Dying cab battery - Any precautions to take before changing...

[Nigel Thomas]

Hi there.

My cab battery has expired. 10.V float charge. I need a replacement

Do I just take the old one out and fit the new one (which is what I've done on many other vehicles)

...or

Is there some special procedure to follow.

I've read reports of having to connect another batter in parallel to preserve the ECU!!!

Any advice welcomed.

 

[dazandandrea]

Ive never heard that one before , but you live and you learn.

 

[Itsmcb]

If you have solar and it charges the starter battery you will need to isolate the panel otherwise your positive cable may still have power when disconnected from the starter battery. It may also be the same if you have a voltage sensing Battery master but I'm not certain about that

 

[berni109]

On my fiat x250 I used to take the battery out over winter. Switch everything off remove ignition key leave for half hour for all the various computer controlled units to shut down then disconnect solar then earth connection finally positive connection block.
Was always amazed when it started first turn of the key every year.

 

[Sandancers]

I did connect up a battery in parallel when changing the cab battery. At least it saved the radio info. I think some ECU info might have been lost if I had not done so. It was not a difficult job.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Lenny HB]

Also when reconnecting, after connecting the battery leave for 15 min then turn ignition on leave for a Coul e of minutes then turn off leave for 5 min before starting.

 

[Jev88]

There is also a widget o. eBay etc. You plug into a live 12v socket and the widget has a small battery inside that keeps system happy whilst you switch out battery. Often used to save car radio info.

 

[Lenny HB]

There is also a widget o. eBay etc. You plug into a live 12v socket and the widget has a small battery inside that keeps system happy whilst you switch out battery. Often used to save car radio info.

Not a good idea on a Fiat you would have leave the ignition which would be a big No, No.

 

[Jev88]

Not a good idea on a Fiat you would have leave the ignition which would be a big No, No.

My Ducato was permanently live at socket on dash. Hence why I mentioned 'live' 12V.