Time to replace main battery? (2 Viewers)

[kev54]

2013 Fiat Ducato/ Bessacarr 6m 3.3ton coach built. Back in January/ February/March getting her started for maintenance drives involved a fairly heavy cuh-hough - but she got going. Some near-freezing morning starts in northern Spain in April had a few cuh-huh-houghs - but no failure to start.
With better weather she certainly started ok, but I had the feeling that the end of a drive should have registered a higher charge than it appeared (I don’t have a meter, just using the power display unit in the rear) No idea if the battery has been replaced since 2013 - do they last that long?
Should I just bite the bullet and replace in October before parking up for the winter? I think I know the answer, but I’d be much obliged for some experienced advice from fellow Funsters.

 

[Richard n Ann]

I've just replaced mine at 10 years old. It was still working perfectly but with a trip to Spain coming up I fitted a new Varta blue power starter battery

G3 Varta Blue Dynamic Car Battery 12V 95Ah (595402080) (017 019)

G3 VARTA Blue Dynamic Car Battery <i>Innovation with Purpose, Premium Experience, Powerful History</i> VARTA was founded in 1887 Germany, and was established fully in 1904 by delivering the first electric vehicle battery, famously driven by Thomas Edison. Soon after, VARTA delivers the first...

www.tayna.co.uk

 

[Jev88]

Lucky to get 4 years on some starters. Do check earth connection to battery and starter as they rust from the inside. And no reason not to add an extra one from battery to engine block or gear box to inner wing.

 

[Spriddler]

Should I just bite the bullet and replace in October before parking up for the winter?

Yes get a new one. It's less expensive than replacing your airbag module.

 

[B-well]

Brought a Lucas starter battery in Jan 23, failed in Jan 24 replaced under warranty, this has failed and again replaced under warranty so fingers crossed no more issues as its a lump to get in and out. electrics all checked and no issues, is this bad luck or or just the manufacture type i am purchasing.
I must say the supplier Motor parts direct have continued with the warranty period till 2027 and no quibble when approached.

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[Richard n Ann]

Oh tip of the day:

Use an old battery on the maintainer socket (if you've got one) to maintain 12.6v to the ECU and ACU computers while you swap batteries.

 

[Richard n Ann]

Brought a Lucas starter battery in Jan 23, failed in Jan 24 replaced under warranty, this has failed and again replaced under warranty so fingers crossed no more issues as its a lump to get in and out. electrics all checked and no issues, is this bad luck or or just the manufacture type i am purchasing.
I must say the supplier Motor parts direct have continued with the warranty period till 2027 and no quibble when approached.
View attachment 933117

How much did you pay for the battery?
Lucas isn't a make I looked at

 

[Jev88]

How much did you pay for the battery?
Lucas isn't a make I looked at

Lucas seem to be another old brand that licences their logo and stickers to "other" manufacturers......

 

[Spriddler]

Lucas seem to be another old brand that licences their logo and stickers to "other" manufacturers......

Unsure about car batteries but for the past 5 years the Lucas brand for motorcycle batteries, motorcycle and British classic car parts (e.g. switches, coils, light units, dynamo parts etc. etc.) has been owned by Wassell Ltd. whose vast range of Lucas, Hepolite (pistons) and Girling (suspension) products are made overseas.

 

[Insider]

Original 2016 battery that is acting perfectly. It does have the advantage of a battery master and weekly drives through out the year.

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[B-well]

How much did you pay for the battery?
Lucas isn't a make I looked at

LP019 £89.00 back in 2023

 

[Lenny HB]

4 years life is quite common on a Ducato.
A couple of days ago I bought a Yasa 5000 019 battery from Halfords for a friend for £103 with trade card, cheaper than MBS or Tayna
Apply for a trade card on line they don't check you are trade