D8 Battery Change (with a gotcha)

michaeljclark · Post by **michaeljclark** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 5:12 pm

I'm looking for a little guidance here please folks

My D8 is in derperate need of a new battery - which isn't a problem

But here is the problem

The Keypad immobilier is currently disconnected becuase 3 of the wires are broken (right by the connector that goes into the keypad) and two of the wires are the same colour. I managed to get the car started once and then I removed the connector into the keypad - as per Niz or Jameslxdt's instructions (sorry fellas can't remember who told me)

If I disconnect the battery and replace it - how long before the ECU does a reset and I get left in Halfords or someother place with a car I can't start - the wires are broken at the actual connector - I did look at replacing it - the connector is £1.50 the cable £15 - but the local stealers wanted a fortune (as did an independant) to fit the cable becuase of the work involved?

I'm going on Hols to the US next Saturday and ideally need to get this sorted before I go away - the car's charging the battery (a local place tested that - alternator output of 14.2v) but the battery doesn't hold the charge - I'd appreciate any help or thoughts

Thanks

Mike

Post by **steve_earwig** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 6:07 pm

I have a thought - maybe you can change the battery without disconnecting it - fly leads from the new battery to the clamps on the car, bare a couple of inches of the wire so they're looped round the terminals on the battery with the twists far enough out so you can undo them again once the new battery is in place and the terminals fitted.

michaeljclark · Post by **michaeljclark** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 6:16 pm

Thanks Steve - I'd had a similar thought myself. I found my original post about the Immobiliser wires breaking, and found that Niz406 had replied with the wire colours:

So I'm now inclined to go and get a new connector (assuming I can get one and it's easy to fit???) and give that a whirl, but it looks dicey either way!

Mike

jameslxdt · Post by **jameslxdt** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 6:43 pm

get it started with the old battery and disconnect the keypad, the ecu will then stay unlocked, disconnecting the battery will not change anything

michaeljclark · Post by **michaeljclark** » Sun Feb 10, 2008 6:56 pm

jameslxdt wrote:get it started with the old battery and disconnect the keypad, the ecu will then stay unlocked, disconnecting the battery will not change anything

James

Please forgive my ineptitude (I do IT, not cars)

The keypad already is off (having followed your advise in March last year) when the wires broke

The car already starts on the old battery (just!!!!)

The procedure is as follows (with the engine off):

Get new battery
Disconnect old battery
Replace
Reconnect new battery
Revel in the roar of the 406 bursting into life as the ECU won't re lock?
go for a drive to make sure the new battery is 100% charged!

Sorry for re asking and being stupid

I just want to be 110% certain before I make a fool of myself (done that already by double checking - not calling your skills into question - just making sure I understand)

Cheers

Mike

michaeljclark · Post by **michaeljclark** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 4:39 pm

Well Jamesxldt was exactly right, the new ones gone in like a charm and the engine starts just fine.

The tested the old one in the shop and I watched it fall below 100Amps output (less than 1/4 of the total rated power when new)

So £76 well spent!

So just the suspension "knock" to sort!

Mike

Post by **Welly** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 5:03 pm

Well done fella!

Like you I am just looking into a new battery for her indoors old car which I'm tryng to shift. I cannot believe the cost of batteries

what has happened to battery prices???? I'm looking at £65.00 just to fit to a car I'm selling

Post by **DaiRees** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 7:00 pm

Yeah I know what you mean. Last time I bought a battery was for my Nova, the budget ones were £33 and the good ones were £40

Luckily I knew someone who worked in a motor factors at the time and had a staggering 50% discount

. So that was one brand new Varta battery for £20

Post by **teamster1975** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 10:11 pm

That shows how long it's been since I changed a car battery. £75?!

michaeljclark · Post by **michaeljclark** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 11:40 am

teamster1975 wrote:£75?!

It's a High Capacity (440 Amps) Varta 555155 with 3yr wty - a "standard one" was £50

Halfrauds want £90 odd, plus disposal costs plus fitting

My local Motor Factors, fitted and disposed of old one FOC

Did have a few issues with the drivers electric window - but a few Up and Downs fixed it!!!

406oc.co.uk

D8 Battery Change (with a gotcha)

D8 Battery Change (with a gotcha)

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