Technical Battery problem

[muppet42]

Intermittent issue been happening with RGZ the past few weeks, may have been worsened by the cold weather. Hasn't happened constantly though with every start, just seemingly every now and again.

Basically, she's having problems starting up. When I turn the key, it's like she's struggling to get the necessary electricity to start up...the LCD dash screen for example dims slightly in time with the starter going. As this struggle happens, there's a slight whirring noise in the background. There's no roughness or anything once she does start though.

Happened just earlier after RGZ hadn't been started for 2 days. For the first time though, the clock/date/trip computer had all lost their data. The radio was fine though, still had all the pre-sets and the like.

I know something probably needs replaced, but is it the battery or something else? Alternator perhaps or maybe even the starter motor itself? For reference, as far as I know the battery is the original one, so over 5 years old and been used throughout the 34,800 miles odd the car's done.

Thanks in advance for any advice anyone can give

 

[Dogspods]

Battery is going to be the likely culprit. There are plenty of threads with advice on changing the battery - had to do it myself a few weeks ago...

https://www.fiatforum.com/stilo/168322-new-battery-time.html

 

[muppet42]

Battery is going to be the likely culprit. There are plenty of threads with advice on changing the battery - had to do it myself a few weeks ago...

https://www.fiatforum.com/stilo/168322-new-battery-time.html

Thanks for that. Spoke to a mate on msn last night, he said that it was probably nothing to get worried about and that it was almost certainly just the cold weather to blame.

I think though that perhaps changing the battery may be a good thing anyway, may solve that erroneous check engine message I sometimes get

 

[Dogspods]

Thanks for that. Spoke to a mate on msn last night, he said that it was probably nothing to get worried about and that it was almost certainly just the cold weather to blame.

I think though that perhaps changing the battery may be a good thing anyway, may solve that erroneous check engine message I sometimes get

Random error messages are a good sign the battery is on the way out - can't remember if it's mentioned in the thread but if you buy from Tayna use "FIATCLUB08" at checkout for a 5% discount.

Out of the three options for batteries in the first thread DO NOT go for "C" as the terminals are the wrong way around

 

[d0wnin]

Yea sounds like the battery. I get random error messages every so oftern normally a engine fault but it never makes sense as i trashed it yest and it didnt happen

My battery is from new and thats now 6 years old

 

[muppet42]

Random error messages are a good sign the battery is on the way out - can't remember if it's mentioned in the thread but if you buy from Tayna use "FIATCLUB08" at checkout for a 5% discount.

Out of the three options for batteries in the first thread DO NOT go for "C" as the terminals are the wrong way around

Aye, have heard that on other threads when people are asking about the error messages. I've been getting the error messages sporadically for over a year now though, but guess another factor that could strain the battery a bit is that I tend to do mostly short journeys, like less than 5 miles. It's one of the reasons I've got such a low mileage for the age of car.

Anyway, if the problems persist, I'll go ahead and order one from that link. Thanks again

 

[wotnowarninglight]

I replaced my original battery this April. Having a diesel fitted an 096, would personally, with the Stilos known sensitivity to voltage dips recommend an 096 for all.

As posted before, my original battery made it to 5 years and never failed to start the car. The indicator spot on the Magnetti Marelli original still showed green but increasing bleepeeness, slower cranking and dimming dash & headlights had me concerned. Tests of the individual cells with a battery hydrometer revealed 4 ok cells and 2 poor cells, despite regular doses of battaid tabs to delay the inevitable battery replacement.

Despite this year fitting cruise control and using Millers DSP4, the biggest MPG improvement of 3-4 MPG occured immediately after the battery was replaced, but before cruise and millers... make of this what you will, but after 20+ years of motoring and umpteen cars, this was a new one on me too

So 3.5 years+ & 2 Stilos has taught me... for extra MPG, track it first and then buy it a new battery, lol!

 

[muppet42]

I replaced my original battery this April. Having a diesel fitted an 096, would personally, with the Stilos known sensitivity to voltage dips recommend an 096 for all.

As posted before, my original battery made it to 5 years and never failed to start the car. The indicator spot on the Magnetti Marelli original still showed green but increasing bleepeeness, slower cranking and dimming dash & headlights had me concerned. Tests of the individual cells with a battery hydrometer revealed 4 ok cells and 2 poor cells, despite regular doses of battaid tabs to delay the inevitable battery replacement.

Despite this year fitting cruise control and using Millers DSP4, the biggest MPG improvement of 3-4 MPG occured immediately after the battery was replaced, but before cruise and millers... make of this what you will, but after 20+ years of motoring and umpteen cars, this was a new one on me too

So 3.5 years+ & 2 Stilos has taught me... for extra MPG, track it first and then buy it a new battery, lol!

Interesting. Shall certainly investigate the issue further

Thing is with mine as well, it's not happened gradually, it's just seemingly started to have issues as the weather's degraded over the past month or so. Thankfully, she is still starting ok and it's still intermittent, but I know it's certainly something which needs attention.

 

[WINSTONG]

I has a similar problem with my Abarth, slower cranking and umpteen error messages! I bit the bullet and bought a new unit (£90 odd), no problems since, the battery was about 3 years old. I have no figures and my memory is poor but I recall reading the cranking power of a battery is significantly affected by temperature, perhaps as much as a half at 0'C compared to 20'C (apologies to the technical guys for the guestimate!)... A further problem I had was an aftermarket stereo that I wired to constant 12V, that drew >0.3A!

 

[muppet42]

Well, RGZ is now completely refusing to start. Looks like a new battery is needed

 

[Greggers]

Well, RGZ is now completely refusing to start. Looks like a new battery is needed

I've just ordered a Numax 096 from www.tayna.co.uk. Cost around £60 delivered with a 3 year guarantee... I'll let you konw how it goes

 

[muppet42]

I've just ordered a Numax 096 from www.tayna.co.uk. Cost around £60 delivered with a 3 year guarantee... I'll let you konw how it goes

To be honest, I think I'll probably go ahead and get that too. Can't be left without transport for that long really, though thankfully my work is just a short bus ride away.

Went to Halfords just for a browse and as I thought, there wasn't the best selection. Halfords own OEM replacement was £70 and a calcium version was a tenner more.

Ordering that Numax one seems like the logical option as it seems like the most cost effective

 

[Argonought]

After my run to Paris and back, my batteries a cracker

Well over 6 years old and not a single beep to be heard - well, apart from the constant ice warning that is

 

[muppet42]

After my run to Paris and back, my batteries a cracker

Well over 6 years old and not a single beep to be heard - well, apart from the constant ice warning that is

Yeah, my Dad's is a little over 6 years old and never had an issue either. Think it could be just one of those things really. Having to replace something every 5 years or so isn't too bad I guess.

 

[Greggers]

After my run to Paris and back, my batteries a cracker

Well over 6 years old and not a single beep to be heard - well, apart from the constant ice warning that is

What battery you running, Argo?

 

[Argonought]

What battery you running, Argo?

The one Fiat supplied with the car - LOL !

 

[tigerlily]

Yep, went out to start Monty up on Christmas Eve morning when it was below freezing and foggy, and not a sausage when I turned the key, not even a clunk.

Release the key, and the interior lights, headlights, radio, everything came on, and the computer reset itself.

Off to get a new battery myself - but is it really the case that I need a torq wrench to get the cover off the battery housing?!

 

[Argonought]

Off to get a new battery myself - but is it really the case that I need a torq wrench to get the cover off the battery housing?!

No way :shakehead: simple 10mm socket for mine.

I'd check your earths are good before going for a new battery.

 

[tigerlily]

The chap says it has large torq bolts - larger than we have the tools for at the house, and he may not have something big enough at work (he's an electronics technician). He's absolutely sure that's what they are.

Very good with cars, too, not just radios, radar and air traffic control stuff!

Monty is a 1.4 Active 3 dr, 04 plate...

 

[cw13666]

Is there any big pro's or con's between the varta and the numax 096 apart from the price??
Numax is 72AH and the Varta is 74AH but will that make much difference?