Flat battery

[kalacoconut]

I posted a question about changing the battery & got very useful response - many thanks. I have a couple of more questions:

I went on holiday & returned 10 days later to find the battery completely flat. I got a jump start & drove the car for 30 miles, thinking this will be enough to recharge the battery, but it was completely flat again the next morning. The battery is over 7 years old but has never shown any signs of degrading - it was very sudden.

1. Is it usual for a battery to go suddenly? I don't want to have it tested by MB as they want to charge a fortune. The local garage will do a free test but then they want to flog me a non-brand name.

2. Can I use a battery charger without taking the terminals off the battery, or can this damage the car electronics?

3. If the battery charges up or doesn't charge up, what will this tell me?

4. Is there a good internet site or local shop/agent near Marlow in Bucks that sell brand name batteries?

 

[Ron Palfrey]

1. Yes, they can go quickly. A cold snap often sorts out a weakening battery.

2. You can but you may damage the electrics. Better to play safe?

3. I think at 7 years old your battery is at the end of its life, if it charges but doesn't hold its charge, and there are no discharges (boot light staying on for example), then a new battery should solve the problem. If it's not charging then suspect the alternator but a dash warning light should be staying on if that is the case.

4. Try this link:

http://www.totalbatteries.co.uk/models/118/Mercedes-Benz-page1.html

Ron

 

[Blobcat]

My battery failed after a 220 mile drive, 1 minute it was fine next it wouldn't hold a charge. I would replace it with an equivalent Amp/Hour battery and you may find you can get a good deal from a Mercedes Commercial Dealer. (or at least a lot better price than from the Mercedes Car Dealer)

 

[television]

2 you can use a charger with switched outputs, not an automatic charger without disconnecting.

When buying a new one, do not get a house name, get a brand like

Banner,Bosch,Exide,Varta,Lucas and you will not go wrong

 

[kalacoconut]

Is UNIPART a good name?

 

[television]

Is UNIPART a good name?

I could be wrong but I think that UNIPART are importers and wholesalers of motor components, though I know the name, its possible that they could be made by anyone.

Look in the yellow pages, as Blobcat if the is a commercial MB dealer or Bosch service center, or a Parts Co