Technical stop start
- Thread starter monkeynic110
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Technical stop start
I would ask them to show me why it is knackered. The test only takes a few minutes so I would ask them to do it whilst I watched. But I do have the advantage on being an electronics engineer, so would have a good idea what is going on.
Kwik Fit do a digital drop test, with a print out on a receipt to tell you whats what
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Kwik Fit do a digital drop test, with a print out on a receipt to tell you whats what
The industry standard CCA test doesn't cut it for S/S batteries I'm afraid. Theoretically it should, but Fiat/ Bosch has never given us a CCA threshold to use for S/S batteries.
The problem with stop start batteries is the constant need to take the additional load when the engine stops, hence no charging, so the battery voltage draw is constantly up and down. One minute when the engine is running and the alternator is charging it, it is fine. Then when stop start kicks in it takes a massive draw to keep the lights and aircon or heating, wipers etc going. Unfortunately if you read up on these batteries on any make of stop start cars they are criticised for being substandard and the weak link in the whole setup.
I am fortunate that I park the 500 in a garage where I plug in a trickle charger over night to condition the battery and it checks it out to make sure it gets the correct charging pattern and checks for voltage retention. Our 500 does really low mileage 7000 in 3 years and has never had a problem with stop start. I am convinced this is down to the way the battery is looked after when the car is tucked up in the garage at night.
I am fortunate that I park the 500 in a garage where I plug in a trickle charger over night to condition the battery and it checks it out to make sure it gets the correct charging pattern and checks for voltage retention. Our 500 does really low mileage 7000 in 3 years and has never had a problem with stop start. I am convinced this is down to the way the battery is looked after when the car is tucked up in the garage at night.
Hence my quandary.
I could go to Mr Battery Tester, but can I believe him because all he wants is to sell me a battery?
I too (was) an electronics engineer and have a good knowledge of batteries. You can only check voltages .... open circuit and various loaded voltages, "drop test" for instance. The cranking amps can be calculated from the voltages and the regulation per amperage drain can be seen.
Trouble is, a S/S battery appears just the same as a non S/S battery???
I'm going to get it tested anyway (eventually) and take advice from Mr Battery Tester, then go home and stew over it.
Thanks,
Mick.
