Battery problems..

[Steve]

My car has been playing the "will I or won't I start" game since mid Dec (my cold start settings aren't helping though), this morning it wouldn't start without a jump after sitting since last Wed. Have tried trickle charging the battery etc but the ooomph is gone out of it so time for a new one.

Did a bit of shopping around, prices for a Westco sealed battery (incl delivery) :

www.MX5Parts.co.uk : 96.92 GBP = 110.722 EUR
www.ilmotorsport.de : 129.87 EUR
www.autolinkmx5.com : 118.64 GBP = 135.530 EUR
www.moss.co.uk : 108.548 EUR
www.tayna.co.uk : 94.71 GBP = 108.183 EUR
www.alpha-batteries.co.uk : 110 GBP
Local Mazda Dealer : Don't stock them.. ("ah I tell ye now, t'would taaake at laayst a week if not long-er, its all down to regulaaahyshon and dat type a thing, besht to ring one a de motor factors, thats the way most of 'em are goin' now jeh'know?").

Found this sealed maintenance free battery and decided to give it a go instead :
http://www.tayna.co.uk/048-Numax-Car-Battery-P983.html
62.30 GBP = 71.1859 EUR
3yr Guarantee + its 45Ah vs the Westco's 31Ah.

Will see how it goes.

[anniniwa]

Ahhh damn, jsut when I bought one from MX5 parts!!!!!!

I rang our local Mazda dealer and guess how much.....I mean seriously €175!!! and they would have to order it in.

Is this the same battery;
http://cgi.ebay.ie/Westco-Battery-Honda ... 2303e00692

[Steve]

no, that battery is only rated at 4Ah.
http://www.maxim-ic.com/glossary/definitions.mvp/term/ah/gpk/355

[CashelMX5]

Hi Steve,

I've been having the same problem -if I leave the car for a few days, no go. I had battery checked and its showing 100% and I was told that its just the freezing weather. If I turn it over evary day its OK!

[Steve]

Yeah, mine was testing fine on the multimeter but it was 6 degrees this morning and wouldn't catch. If its draining it in a week, it needs changed. I'd prob jump it off the pack until it warms further if it was just me but I've the young lad with me in the mornings so can't leave him sitting in the cold while I do jump start gymnastics (he thinks its hilarious tho').

[sidewaysreilly]

how many volts tho?????

[barney]

started mine today for the first time since xmas--- no problem. new battery bought because one in situ is too big for tray and sitting at an angle and held in place with cable ties.

[Steve]

how many volts tho?????

Do you mean, how many volts did I read? 14v-ish AFAIR.

[anniniwa]

Thank God, new battery arrived from MX5 parts this evening, putting it in tomorrow...fingers crossed there is nothing else wrong.

Just a note that came with it;

Never use a boost or electronic charger. Only ever use a 2-3 amp trickle charger, or charger specific to gel batteries. Standard chargers from Halfords will not charge this battery and possibly cause seriouse damage.

If battery goes flat, do not believe AA or RAC etc that the battery is at fault. The equipment they use is not suitable for gel batteries.

Recommend a 3-5 day trickle charge in winter.

Now I know most of u prob know this already but I certainly didn't, had been trying to re-charge old battery for 24 hours using electric battery charger before the forum advised a trickler.

[franksm]

Yeah, Ann, hence my chat about the Optimate 3 chargers - think they trickle at less than an amp. Very slow, but the gel batteries love it.

[anniniwa]

Yeah, Ann, hence my chat about the Optimate 3 chargers - think they trickle at less than an amp. Very slow, but the gel batteries love it.

Exactly Frank, thanks for ur advice...guess it was too late though think I had done more damage electronically boosting it but I'm definately going to get one of those Optimates before next winter.

MX5 parts actually recommend the Accumate, but enough spent with them for the time being.

[paulie1981]

Ahhh damn, jsut when I bought one from MX5 parts!!!!!!

I rang our local Mazda dealer and guess how much.....I mean seriously €175!!! and they would have to order it in.

I made the same enquiry Ann, and it's not a sealed battery. Just one that fits. There was a sticker on my old battery which clearly stated that this battery would not be available through your dealer!

[Steve]

is it a panasonic by any chance?

[paulie1981]

is it a panasonic by any chance?

Yep, mine was

[Steve]

wonder if its the original battery then..