Group 48 batteries are a mid-size car battery commonly found in sedans and compact trucks

A Group 48 battery is a standardized battery size used in many vehicles, particularly mid-size sedans, compact trucks, and some SUVs. The "48" refers to the battery's physical dimensions and terminal configuration, not its power output. These batteries typically measure about 9 inches long, 6.5 inches wide, and 7.5 inches tall, with side-post terminals (the posts stick out from the side rather than the top).

Group 48 batteries are common in Chrysler, Dodge, and some Ford vehicles made from the 1980s through early 2000s. If your vehicle was built during that era and you're replacing the original battery, a Group 48 is likely what you need. However, battery sizing has shifted over time, so checking your owner's manual or the battery label under your hood is the only way to be certain.

These batteries typically hold between 50 and 70 amp-hours of capacity, which is moderate compared to larger Group 65 batteries (used in full-size trucks) or smaller Group 35 batteries (used in compact cars). The actual cold cranking amps (CCA) — the measure of how much power the battery delivers in cold weather — varies by manufacturer and model, usually ranging from 500 to 650 CCA.

Key Takeaways

  • Group 48 batteries have side-post terminals and fit mid-size vehicles from the 1980s through early 2000s, particularly Chrysler and Dodge models.
  • The battery's physical dimensions are approximately 9 by 6.5 by 7.5 inches, and this size is not interchangeable with other battery groups without modification.
  • Cold cranking amps for Group 48 batteries typically range from 500 to 650 CCA, which determines how well the battery starts your engine in cold weather.
  • Your vehicle's owner's manual or the label on the existing battery under your hood will confirm whether Group 48 is the correct size for your vehicle.

How to identify a Group 48 battery in your vehicle

The easiest way to confirm you have a Group 48 is to look at the battery already in your vehicle. Open your hood and locate the battery — it will have a label on top or on the side that lists the battery group size. Look for the number "48" printed on that label. If the label is worn or missing, the battery's physical shape will tell you: Group 48 batteries are noticeably wider and shorter than Group 65 batteries, and they have terminals on the side rather than on top.

If you're shopping for a replacement and want to verify the size before you buy, check your vehicle's owner's manual. The manual lists the original battery group size in the specifications section, usually near the maintenance or fluids chapter. You can also call a parts store with your vehicle's year, make, and model — they can look up the correct battery group in their system in seconds.

One important note: some vehicles have been retrofitted with different battery sizes over the years, so the battery currently in your vehicle may not be the original Group 48. If you're unsure, bring the old battery with you when you shop for a replacement, or take a photo of the label and show it to the parts counter.

Side-post terminals and why they matter

Group 48 batteries use side-post terminals, meaning the positive and negative posts stick out from the side of the battery case rather than from the top. This design was common in Chrysler vehicles and some Ford models. Side-post terminals require different cable connectors than top-post batteries — the connectors bolt onto the side posts rather than clamping over the top.

If you're replacing a Group 48 battery, you must use another Group 48 (or a battery with side-post terminals) unless you also replace the battery cables. Mixing a side-post battery with top-post cables, or vice versa, will not work and can create a dangerous electrical connection. If your vehicle's cables are damaged or corroded, a parts store can sell you replacement cables designed for side-post terminals, but this adds to the cost and complexity of the job.

When you purchase a replacement Group 48 battery, confirm with the seller that it has side-post terminals. Most modern batteries are top-post, so ordering online or from a store unfamiliar with older vehicles can result in the wrong battery arriving.

Typical vehicles that use Group 48 batteries

Group 48 batteries were the standard in many Chrysler Corporation vehicles built from the mid-1980s through the early 2000s. Common models include Dodge Caravan, Dodge Dakota, Chrysler LeBaron, Chrysler New Yorker, and Plymouth Voyager. Some Ford vehicles from the same era also used Group 48, particularly certain compact and mid-size models.

However, not every model year of these vehicles used a Group 48. Chrysler changed battery sizes as vehicles were redesigned and as engine options changed. A 1995 Dodge Caravan might use a Group 48, but a 2000 model of the same vehicle might use a different size. This is why checking your specific vehicle's manual or the existing battery label is essential — you cannot assume based on the make and model alone.

If you own a vehicle from the 1980s or 1990s and are unsure of the battery size, a local parts store can identify it for you in minutes. Bring your vehicle's year, make, and model, or straightforward bring the old battery if you're replacing it.

Cold cranking amps and capacity for Group 48

When you shop for a replacement Group 48 battery, you will see two main specifications: cold cranking amps (CCA) and amp-hours (Ah). Cold cranking amps measure how much electrical current the battery can deliver at 0°F, which determines how reliably it will start your engine in winter. Group 48 batteries typically range from 500 to 650 CCA, depending on the manufacturer and the specific model.

Amp-hours measure the battery's total energy capacity — how long it can deliver a steady current before it runs down. Group 48 batteries typically range from 50 to 70 amp-hours. A higher amp-hour rating means the battery can run accessories (lights, radio, wipers) for longer if the engine is off, but it does not necessarily mean faster engine starting.

When replacing your battery, match or exceed the CCA rating of the original. If your original battery was 550 CCA, a replacement with 550 or 600 CCA is appropriate. Going significantly lower (say, 450 CCA) may cause starting problems, especially in cold weather. Going higher is generally safe and may improve cold-weather performance, but it will not improve performance in warm weather and may cost more.

Where to purchase a Group 48 battery

Group 48 batteries are less common than top-post batteries because fewer vehicles use them now. You can find them at national auto parts chains like AutoZone, O'Reilly Auto Parts, NAPA, and Advance Auto Parts, though you may need to order one rather than pick it up the same day. Local independent auto parts stores sometimes stock them, especially if they serve older vehicles in your area.

Online retailers like Amazon and eBay also sell Group 48 batteries, but shipping costs are high because batteries are classified as hazardous materials. Most online sellers will not ship to your home — they require delivery to a local address or pickup at a store. Comparing prices between a local parts store and an online retailer often shows that local pickup is cheaper once shipping is factored in.

Before you buy, confirm three things: the battery is Group 48, it has side-post terminals, and the CCA rating matches or exceeds your original battery's rating. Take a photo of your old battery's label and show it to the parts counter, or provide your vehicle's year, make, and model so the staff can verify the correct size.

Installation and safety considerations

Replacing a Group 48 battery is a straightforward task if you are comfortable working with basic tools. Disconnect the negative cable first (the black one), then the positive cable (the red one). Remove the battery hold-down bracket or strap, lift the old battery out, and set the new battery in place. Reconnect the positive cable first, then the negative cable, and reinstall the hold-down bracket.

The most important safety rule is to disconnect the negative cable before you disconnect the positive cable. This prevents accidental short circuits if a tool touches the positive terminal and the vehicle frame. When reconnecting, reverse the order: positive first, then negative.

If the battery cables are corroded or damaged, or if you are uncomfortable working with electrical connections, have a professional install the battery. Most auto parts stores offer installation for a fee, typically $20 to $50. This is worth the cost if you are unsure about the process or if your vehicle's battery location is awkward to reach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Group 65 battery in a vehicle that originally had a Group 48?

Not without modification. Group 65 batteries are physically larger and have different terminal configurations. They will not fit in the battery tray designed for a Group 48, and the cables will not reach. You would need to replace the battery tray, cables, and possibly the hold-down bracket — a job that costs more than straightforward buying the correct Group 48 replacement.

How long does a Group 48 battery typically last?

Most car batteries last three to five years under normal conditions. Extreme heat or cold, frequent short trips, or a faulty charging system can shorten this. If your battery is more than five years old and you are having starting problems, replacement is usually the most cost-effective solution.

What does the "cold cranking amps" number really mean for me?

CCA tells you how well the battery will start your engine in freezing weather. A higher CCA rating means more reliable starting in winter. If you live in a cold climate, choosing a battery with CCA at the higher end of the range (600+ for Group 48) can prevent starting problems on very cold mornings.

Do I need to do anything special when I install a new battery?

After installation, your vehicle may need a few minutes to relearn its idle speed and fuel trim settings. Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. If your vehicle has a radio or clock, you may need to reset them. Some vehicles with advanced electronics may need to be driven for several miles before all systems function normally.

Where can I recycle my old Group 48 battery?

Most auto parts stores that sell batteries will take your old battery for recycling when you buy a replacement. Some charge a core fee (typically $5 to $15) that is refunded when you return the old battery. You can also take it to a local recycling center — call your city or county waste management office for locations near you.