Dropping battery voltage

[MisterB]

the battery voltage on our swift bolero is slowly dropping every day

Saturday 12.7v after a long drive
Sunday 12.5
Monday 12.1


I assume the cab battery is on its way out. it started this morning but was very 'iffy' - or is there something else I should be looking at rather than just going out and buying a new battery just in case.

if anyone can confirm or advise - EVEN if its a new battery required - which I suspect it is.

ps, can anyone advise on the lowest voltage it would turn over - or is that a similar question to how long is a piece of string ....

 

[icantremember]

Could be the alternator but worth having the battery checked first.

 

[pappajohn]

If you mean the starter battery and nothing has been left on then yes, time for a new one.

 

[MisterB]

sorry, yes I meant the starter battery. the only thing on might be the alarm/immobiliser

I doubt its the alternator as it does charge the battery up - not sure what it should show though?

anyone recommend a good battery ? I am looking at a Bosch S5 Battery (Car Battery 096 5 Year Guarantee)

but its described as a car battery and not a van battery - though as searched via a specific vehicle reg number I assume tis thrown up the correct one(s)

 

[pappajohn]

Alarm/immobiliser wouldn't discharge that fast.
Can only really be the battery.

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[MisterB]

ok, the original battery is 95ah

should I go for 100ah or 110ah and what difference would it make or would I see?

the 110ah is quite a few quid more but if its FAR superior then I will go for that one

 

[pappajohn]

Just stick with the original and make sure the cold cranking amps (CCA) are the same or higher.
Upping the AH won't make much difference in normal use unless you use the dashboard radio a lot when pitched.

 

[MisterB]

thanks, though I don't know if what is there IS the original. I am looking at europarts and they don't show a 95ah hence going for a 100ah or 110ah. but as you have pointed out, I might aswell go for the 100ah as opposed to paying an extra £90 or so for 110ah after discount code of course !

 

[raysalaugh]

Check the dimensions of the battery so it will fit ok.
Also try Alpha batteries or Battery Mega store.

 

[pappajohn]

An EXTRA £90......

I wouldn't pay much more than that for a 100ah starter battery.

Even Halfrauds are cheaper than that.

I think I'd be looking elsewhere.

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[MisterB]

euro car parts 100ah exide premium with 5 year guarantee £142 900 CCA

battery mega store 100ah varta battery with 4 year guarantee £145.45 600 CCA

alpha batteries 95ah Bosch with 4 year guarantee £120 900 CCA

so on a points score 142/5 = 28.4 or 120/4= 30 - with the lowest being the most cost effective over a given period of time

the lowest score also gives an additional 5ah .....

 

[pappajohn]

What's your van base make and model/year?

 

[MisterB]

fiat ducato multijet 2008 2.3 litre 130bhp

 

[pappajohn]

Just checked and too many options so best as you must have done by entering your reg number.
The first two on your list do sound expensive though, are you sure they aren't AGM batteries.
Most options I came up with were around £100+

 

[MisterB]

would an AGM battery be an issue?

I just entered my registration number on each of the sites and compared the results as best I could.

I don't mind paying the 142 but obviously if I can get exactly the same for a lot less then why wouldn't I ....

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[pappajohn]

If it should be a regular lead acid an AGM is not a good choice.
Your alternator won't charge it properly.
As you entered your reg number I would expect the correct options.
Possibly the longer warranties pushed the prices up considerably.
Personally I don't rate the warranties.
Chances are they will be on a percentage rate.
Go back in 3 1/2 years and you'll get 12.5% deducted from a replacement AFTER they take it away to be tested for faults

 

[MisterB]

ive just spoken to eurocar parts and the guarantee is for a full 5 years with a replacement issued like for like. they don't however give an additional guarantee to any replacement battery that lasts longer then the original guarantee would - which is fair enough !

so, it looks like its the eurocarparts battery in the lead ....