Potential battery issue

[Funkyboy]

Hi All,


Last few weeks I've been getting a few weird things happening when first starting car. Sounds like slightly struggling to start for micro second other things I've noticed screen went off them straight back on and this morning horn sounded when starting? It's a 14 plate E250 on 78k. I've had the car since it was 18 mths old so battery is original. Is there a way to test the battery to rule this in or out? Thanks

 

[AndySlade]

Yes, get the battery tested, but first I’d make sure it’s fully charged. Many members on this forum recommend the use of a battery charger/maintainer such as a CTek or similar, check the many threads on the subject

Batteries can be tested by a couple of ways. Either by connection to a load tester (puts a big load across the battery and sees how it fairs) or a Conductive Tester which measures the capacitance of the battery plugging in the relevant battery specs.

Only thing I would add is that tests and test equipment are usually carried out by vendors who are more than likely to want to sell you a new battery! The better tyre and battery centres should have the required testing kit And may charge for this service if you don’t buy a new battery from them.

If the battery is more than 5yrs old, probably better to replace it, if anything for the convenience of knowing that it is new and healthy.

If you can change and refit yourself try either Tayna Batteries web-site for idea of cost or the MB Grangemouth? For a quote on new price.

This cold weather plays havoc of Lead Acid batteries. May sure you replace like for like (Normal Pb acid/AGm etc).

 

[SL63 Mark]

In my simple brain, you only need to know two things.

1. Does the battery charge,
and
2 Does it hold a charge.

Both can be tested with a £10 multimeter, set to the DC volts range

I am not sure expensive test and diagnostic equipment is really necessary,

To save faffing around, just replace it. It is now 10 years old, and due for replacement anyway.

For what it costs, it will be the best £100 you ever spend on the car.

 

[Malcolm Johnson]

Last year replaced all four across both cars, S was 11 years old on drive , SL was 17 years garaged. Although meter said OK. It was noticeable when new batteries fitted. It was a case of night and day.

 

[DSK]

Also not all new batteries are great. Stick with Bosch S5 or Varta Silver and use Tanya Batteires.


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[grayb]

We replaced our 12 year old battery last year. No real symptoms of failure except that starting seemed a little slow. New battery was a noticeable improvement. Beats possibly being stranded on a freezing morning...

 

[EmilysDad]

I assume my 14 plate ML is still on its original battery .... can't see it as it lives under my seat. When I checked its voltage a few months back it was a little on the low side though I've never had any starting problems

 

[LostKiwi]

Yes batteries can be tested easily
I have one of these.
MOTOPOWER MP0515A 12V Car Battery Tester Automotive 100-2000 CCA Battery Load Tester Auto Cranking and Charging System Test Scan Tool Digital Battery Alternator Analyzer https://amzn.eu/d/7i1xUMC

Very useful bit of kit as if you test the battery before each winter you can be reasonably sure the battery won't let you down on a cold winter morning.

There are cheaper options like this but I have no experience of them but it does get good reviews.

TopDiag BT200 Pro Car Battery Tester, 12V 24V Load Tester, 100-2000 CCA Automotive Charging Cranking System Tester Digital Auto Battery Analyzer for Car Truck Motorcycle SUV Boat (BT200 Pro) https://amzn.eu/d/3J1MyjR

 

[Blobcat]

Lidl have battery and alternator testers on sale in the middle aisle at the moment

 

[DREAMER NO2]

 

[DSK]

I assume my 14 plate ML is still on its original battery .... can't see it as it lives under my seat. When I checked its voltage a few months back it was a little on the low side though I've never had any starting problems

I had a varta on my w221, alway started with telepathy like power. It read 12.2v after firing the car right up and then being run for a while. New MB battery (varta label) fitted and the car always starts much more slowly. Even though this new MB battery is weeks old and reads ok, I’m junking it and getting another Varta silver from Tanya.


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[rf065]

I’m junking it and getting another Varta silver from Tanya.


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Who's Tanya?

 

[DSK]

Who's Tanya?

She sells batteries online, for all sorts


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[AndySlade]

It Tayna not Tanya

 

[DREAMER NO2]

Tanya it is, they make good batteries ...last 2 batteries i have bought have been Varta

 

[DSK]

It Tayna not Tanya

You are right! I never spotted that! I remember someone donkeys years ago saying look up Tanya batteries, it worked on Google as the first result and Tanya has stuck ever since lol.


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