Technical How long should a battery last?

Currently reading:
Technical How long should a battery last?

EvoStevo

Established member
Joined
Mar 1, 2012
Messages
681
Points
153
Location
Northwest
Hi, I have an evo 1.4, last year (while under warranty) the battery was replaced by fiat.

This year, (not under warranty) the battery keeps flattening, i.e. today I pulled up after a trip to the supermarket - with the hazards on.

When I returned 5 minutes later it would not start. kept clicking but no broom broom. Battery voltage was 12v but dropped to 8 when trying to start.

When the engine is running there is about 14v on the battery so the alternator seems to be working. (just checked - its 13.89v - whichshould be ample as 13.8 is what's required for a 12v battery).

Any suggestions on what other tests can be done?

BTW, during the week I drive to & from work- 6 miles away.

Is there a way to test the capacity of the battery? (I have checked the sells and they are all still filled etc).
 
Last edited:
You're doing mainly short journeys which won't help it. A Fiat OEM battery life expectancy is hit an miss, anywhere from 2-6 years depending upon use tbh.

Best way to get it tested is take it to kwik fit etc for them to complete a drop test on it.

If it has gone then don't get a cheap nasty battery, with the journeys you're doing you want a Bosch Silver S4 or S5 battery. A bit more but worth it, and well priced on eBay (y)
 
Hello,

Generally a battery should last about 4-5 year, at least. It depend a lot if short journey, cold weather, etc.
If you are not lucky, it can break after 2 years (dead element, etc)

Do you often use start and stop ?

For charging voltage, it should be 14.1 - 14.4 volt IIRC. 13.8 should work too, if you rev it a bit this rise ?

All garage can check your battery with a tool that draw a quite high current an see if voltage fall not too low.
 
Hi, I have an evo 1.4, last year (while under warranty) the battery was replaced by fiat.

This year, (not under warranty) the battery keeps flattening, i.e. today I pulled up after a trip to the supermarket - with the hazards on.

When I returned 5 minutes later it would not start. kept clicking but no broom broom. Battery voltage was 12v but dropped to 8 when trying to start.

When the engine is running there is about 14v on the battery so the alternator seems to be working. (just checked - its 13.89v - whichshould be ample as 13.8 is what's required for a 12v battery).

Any suggestions on what other tests can be done?

BTW, during the week I drive to & from work- 6 miles away.

Is there a way to test the capacity of the battery? (I have checked the sells and they are all still filled etc).

I'd go back to fiat, All batteries come with a warranty, I'm sure its more than 12 months. I worked at a land rover dealer and we offered a 3year warranty on all batteries. The only issue you may have is because it was replaced under warranty. However if its gone faulty after replacement, and within an unreasonable time (18months is unreasonable) then you have grounds for it to be replaced.

I;d phone them and explain they changed it and its playing up, i've had batteries last in cars well over 7years. So this is unreasonable. Not fit for purpose really, regardless of if you paid for it, or got it under warranty.

Speak to fiat, they should be accommodating, if not phone the head office. It'll get replaced. The manufacturer would replace it if you contacted them with proof of replacement/purchase from fiat. if you went direct to them.
 
Generally a battery that is new should last 5-7 years. If it is more than 6 months old when first used, (check the date code on it somewhere), it will probably last no more than two years. It will also have a short life if during storage the voltage has dropped below 12.5v and not been recharged. This is from experience working for a major aftermarket parts supplier, with own-branded batteries, with warranty issues. Research showed the above and a process was put in place to ensure that all trade stock was kept fresh. Warranty failures dropped dramatically.)
 
In the past (when I was not on earth :D ) a mechanic told me they receive battery dry, and they put acid mixture when they have to use.

Longer storage life and fresh battery in any case !
But today, filling a battery is a waste of time, and money, its the life (n)
(and we think we are better than before, because we transport everything fast anywhere - but the olders was not stupid at all - this is my retro - minute :rolleyes: )
 
Are the s4 batteries compatible with the stop/start system? I've read you need a specific battery for use with these systems
 
The sticker on the top is ripped because I have checked the cells.

Do you think that will affect me going back with it?

Mind you, I'm not keen on taking it back to the Blackburn dealers - last time it was in there they damaged my bonnet and refused to have owt to do with it.
 
Damn, a little bit of frost and its flat again.
11.6v.

Any recommendation for a replacement and where best to get it?

I have read that stop & start buggers the batteries up very quickly - but in 12 month pffft!
 
Eurocarparts have a discount on batteries at the moment.

You need to select the right one. If you have Stop/start you must get the proper battery.

If you have stop/start, and the battery fitted by the dealer last year is not for stop/start, that would be why is has failed so soon. Despite your reservations, go back and demand they fit the correct one, at no cost to you. If it is the correct type for your car, go to Euro.
 
Is this one right? This is what's fitted.
It says its a stop start battery.

Just checked europarts and they dont do one for less than about £150.
I have been quoted 95+vat locally.

I think I'll charge it up more often.
 

Attachments

  • 158.jpg
    158.jpg
    2.4 MB · Views: 92
Last edited:
Your battery is right model.

Varta should be good. CCA is higher, capacity is ok and its an EFB type, ok for start stop.

Double check size to be sur it fit, Punto have not all same battery holder.
 
Given that my battery now only lasts a few days on a full charge, are there any other recommendations on what battery to get?

What range Bosch should I be looking for??
Where is a good online retailer?
 
Back
Top