[9216]

Analogy - Charging a smartphone with a 5V, 500mA charger vs charging the same smartphone with 5V, 2.4A one. If you were to use one or more of the battery draining apps (facebook / netflix / Youtube / navigations / ...) while charging the smartphone, it is likely to die out on the 500mA charging - draining faster than it charges.

The same basic principles ought to apply on the alternators / battery-charging, no?

Not always, I believe. The charging current taken by a smartphone depends mostly on its own hardware and software settings. A phone designed for 500mA may not benefit at all from a 2A charger, even under heavy software load

Originally Posted by Miyata

I haven't looked into it, but would you have reasons to suspect anything otherwise? Typically, the current that can be supplied (and hence the power available) between idling speeds and 3-5X idling speeds can change by over 100%!

I got a bit curious and did a crude test on my Baleno petrol. The headlamps (90/100W) in high beam were taking around 16A on idle around 650 rpm (a/c off) The battery was still getting charged. Then I turned on the fan and increased its speed till the charging current was hovering around zero. Then I turned the engine off by putting it in gear and releasing the clutch (with full pedal and parking brakes applied). This left the headlamps and fan running. The discharge current then was a little over 29A. Does that not show that the alternator was able to deliver this much current on idle (without even the idle lift by a/c)? Will a battery of around 35AH be charged with any current more than this ?

[NaXal]

My 2017 Aspire Titanium TDCi (Diesel) is at Ford ASC for some suspension rattle (noise) related issue.

While they work on that problem, Service Advisor has come back with an update about my battery. As per their checks, it's in its last leg & to avoid being stranded, I should consider replacing ASAP.

It's around 3.5 (30k kms) years old & till date I haven't seen any sign of battery related issue.

I wonder what's going on. It seems like batteries now days come with some Apple like chip So many members here have posted about this 4 year time frame for battery needing replacement. Regardless of their different usage patterns

P.S. My stock battery is from "Ford". Completely white outer casing with a single Ford Logo !!

PPS. Does anyone know what's the amp/ah specifications for Ford Figo Aspire Diesel battery? I checked the manual, I there is nothing mentioned apart from 12v. Service Center guys are speaking about 390 CCA (unconventional battery measurement unit). Quick Google search about CCA to amp/ah is pointing to 54ah where as battery suggestion website (like battery wale or battery bhai is suggesting 44/45ah batteries)

[R2D2]

Originally Posted by NaXal

I wonder what's going on. It seems like batteries now days come with some Apple like chip So many members here have posted about this 4 year time frame for battery needing replacement. Regardless of their different usage patterns

The 3-4 year life has nothing to do with a chip but with the temperature in tropical countries. The higher the ambient and operating temperature the shorter the life. That's the nature of a batteries including the Li-ion ones in our gadgets and mobile phones. In the UAE when temps sometimes exceed 45-50 C my brother's had to replace his car battery every 18-20 months or so and that too because he had a covered parking at both work and residence. Those who park their cars outside replace it every 12-15 months.

If you suspect the dealer's diagnosis have it assessed by a battery dealer OR have the Ford dealer show you the diagnostic print out.

[vsathyap]

Despite multiple attempts to charge and maintain a sufficient voltage on my 3.5yo Exide Mileage 35AH battery using my Bosch C3 charger, I decided to replace them after they did not crank even after leaving them idle for just 36-48 hours after a full charge as per my C3 Charger. Finally, I gave in and just replaced the battery in my Alto with a new Exide Mileage 35 AH battery (same brand / variant as before). I have a question on the "eye" or the window. Despite being a new battery, this "eye" is white in colour and not green as its supposed to be.

Giving the benefit of doubt to a new battery (assuming it was sitting on a shelf for a few months without any charging), I did a full charge of the battery using the Bosch C3 Charger until the charger showed that the battery was fully charged and it went into the infinity icon, representing a trickle charge mode.

Even after this full charge, the eye on my new battery is still white and not green. I checked this with my battery guy who put in the new battery and he said that its just an indicator and I should not worry too much about it, and that he has anyway given me the warranty card for the battery which is for 3 years (+additional 19 months of prorated warranty - totaling a 55 month warranty) and should anything happen in this duration, I have to approach him for battery + warranty issues.

While my old (now presumed dead) battery was at the battery guy being checked and charged overnight to analyse its capacity/life, he had given me another standby (and new) Amaron battery which also had an "eye", but that was green in colour.

Now should I be worried about this "eye" being white in my brand new battery?

[R2D2]

Originally Posted by vsathyap

Now should I be worried about this "eye" being white in my brand new battery?

Your dealer is right, that eye is an indicator of Sp. Gr in only 1 cell. Once the battery is fully charged just move it a bit to simulate the movement of a car which will slosh the electrolyte around and free up the green ball. It's always worked for me. As long as your car starts properly there's nothing to worry about. However, if the magic eye remains white get the battery cells checked with a hydrometer.

[MDED]

Today I changed my Jazz (2016) OEM battery after 5 years. During these 5 years the battery was fuss free till the last service, when the ASS told that the charge is very less and may not last long and he wanted me to change the battery through them. However, the better in me advised of changing the battery through them and instead contacted a battery dealer in Koramangala (near Sony signal) and switched to Amaron Hi Life Pro (with 66 months warranty). No questions replacement warranty for 36 months and for remaining period pro rata.

Overall the experience was smooth and the price was the same as mentioned on "battery bhai" website. Finished the work in less than 20 minutes and came back to office. Lets see how long the battery lasts.

[scorpion_blore]

Had to replace the Amaron battery in my new Honda Amaze with another unit from the same brand.

Had given the car for regular 1 year routine service and had mentioned to do a battery checkup also. Surprisingly the technician called up and mentioned the battery is showing 7.8 reading and it needs to be replaced, otherwise it might give issues going further. Agreed to get it replaced since I had no clue on the numbers he mentioned and i always prefer getting it replaced from ASC rather than at a battery shop.

My concern is the car is just 30 months old and was not showing any signs of weakening battery: car used to start on the first press of start button itself, no issues in lighting. I'm now thinking whether the technician pulled a fast one just to increase his commissions. Should I complain this to Honda?

[Rahul Bhalgat]

Originally Posted by scorpion_blore

Had given the car for regular 1 year routine service and had mentioned to do a battery checkup also. Surprisingly the technician called up and mentioned the battery is showing 7.8 reading and it needs to be replaced, otherwise it might give issues going further. Agreed to get it replaced since I had no clue on the numbers he mentioned and i always prefer getting it replaced from ASC rather than at a battery shop.

My concern is the car is just 30 months old and was not showing any signs of weakening battery: car used to start on the first press of start button itself, no issues in lighting. I'm now thinking whether the technician pulled a fast one just to increase his commissions.

Batteries generally last for 3 to 6 years. For most of us, these last more than 3.5 years. For me, the stock battery was changed after 4.5 years and the next battery was changed after another 4 years 9 months. Both the times, the battery was fine till the end and was replaced only as a precautionary measure.

It is possible that the technician pulled a fast one.

And the batteries have a warranty. If a 30 month old battery fails, they shall give you pro-rata discount.

Battery is a standard item. I always got it from a battery shop / online through batterybhai.com. Actually, the batterybhai.com passes the order to a local shop and the shop sends a technician on a two wheeler, with a new battery, a receipt and a warranty card. So there is no point in purchasing the battery from authorised service station.

[VWAllstar]

Ameo TDI DSG: OEM battery died in 18 months and 15K KMs. The car was used almost on everyday and during lockdown, it was driven once a week to keep it going. All precautions were taken and yet it died pretty soon. The service advisor stated that OEM batteries are good for a year only hence the warranty is for that much period. Have now changed to Exide, considering the warranty period and on the road help provided by Exide in case of a battery issue.
I guess no one can estimate the shelf life of an OEM Battery. It's like lottery, for few it worked for 5 years and for others it gave it up in less than 18 months.

[scorpion_blore]

Originally Posted by Rahul Bhalgat

It is possible that the technician pulled a fast one.

And the batteries have a warranty. If a 30 month old battery fails, they shall give you pro-rata discount

Thanks for the quick reply. Incidentally I did ask the technician about warranty before replacing. He mentioned warranty does not cover drop in output voltage. It covers only the defects from battery which can be manufacturing defects that render the battery unusable.

[Rahul Bhalgat]

Originally Posted by VWAllstar

The service advisor stated that OEM batteries are good for a year only hence the warranty is for that much period.

This SA too appears to have pulled a fast one.

I don't think that the battery manufacturers make inferior chemistry for the OE supply. For most of us, the stock battery as well as the replacement lasts for more than 3 years, and for more than 3.5 years in most cases.

Out of the batteries which lasted less then 3 years, exclude those who were fleeced, those who had some electrical problems in the car, those who have multiple short runs every day and those who have kept the car idle for long period. You will find that there are very few genuine cases getting short life from the battery.

And if your battery has 48 months warranty, the first 24 months have free replacement warranty. The next 24 months have pro-rata warranty. So, by and large, battery manufacturers have been giving good quality and value to the customer.

[wildsdi5530]

Actually OEM batteries typically last only 1 1/2 to 2 years. The company warranty is only 1 year. The next battery will easily last you 4-5 years. So the SA was actually telling you the truth. This is another big con of the Indian consumer.

[Pancham]

Originally Posted by wildsdi5530

Actually OEM batteries typically last only 1 1/2 to 2 years. The company warranty is only 1 year. The next battery will easily last you 4-5 years. So the SA was actually telling you the truth. This is another big con of the Indian consumer.

Not true. Mine lasted for exactly 5 years.

[Aroy]

Originally Posted by wildsdi5530

Actually OEM batteries typically last only 1 1/2 to 2 years. The company warranty is only 1 year. The next battery will easily last you 4-5 years. So the SA was actually telling you the truth. This is another big con of the Indian consumer.

My OEM Exide lasted 6 years. My Amaron gave up just a month after 48m warranty expired.

[MDED]

Originally Posted by wildsdi5530

Actually OEM batteries typically last only 1 1/2 to 2 years. The company warranty is only 1 year. The next battery will easily last you 4-5 years. So the SA was actually telling you the truth. This is another big con of the Indian consumer.

My jazz February 2016 OEM battery lasted till December end 2020. The service advisors from earlier TVS Sundaram Honda, Anna Salai, Chennai and the dealers in Bangalore tried to pull a fast one to force me into changing the battery. However, I didn’t fall for it and changed when the battery felt weak. Usually the batteries will last for at least 4-5 years.