Battery change

[Kimd]

Hi, a little advice please. We have just purchased a Carthage A class. Have used on a couple of short outings no problems. But the battery has died. Can't find anything that has been left on, so thinking of changing the battery. Can't see how to get it out as it's quite far back in the engine compartment. And advice welcome . TIA

 

[Stealaway]

Is it the engine start battery?

 

[canopus]

If it's the habitation battery, doubt it will be in the engine compartment. Suspect the hab battery will either be located in the garage or in a side locker, or under the floor somewhere.

 

[two]

That's your starter (engine) battery.
The habitation battery bank is likely to be under the floor.
What model do you have?

 

[Kimd]

It's is the engine start battery, but not easy to get out by the looks of things. It's a Carthago Chic .

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[Richard n Ann]

Make sure nothing is draining it that shouldn't be before condemning it.. . It may be knackered as well but you need to know.

 

[Kimd]

I have disconnected the reversing camera as it's not very good and I don't use it. No alarm on etc. Have gone round and checked every light , socket etc. Have jump started it, driven round for a while. Stopped , then it still won't start.

 

[canopus]

Check your breakdown insurance. I had my starter battery changed on my drive by the AA, the guy had a selection of Yuasa batteries on his van, and one fitted the bill (ie cold cranking power and similar physical size).

PS - I did have to pay the AA for the battery by the way.

 

[TerryL]

If the van had been standing for a while before you purchased it the battery could well have "died" - they don't like being left in a discharged state. A short run around won't really do much good, you need a lengthy charge, preferably with an "intelligent" charger to see if you can breathe life back into it, but this doesn't always work.

Personally I would just get it changed (any warranty from the seller?) so you know in future you're okay.

Do as Canopus says, or try Halfords; they'll change it for £3!

 

[Richard n Ann]

You don't want to buy a new one and end up in the same situation in 2 weeks though.

I would put a multimeter in line with it for an hour and see what's going out (if anything)

Or just chance it.. Might be ok

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[pappajohn]

If you do it yourself Disconnect the EARTH first even if its practically impossibly to get at.
You WILL touch a spanner to earth doing the Pos first due to limited access.
Be as fast as you can as evidently some vans don't like being battery-less for more than 10 minutes or so, the electronics start playing up.

Only what I've read here.

 

[two]

To get a starter battery out, you may need a bar and some straps. Use the bar to lift the battery out by wedging the far end on part of the vehicle thenligting the battery by using it as a lever. Use straps around the battery, if necessary (you'll need to keep them short).
It's not easy, working through the "letter-box" opening. I'm not religious, but it is Sunday and a prayer or three may help!