Battery status

[nfm]

Hi all

Was getting my wheels aligned today and when restarting battery was flat. My car is kept on trickle charger so always spins up quickly. Got home ok and when restarting just now engine spun rapidly. Not sure if issue was garage had lights on when working but they did advise they had the car switched on for whatever reason, so might have done.

Anyway, my question - could someone with a newish battery please advise what position their charge dial needle is at when they switch on but before they start, that gives an indication of status apparently. Mine gets to about 12.

Battery is aged and will likely nip to Halfords to get them to test it for me anyway. Looks like replacement favoured is Bosch s6 agm 096?

Comments welcomed and appreciated as usual.

Cheers

 

[CatmanV2]

Voltage gauge on the dash is worse then useless. Get Halfords to check the battery with a proper load tester.

C

 

[nfm]

As suspected and will do, thanks.

 

[maser_4200]

Hi all

Was getting my wheels aligned today and when restarting battery was flat. My car is kept on trickle charger so always spins up quickly. Got home ok and when restarting just now engine spun rapidly. Not sure if issue was garage had lights on when working but they did advise they had the car switched on for whatever reason, so might have done.

Anyway, my question - could someone with a newish battery please advise what position their charge dial needle is at when they switch on but before they start, that gives an indication of status apparently. Mine gets to about 12.

Battery is aged and will likely nip to Halfords to get them to test it for me anyway. Looks like replacement favoured is Bosch s6 agm 096?

Comments welcomed and appreciated as usual.

Cheers

Yep, the AGM works great (even with uprated audio system / 1500W amp). It's probably 4-5x the price though. Killed two previous batteries with a misbehaving tracker...

 

[mjheathcote]

Bosch S5 is more than adequate, the S6 AGM is actually when I looked into it rated slightly lower, but is better designed for the start stop moderns not of course applicable in our case. The S6 even with the increased price, has less of a guarantee (2 or 3 years) from Bosch compared to the S5 (5 years)
I suffered from a flat battery after only a day or two, solved after removing the original redundant tracker so can now last weeks without a maintenance trickle charger.

 

[nfm]

Tks all. Old battery was a dud, 10 years old though so no complaints.

S5 collected this morning and will fit this afternoon. Took the advice to remove boot lining 1st which made removal, and I expect refitting, much easier.

 

[mjheathcote]

Tks all. Old battery was a dud, 10 years old though so no complaints.

S5 collected this morning and will fit this afternoon. Took the advice to remove boot lining 1st which made removal, and I expect refitting, much easier.

May I suggest that while you have the boot lining out to refit the new battery, you relocate the F1 relay so it's more accessible, like I have done, just swing it down.

 

[nfm]

Tks Mike, am assuming as mine is a GT I don't have such a thing but will have a look.

Cheers

 

[mjheathcote]

Tks Mike, am assuming as mine is a GT I don't have such a thing but will have a look.

Cheers

Whoops, of course, missed that small fact you have a big stick to shift around!

 

[EnzoMC]

I also got the Bosch S5 and seems good, would also recommend - fitted in no probs.


looking over the GS manual over the weekend, it stats the terminals should be removed:

Manual:
You are advised to recharge the battery slowly and at a low amperage for about 24 hours.
Follow the below instructions:
1) Deactivate the electronic alarm using the radio control.
2) Open the trunk and disconnect the terminals of the electrical system from the battery terminals.

WARNING: First disconnect the negative pole terminal (-) then the positive pole one (+).​

3) Connect the recharger wires to the battery terminals.
4) Switch on the recharger.
5) When the battery is recharged, turn off the recharger before disconnecting it from the battery.
6) Reconnect the terminals to the battery poles, observing the polarity.

WARNING: First reconnect the positive pole terminal (+) then the negative pole one (-).​

I've always trickle charge with the terminals connected, the (red charge) to battery (+) and the (black charge) to the earth bolt below the cut off switch, as per charger instruction but should I connect (black charge) direct to battery (-)

should the terminals be removed or do you recharge with the terminals still on ?

 

[EnzoMC]

should the terminals be removed or do you recharge with the terminals still on ? if so do you connect the (-) to battery or earth (below cut off switch) ?

 

[D Walker]

should the terminals be removed or do you recharge with the terminals still on ? if so do you connect the (-) to battery or earth (below cut off switch) ?

I have left mine connected with the isolator off and attached to + terminal(red crimp) and - terminal (black crimp), I am sure this is the instruction with my charger.

 

[CatmanV2]

I charge with terminals connected

C

 

[nfm]

Traditionally I would always have charged disconnected but since getting the trickle charger I just use it; while connected.

 

[rockits]

My conditioner/trickle charger is connected to both battery terminals and all on attached as normal. Not sure if that is right or wrong but makes sense to me. I leave the boot ajar and the battery compartment door off but indoor cover on.

 

[D Walker]

I might add I run the cable between some corrugated car board between boot lid and seal so it's just gently on the card!!!

 

[EnzoMC]

thanks guys, so most if not all leave connect and connect direct to terminals. good to know that this doesn't cause any damage. interest that Dave switches his car off. I connect the (-) to the earth below the cut off switch, will try connect direct and see if recharge works better

 

[CatmanV2]

thanks guys, so most if not all leave connect and connect direct to terminals. good to know that this doesn't cause any damage. interest that Dave switches his car off. I connect the (-) to the earth below the cut off switch, will try connect direct and see if recharge works better

Won't make any difference

With the GT I use the 12v socket in the boot

C

 

[EnzoMC]

would agree with you C but worth ago

thanks all for the feedback

 

[miket]

Mine is on trickle charge with isolator switch in on position when not being used and no problems! been doing this since 2011, car fires up immediately....