Fiat Ducatto, dead battery and airbag fault.

[NJA]

A couple of weeks ago we got an out of the blue airbag fault on our 2014 Knaus, closely followed by the battery falling off a cliff and refusing to hold charge for more than a day. Apparently it's a common and related fault and I am pretty much resolved to replacing the battery.
A couple of questions, should I replace the leisure battery at the same time, and what am I in for to get the airbag fault fixed.
Any experiences and tips welcomed.
Thanks
Nick.

 

[Jimbohorlicks]

Why would you want to change the leisure battery. Have you checked it with a multi meter. Is it losing charge?

 

[NJA]

Why would you want to change the leisure battery. Have you checked it with a multi meter. Is it losing charge?

I genuinely didn't know if you have to change them as a pair. If not then I won't.

 

[Bessy765]

It depends on the age of the batteries, at 2014 it may well be both are of a similar age. On ours although we bought the van brand new in 2019, the engine battery was late 2017 and the AGM leisure battery was 2018. How they have been used also bears relevance. It is know that low engine battery can cause some problems so I would change that first, see if the airbag light can be reset, I think there is a firm called applejack engineering who may be able to advise if it cant be reset and I am sure their are others on here with more knowledge than me re this.

 

[Jimbohorlicks]

I genuinely didn't know if you have to change them as a pair. If not then I won't.

The starter battery and leisure batteries are totally different batteries. They are not linked unless by a battery master or similar..the starter battery is basically a lead acid battery. That has high cranking amps to turn the engine over whereas the leisure battery is designed for multiple cycling of amps and can be a lead acid , agm or gel if it came with the van in 2014..
If it is 10 years old it is probably past its best but check it before you change it.
Some of the agm batteries have a long life.
there is a company, northern auto tech based in morecambe that "repair" airbag ecu units. They appear to have an honest approach to the repair of these unit and don't charge a full fee if it cannot be repaired.check out thier website.

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[SavvyOwner]

It depends on the age of the batteries, at 2014 it may well be both are of a similar age. On ours although we bought the van brand new in 2019, the engine battery was late 2017 and the AGM leisure battery was 2018. How they have been used also bears relevance. It is know that low engine battery can cause some problems so I would change that first, see if the airbag light can be reset, I think there is a firm called applejack engineering who may be able to advise if it cant be reset and I am sure their are others on here with more knowledge than me re this.

There is an excellent company called Airbag Team in Rotherham,S61 1EF who deal with airbag ECU problems. Just had mine replaced with a new OEM unit 2 days ago. Done whilst I waited and was offered a hot drink (tea or coffee) and job completed within 45 minutes of my arrival. They provide an excellent service and know what they are doing with no flannel, explaining all necessary and relevant details. They both reset and replace ECUs. May be convenient for anyone living east of the Pennines and I believe may have other branches. Fortunately,, they are local to me but only found about them recently.