Car battery question

[Buckman]

My current battery is rated to the following specs;

Capacity (C20): 800 Ah,
CCA (EN): 800 A
Cold Cranking Amperage: 800A
Ampere-Hours: 90Ah

The vehicle a Jeep is very power hungry. If I was looking at making the lead acid battery more powerful to better cope with the power being used, would it be better to look at an increase in the Ah or Capacity (C20). Drain on power would be stand alone Satnav, TPMS for caravan and the caravan lights, fridge etc.

Secondly I would prefer an AGM battery, but most seem to be specific to "start stop" technology which the Jeep does not have installed. Should one be able to fit a normal non "stop start" AGM battery to replace a standard lead acid. I am not sure if a Smart alternator will recognise that it has a different type of battery fitted.

This is just a general query in case the battery needs changing in the future and to satisfy my lust for some additional knowledge on cars and their quirks.

 

[otherclive]

Cannot envisage why the OEM capacity isn’t adequate. Satnav and TPMS don’t take much power. Jeeps being designed for towing trailers and caravans again should be more than capable of running lights, indicators etc. so it then comes down to the fridge. But I guess 99% of towing vehicles don’t have a battery that’s above the OEM spec. I’d be more concerned at installing a good quality battery. And not forgetting that a modern alternator will modify its output to meet demand and ensure that any demand from the fridge is addressed.l

According to this supplier an AGM would be okay providing it meets the OEM spec. But they question the cost benefit.

AGM versus EFB-Which one should you be using?

AGM versus EFB AGM versus EFB So, its probably about ten years since the first Stop-Start vehicles became in production vehicles. Consequently, the

www.batteriesontheweb.co.uk

AGM & EFB Automotive Batteries Explained - Yuasa battery

Information guide to AGM and EFB Start-Stop automotive batteries

www.yuasa.co.uk

 

[Buckman]

Thanks OC as helpful information as usual. In the States you can buy a towing pack as an optional extra for the Jeep. I am not sure how or if it improves the towing experience.

I am not sure, but I don't think the fridge 12v supply comes directly off the alternator as the supply would be constantly varying. Possibility that the supply is taken directly from the battery. I really do not know.

According to specifications regarding the current battery it is a normal standard battery and not an EFB battery. I had to look up EFB as I not know the meaning of the term.

The concern here is of course that the current battery may have a shorter life than normal taking into consideration the recent issues so may require replacing within the next couple of months.

 

[otherclive]

I wasn’t saying the alternator feeds the caravan fridge directly but will address varying load by changing its output to the car battery.

 

[otherclive]

Both our cars are EFB. The Kia Rio has stop start but the OEM battery is EFB. The Subaru does not have stop start but has a YUASA EFB OEM battery. That’s why in my first post to your query I emphasised good quality battery.

 

[Buckman]

Both our cars are EFB. The Kia Rio has stop start but the OEM battery is EFB. The Subaru does not have stop start but has a YUASA EFB OEM battery. That’s why in my first post to your query I emphasised good quality battery.

There are so many different brands of batteries that i have never heard of so a bit confusing. I recognise some of the brands like Exide, Lucas, Bosch etc that have been around for many years. Thanks for the input.

 

[Jcloughie]

My car has two AGM batteries, one for cranking the other for maintaining circuits during stop/start. When I changed them I never heard of specific batteries for stop/start vehicles. But Halfords supplied for about half of what Volvo want. Same spec.

John

 

[Buckman]

My car has two AGM batteries, one for cranking the other for maintaining circuits during stop/start. When I changed them I never heard of specific batteries for stop/start vehicles. But Halfords supplied for about half of what Volvo want. Same spec.

John

Jeep want about £500 for their battery which they probably buy from around the corner!

 

[Tobes]

I had a 2005 plate 2.8L diesel Chrysler grand voyager. - May well be the same engine in the Jeep. It had a stupidly under specked battery too, and no room in the holder for anything more powerful. It would drain the battery enough to prevent starting in about 15 mins of leaving the accessories on. In the end we get rid of the car as it was so unreliable and swapped for a Volvo XC90... MUCH MUCH better.

 

[JTQ]

The concern here is of course that the current battery may have a shorter life than normal taking into consideration the recent issues so may require replacing within the next couple of months.

With what you have stated happened to that battery, and additionally what that battery just might have caused to the alternator I would not be putting it back to work with an expensive new alternator; full stop. Failing batteries are great at taking out sophisticated charging systems.

I would put in what a highly reputed battery maker, as opposed to a brand holder or reseller, recommends for your vehicle. Ie check what Banner, Varta [Johnson Controls], Yusa & Exide published listings recommend. Then buy from a specialist major battery seller, eg Alpha, Tayna or the like.

 

[ProfJohnL]

I had a 2005 plate 2.8L diesel Chrysler grand voyager. - May well be the same engine in the Jeep. It had a stupidly under specked battery too, and no room in the holder for anything more powerful.

I do know from a niece who had a CGV, how unreliable the model was, but I'm intrigued to know how you establish the battery was under specked?

 

[Tobes]

It was minuscule. 40ah using a spiral electrode, to give high starting current (800A) but for a short time. Given the thing had power slide doors, power tail gate, roof mounted DVD screen, power seats, effectively 2 stereos and all the trimmings, and a Wibasto diesel heater, by the time you had got in ready to start it, the battery was already draining. And the 2.8l lump took a lot of turning over. By contrast, the 2.4 and 2.5 diesel Volvos all had 110ah 800A batteries. Even the dealer commented that it was a small battery for such a power load.

 

[Buckman]

I had a 2005 plate 2.8L diesel Chrysler grand voyager. - May well be the same engine in the Jeep. It had a stupidly under specked battery too, and no room in the holder for anything more powerful. It would drain the battery enough to prevent starting in about 15 mins of leaving the accessories on. In the end we get rid of the car as it was so unreliable and swapped for a Volvo XC90... MUCH MUCH better.

Previously we had the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD WK which had the Merc 3.0L engine. It was extremely reliable and we had no battery issues. The 2.8 engine vehicles nearly killed Chrysler.

With what you have stated happened to that battery, and additionally what that battery just might have caused to the alternator I would not be putting it back to work with an expensive new alternator; full stop. Failing batteries are great at taking out sophisticated charging systems.

I would put in what a highly reputed battery maker, as opposed to a brand holder or reseller, recommends for your vehicle. Ie check what Banner, Varta [Johnson Controls], Yusa & Exide published listings recommend. Then buy from a specialist major battery seller, eg Alpha, Tayna or the like.

I normally buy from a reputable brand , but foolishly listened to the sales prattle. Bosch, Lucas or Exide AGM would be my normal preference even if they cost more. We have previously bought from Tanya however when making inquiries they are recommending Enduroline.

Strangely on the website when inputting registration number the Bosch S5 stop start battery comes up as one of the AGM batteries. However on eBay when doing a compatibility check it states that it is not recommended for the Jeep. Same with the Enduroline battery. The eBay seller is Tanya?????

 

[otherclive]

Previously we had the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD WK which had the Merc 3.0L engine. It was extremely reliable and we had no battery issues. The 2.8 engine vehicles nearly killed Chrysler.



I normally buy from a reputable brand , but foolishly listened to the sales prattle. Bosch, Lucas or Exide AGM would be my normal preference even if they cost more. We have previously bought from Tanya however when making inquiries they are recommending Enduroline.

Strangely on the website when inputting registration number the Bosch S5 stop start battery comes up as one of the AGM batteries. However on eBay when doing a compatibility check it states that it is not recommended for the Jeep. Same with the Enduroline battery. The eBay seller is Tanya?????

Why AGM when for a non stop start engine a good quality EFB is suitable? The two links I posted above clearly explain it. But you seem minded from the outset to install AGM. I would stick with a well known proprietary make such as Varts Banner Bosch Yuasa Exide rather than a badged one.

 

[JTQ]

We have previously bought from Tanya however when making inquiries they are recommending Enduroline.

It hardly should come as a surprise to read Tayna are pushing you to a Euroline battery

I had very carefully said "I would put in what a highly reputed battery maker, as opposed to a brand holder or reseller, recommends for your vehicle "

 

[Buckman]

Why AGM when for a non stop start engine a good quality EFB is suitable? The two links I posted above clearly explain it. But you seem minded from the outset to install AGM. I would stick with a well known proprietary make such as Varts Banner Bosch Yuasa Exide rather than a badged one.

I read the articles and as said I was not previously aware that there was such a battery as an EFB battery and had to look up the meaning. All I want is a decent known brand battery that is more than capable of handling large drains of power that is required by the Jeep. The original battery lasted 8 years and I was under the impression that it was an AGM battery as it is under the driver's seat. However an EFB may do the job also, but needs to be sealed.

 

[otherclive]

I read the articles and as said I was not previously aware that there was such a battery as an EFB battery and had to look up the meaning. All I want is a decent known brand battery that is more than capable of handling large drains of power that is required by the Jeep. The original battery lasted 8 years and I was under the impression that it was an AGM battery as it is under the driver's seat. However an EFB may do the job also, but needs to be sealed.

What do you mean “sealed” even maintenance free batteries have to have vents in them. You will be looking for something similar to this Varta that’s suitable fir the Jeep.

 

[Buckman]

What do you mean “sealed” even maintenance free batteries have to have vents in them. You will be looking for something similar to this Varta that’s suitable fir the Jeep.

View attachment 3678

Apparently it needs to be sealed in such a manner that if you had a roll over with the vehicle the acid should not leak out as that could be uncomfortable for anyone in the cab.

 

[otherclive]

Apparently it needs to be sealed in such a manner that if you had a roll over with the vehicle the acid should not leak out as that could be uncomfortable for anyone in the cab.

Jeeps aren’t the only vehicles with such a requirement the Defenders had batteries under the drivers seat. Why not just look at the Jeep specification for its battery and buy one that meets the spec, but a quality brand.

 

[Buckman]

Jeeps aren’t the only vehicles with such a requirement the Defenders had batteries under the drivers seat. Why not just look at the Jeep specification for its battery and buy one that meets the spec, but a quality brand.

Done that already and there is no specification in the owner's handbook. I contacted Jeep via their website chat system. After supplying reg number, VIN number and all my details the answer was to look it up in the owner's manual therefore I am none the wiser!

When doing a Google search for a battery and finding a site and inputting reg number, I get a list of supposedly suitable batteries however they all vary in specifications. Some of the brands I have never heard of, so ignore them. I also look at the length of the warranty as IMHO that can tell you a lot.

 

[JTQ]

Some of the brands I have never heard of, so ignore them. I also look at the length of the warranty as IMHO that can tell you a lot.

I agree, silly warranties tell you a lot, a vender operating a marketing stunt to shift product.

Some of the best battery makers resist offering silly length warranties, the makers technical team being well aware any manufacturing fault will quickly be evident.
Most, other than very early battery failures are from user/application abuse, or simply from inevitable cycling aging.
Cycles, maker & weight are far more telling.

 

[otherclive]

Done that already and there is no specification in the owner's handbook. I contacted Jeep via their website chat system. After supplying reg number, VIN number and all my details the answer was to look it up in the owner's manual therefore I am none the wiser!

When doing a Google search for a battery and finding a site and inputting reg number, I get a list of supposedly suitable batteries however they all vary in specifications. Some of the brands I have never heard of, so ignore them. I also look at the length of the warranty as IMHO that can tell you a lot.

I suppose then that the other option is to take the spec of the existing battery and its measurements, then look for a suitably compatible replacement from a known quality brand.

 

[JTQ]

I suppose then that the other option is to take the spec of the existing battery and its measurements, then look for a suitably compatible replacement from a known quality brand.

Huge assumption there, with 10 years in that what is fitted was ever the better option?
IMO, way best what a known quality maker publishes as the options for that vehicle. Again I stress not what a reseller or brand holder will be suggesting.

 

[otherclive]

Huge assumption there, with 10 years in that what is fitted was ever the better option?
IMO, way best what a known quality maker publishes as the options for that vehicle. Again I stress not what a reseller or brand holder will be suggesting.

It is not a huge assumption, just look at its spec it's hardly a "weakling" is it. Undoubtedly things will have changed over the years but it is a good starting point. My recent battery a Yuasa, specified as suitable for the SJ Forester on three websites fitted, but only if the OEM protective shield is removed. so the shield now acts as a collection point for tassimo pods awaiting recycling.

 

[Hutch]

By putting in your Jeep details, Euro part come up with these batteries.

Car Batteries | Car Battery Replacements Online | Euro Car Parts

Your car battery is the most important of the electrical parts. Without a car battery your car won't even start. Car parts at the lowest prices | Euro Car Parts

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