Battery:- Are they taking the piddle? (1 Viewer)

[Biggles]

I had some warranty work done at my local Fiat (s)dealer. They diagnosed without me asking that the start battery was past its best which I kinda suspected and quoted me £262.48 + Vat but, and get this, FREE FITTING! and 3 year warranty.

Do they think I fell of a rock somewhere? So I did a quick ebay search and found a Varta battery with 5 year warranty for £78.00 delivered. Sadly no free fitting but I think I can spare 20 minutes.

How often do they get away with this blatant legalised theft? Who the hell falls for it?
oh:

 

[Snowbird]

They get away with it far to often :Angry:. I didn't pay that for a bank of 3 110 amp leisure batteries.

 

[TheBig1]

the quoted price for battery and free fitting is way beyond a ripoff. personally i would change it myself after having a quality battery delivered. dont forget though that its not that easy a job on the new shape ducato. the batteries are heavy and you will have to disconnect cables and lift out and back into the floor of the cab. if you still have the fiat radio, it will need recoding to work

i believe there was a good how to post written on here by techno100 including photos. would be worth reviewing before tackling the job

Broken Link Removed
here it is

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[Biggles]

the quoted price for battery and free fitting is way beyond a ripoff. personally i would change it myself after having a quality battery delivered. dont forget though that its not that easy a job on the new shape ducato. the batteries are heavy and you will have to disconnect cables and lift out and back into the floor of the cab. if you still have the fiat radio, it will need recoding to work

i believe there was a good how to post written on here by techno100 including photos. would be worth reviewing before tackling the job

Broken Link Removed
here it is

Really? A photo "how to" change a battery?

What next a "how to" release the hand brake?

:Sad:

 

[TheBig1]

I had no intention of appearing condescending with my post. you may well be capable of changing a heavy battery and know which bolts to remove or slacken, but to many people its something they have never attempted before. as a general rule when responding to technical posts i try to ensure that as much info as possible is made available. this is to help the person asking the question and any other people that want to learn how to do something but may not want to ask.

yes photos of changing a battery as some people have no idea even where it is, being under a bolted down cover in the floor of the cab they've never seen it

 

[jhorsf]

The screws on the fuse plate could quite easily catch someone out

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[Biggles]

I had no intention of appearing condescending with my post. you may well be capable of changing a heavy battery and know which bolts to remove or slacken, but to many people its something they have never attempted before. as a general rule when responding to technical posts i try to ensure that as much info as possible is made available. this is to help the person asking the question and any other people that want to learn how to do something but may not want to ask.

yes photos of changing a battery as some people have no idea even where it is, being under a bolted down cover in the floor of the cab they've never seen it

It was not a pop at you. I am really disgusted that dealers can rape people with such ease.

If they had said to me a new battery is £78 and we charge £20 to fit it I would probably think OK £20 for 1/3 hours work is fine. Lets face it this sort of job is not going to be given to the top mechanic, more likely a trainee who will earn £20 a day.

OK I can fit it but for £20 I think OK just do it, I can't be bothered.

 

[MHVirgins]

Thanks for the photos. I certainly found them very helpful!:thumb:

Bill

 

[Larby]

I had some warranty work done at my local Fiat (s)dealer. They diagnosed without me asking that the start battery was past its best which I kinda suspected and quoted me £262.48 + Vat but, and get this, FREE FITTING! and 3 year warranty.

Do they think I fell of a rock somewhere? So I did a quick ebay search and found a Varta battery with 5 year warranty for £78.00 delivered. Sadly no free fitting but I think I can spare 20 minutes.

How often do they get away with this blatant legalised theft? Who the hell falls for it?
oh:

Seems quite reasonable to me, you get to sit on leather sofa, have a choice of the broadsheets to read, get to watch loads of back office staff walking around looking busy, a large TV on BBC news and of course a FREE coffee :thumb:

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[Stephen & Jeannie]

Go to the naughty step !!

Really? A photo "how to" change a battery?

What next a "how to" release the hand brake?

:Sad:

What a condescending post !! :Angry: We are not all ace mechanics like you son !!

 

[Techno]

Really? A photo "how to" change a battery?

What next a "how to" release the hand brake?

:Sad:

Some X250 owners think their battery is under the bonnet or have no idea where it is.
BTW I would upgrade to the 110ah VARTA :thumb: I paid £95.50 delivered.

 

[haganap]

Really? A photo "how to" change a battery?

What next a "how to" release the hand brake?

:Sad:

Don't think that's called for Biggles. You might of not climbed out from under a rock but you might be suprised at how many funsters would not know the simplicity of changing a battery. Someone has gone and put the time and effort in to explaining it and comments like yours might deter others from doing so.

Any how, as said, it ain't completely straight forward and I had to search the internet to find the bloody battery. Ive been working on cars most of my life and was amazed at what I was welcomed with when I took the battery cover off.


Highlighting the post like the Big1 has may just serve many other members from being ripped off.


Now, as soon as I find the my camera, the next thread I start will be how to remove your handbrake

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[TheDogMan]

Sometimes answers, advice, instructions may seem a bit simple but as is seen on a regular basis on fun some folks need advice for what others consider a very simple task
Dave

 

[Gizmouk]

What a condescending post !! :Angry: We are not all ace mechanics like you son !!

I was going to post some helpful advice till I read his condescending reply.
Some folk deserve to be ripped off :Angry:

 

[busby]

Just had a new battery fitted on my Transit based van,,I know its a simpler job than a Fiat but £75 ,,job done. BUSBY

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[hdvrod]

Personally I would think twice about changing the battery on my MH myself,not because I don't know how simply because of the weight of it and the difficulty of lifting the old one out and the new one in, I have Merc sprinter and the battery would need to be lifted to shoulder level then almost held at arms length,think I would rather pay for someone else to get the Hernia!

 

[Techno]

Maybe I'll do the pollen filter next that's a doddle too

 

[Forestboy]

I had some warranty work done at my local Fiat (s)dealer. They diagnosed without me asking that the start battery was past its best which I kinda suspected and quoted me £262.48 + Vat but, and get this, FREE FITTING! and 3 year warranty.

Do they think I fell of a rock somewhere? So I did a quick ebay search and found a Varta battery with 5 year warranty for £78.00 delivered. Sadly no free fitting but I think I can spare 20 minutes.

How often do they get away with this blatant legalised theft? Who the hell falls for it?
oh:

Quite a lot I would imagine as many people have no idea and trust these clowns.
I phoned Hymer UK for a rear light as I cracked one. They quoted £240 plus told me it was a 3 hour workshop job at £ 70 per hour as special tools were required so total £450 + vat
Being a notorious tight git I got one from Caravan Components £32 delivered next day complete with new bulbs and spent about 5 minutes fitting it myself with my specialist tools a phillips screwdriver. oh:

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[maz]

What next a "how to" release the hand brake?

:Sad:

Actually, releasing the handbrake can be quite tricky sometimes - especially if you have short arms. There have been some very useful threads about handbrake extenders.

 

[Wyaye wires]

Personally I would think twice about changing the battery on my MH myself,not because I don't know how simply because of the weight of it and the difficulty of lifting the old one out and the new one in, I have Merc sprinter and the battery would need to be lifted to shoulder level then almost held at arms length,think I would rather pay for someone else to get the Hernia!

You're not married then?

 

[Bebe]

the quoted price for battery and free fitting is way beyond a ripoff. personally i would change it myself after having a quality battery delivered. dont forget though that its not that easy a job on the new shape ducato. the batteries are heavy and you will have to disconnect cables and lift out and back into the floor of the cab. if you still have the fiat radio, it will need recoding to work

i believe there was a good how to post written on here by techno100 including photos. would be worth reviewing before tackling the job

Broken Link Removed
here it is

Thank you. When my husband is working away and if I had to do it I wouldn't have had a clue. Always useful, who knows when this info will be needed. Thanks very much :thumb:

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[pappajohn]

changing a battery should be a very simple job......but if you dont know how it could be a very dangerous and costly job.

Removing the leads in the wrong order can, in some circumstances, cause severe sparking, and if the battery being removed is faulty and gassing the sparking could cause an explosion.

A metal watchstrap or bracelet or even a ring can cause severe burns if brought into contact with a live post and earth......the metal will possibly 'weld' to earth and the live post and become red hot very quickly, in effect an electric fire element.

Spanners used to remove terminals can do the same and is far more likely in a confinded space.

A few simple rules...

Always remove watches etc

Always ensure everything is turned off......if anything is turned on there may be sparks when the leads are removed.

Always remove the earth/neg wire first and ensure it is out the way.
Once the earth wire is off, touching a spanner etc to earth wil do nothing

Severe Battery terminal/ring burn

 

[Techno]

Good points John and this is why in my guide I not only disconnect the negative from the battery but then go on to recommend unbolting the lead from the chassis so it's out of the way altogether (it could spring back and contact the terminal again!)

 

[haganap]

changing a battery should be a very simple job......but if you dont know how it could be a very dangerous and costly job.

Removing the leads in the wrong order can, in some circumstances, cause severe sparking, and if the battery being removed is faulty and gassing the sparking could cause an explosion.

A metal watchstrap or bracelet or even a ring can cause severe burns if brought into contact with a live post and earth......the metal will possibly 'weld' to earth and the live post and become red hot very quickly, in effect an electric fire element.

Spanners used to remove terminals can do the same and is far more likely in a confinded space.

A few simple rules...

Always remove watches etc

Always ensure everything is turned off......if anything is turned on there may be sparks when the leads are removed.

Always remove the earth/neg wire first and ensure it is out the way.
Once the earth wire is off, touching a spanner etc to earth wil do nothing

Severe Battery terminal/ring burn

Reminds me of my mis spent youth John. I had been a rather large brawl on a Friday night in town. It resulted in me breaking the two of my fingers and dislocating the two knuckles. In Aldershot Hospital a military hospital I was treated like the idiot I was and had the hand reset without any anesthetic OUCH big time.

Anyhow, I digress, following this I had a metal splint placed on my two fingers which was way above the size of my hand. The next day I was out helping a mate strip down a stolen Mark 3 Cortina, ( I didn't know it was stolen till later) any how I went to disconnect the battery and my metal splint simply went from positive to negative and arced out and stayed there, it had welded itself to the battery, although not particualy painful, I couldn't get the bloody thing off. I then had to have it cut off with an angle grinder thingy..:Blush:


oooh, to be young and stupid.

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[pappajohn]

Reminds me of my mis spent youth John. I had been a rather large brawl on a Friday night in town. It resulted in me breaking the two of my fingers and dislocating the two knuckles. In Aldershot Hospital a military hospital I was treated like the idiot I was and had the hand reset without any anesthetic OUCH big time.

Anyhow, I digress, following this I had a metal splint placed on my two fingers which was way above the size of my hand. The next day I was out helping a mate strip down a stolen Mark 3 Cortina, ( I didn't know it was stolen till later) any how I went to disconnect the battery and my metal splint simply went from positive to negative and arced out and stayed there, it had welded itself to the battery, although not particualy painful, I couldn't get the bloody thing off. I then had to have it cut off with an angle grinder thingy..:Blush:


oooh, to be young and stupid.

bit of a blemished youth Paul.

And that battery must have been on its last legs or very flat not to get the splint red hot in seconds

 

[Gizmouk]

changing a battery should be a very simple job......but if you dont know how it could be a very dangerous and costly job.

Removing the leads in the wrong order can, in some circumstances, cause severe sparking, and if the battery being removed is faulty and gassing the sparking could cause an explosion.

A metal watchstrap or bracelet or even a ring can cause severe burns if brought into contact with a live post and earth......the metal will possibly 'weld' to earth and the live post and become red hot very quickly, in effect an electric fire element.

Spanners used to remove terminals can do the same and is far more likely in a confinded space.

A few simple rules...

Always remove watches etc

Always ensure everything is turned off......if anything is turned on there may be sparks when the leads are removed.

Always remove the earth/neg wire first and ensure it is out the way.
Once the earth wire is off, touching a spanner etc to earth wil do nothing

Severe Battery terminal/ring burn

All good points John

We, at work, have very strict rules for those working on batteries / electrical systems - which must be adhered to. Failure to do so will always result in the contractor either being asked to leave site, or banned from our sites. We / they must always use double insulated tools when working wither live or dead- no exceptions. There are plenty of photos / videos used on training courses that demonstrate very clearly how the human body is effected by the effect of either carelessness (or stupidity), or as a by product of a fault situation.
I use the same procedures / tools when working on vehicle / home electrics as I do at work.
Too many folk don't understand the potential dangers associated with electrics - and certainly don't understand fault currents. Maybe some shouldn't be so blase / rude when others try to give advice

 

[Gizmouk]

changing a battery should be a very simple job......but if you dont know how it could be a very dangerous and costly job.

Removing the leads in the wrong order can, in some circumstances, cause severe sparking, and if the battery being removed is faulty and gassing the sparking could cause an explosion.

A metal watchstrap or bracelet or even a ring can cause severe burns if brought into contact with a live post and earth......the metal will possibly 'weld' to earth and the live post and become red hot very quickly, in effect an electric fire element.

Spanners used to remove terminals can do the same and is far more likely in a confinded space.

A few simple rules...

Always remove watches etc

Always ensure everything is turned off......if anything is turned on there may be sparks when the leads are removed.

[HI]Always remove the earth/neg wire first and ensure it is out the way.[/HI]
Once the earth wire is off, touching a spanner etc to earth wil do nothing

Severe Battery terminal/ring burn

Also good practice to wrap a few layers of electrical tape around the crimp/connector(s) once it's disconnected. Reduces the chance of any accidental reconnection to "zero". Plus, adds "thinking time" into the reconnection process - i.e, the person doesn't just grab the cable and connect without giving due thought.

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[haganap]

bit of a blemished youth Paul.

And that battery must have been on its last legs or very flat not to get the splint red hot in seconds

Well of course john, that's why the motor was stolen, needed a new battery for the legit one. :Cool:

 

[Phill D]

Really? A photo "how to" change a battery?

What next a "how to" release the hand brake?

:Sad:

WoW remind me not offer any help here! oh:

what a completely unnecessary and sad post:Sad:

 

[tomm]

How often do they get away with this blatant legalised theft? Who the hell falls for it?
oh:

From my experience of Fiat main dealers , the blatant beyond reasonable cost sounds about right . I needed a new complete unit wing mirror , so contacted a main dealer.They quoted somewhere around £500 , supply only . He was adamant on the price being correct when I questioned that total . So , phoned another main dealer. They were within a £ or two of quote from other place . No way , am not paying £500 for a mirror , albeit the one that is electrically operated and has the indicator built in etc .......

Quick search around the internet , within a few minutes found the thing at £144 inc of vat. No difference there then .

Just to be clear , I have no connection with the company whatsoever . But for anyone else requiring wing mirrors (and other parts ) you could do worse than contact these guys .

http://www.allpartssouthwest.com/acatalog/Fiat_Ducato_Door_Mirror.html

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