signal, swollen battery case, corroded battery posts, or dim headlights can all signal that your battery needs attention.

Plus, at Firestone Complete Auto Care, we’ll test your battery for free. With best-in-class tools we can tell you how much "life" is left in your battery. Stop by for a free battery test and, if needed, a replacement battery for your 1986 GMC C3500. Car batteries are only one of our many strong suits. Our technicians are familiar with GMC-specific recommendations for C3500 battery CCAs and reserve capacity. Get help identifying the type and size of battery that's best for your C3500, and schedule a weekday or weekend battery replacement service for your car.

Find the Right DieHard Battery for Your C3500

We only want what’s best for your GMC C3500, which is why we carry just that. You need a reliable, durable and powerful battery in extremely hot and cold environments. DieHard batteries shatter expectations using the latest innovative technology to fuel the growing power requirements of new vehicles and their accessories. Don't call a DieHard battery ordinary. It's an extraordinary battery. Go with a DieHard battery for your C3500 and drive with confidence knowing that performance will be there when you need it most. That's the kind of battery we deliver.

After Buying 1986 GMC C3500 Battery

Have you recently had a fresh battery installed in your GMC C3500? Congrats! Now, help it last longer and stay charged by caring for it from the get-go. You can take care of your battery by limiting short trips, keeping your battery posts clean, and avoiding radio and electronic component use when the engine is off.

Commonly Asked C3500 Battery Questions

Firestone Complete Auto Care has answers to your top car battery questions. If you have a battery question that's unique to your GMC C3500 battery, visit your nearest store. Our technicians are happy to help.

Why doesn’t my C3500 battery stay charged? A battery is in its final hour when it will no longer hold a charge. The battery might be old. Or, you’ve been leaving the doors slightly open and the cabin light at night. Stop by for a complimentary battery check at your favorite Firestone Complete Auto Care and learn more about your battery's charge.
What happens to my old C3500 battery? We recycle it! Nearly 100% of all lead-acid batteries are recyclable.
How much will replacing my GMC C3500’s battery cost if I get a DieHard battery? You can find affordable C3500 batteries by using one of our car battery coupons, when available. Plus, every DieHard battery comes with extra coverage thanks to DieHard Assurance and a free replacement warranty.
How long is a car battery good for? A car battery normally lasts three to five years, but this number can vary based on battery type, your driving habits, and battery maintenance.
Why is there white, flaky stuff around my C3500’s battery post? A chemical reaction between battery acid and the air can cause a white, crusty buildup to form on the terminals of your C3500 car battery. This buildup — known as corrosion — can impede the flow of electricity and cause a range of issues, from poor performance to premature battery failure.
How do I clean a corroded C3500 battery terminal? To help extend the life of your battery, you should routinely inspect and clean the terminals using a baking soda and water mix, wire brush, and rag. Be sure to disconnect the battery cables before cleaning and check your C3500 owner’s manual for instructions on how to do so.
Where can I find a battery for my C3500? Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care sells and installs C3500 batteries in your neighborhood. Our Firestone Direct mobile vans can even come to you and do it! Learn more about mobile battery services.