How many this year?

[warpc0il]

Starting from 2nd January, how many posts along these lines are we expecting?
- went to start the car and it's dead
- turned the key and there was just a rattle noise but no start
- turned the key and the panel lights just went out
- the engine started to turn over slowly but then stopped...

IIRC our record over the past years has been 14 but 2 of those turned out to be actual flooding, due to shunting cars around for Xmas visitors, so it should have been 12.

That was back when the Xmas break weather was really cold and many of our cars would still have been (struggling) with their original batteries.

This year the weather has been kinder.
Most 8s would now be on their 2nd (or even 3rd) battery - though many could have cheap/nasty replacements.
Fewer people would still be using their 8 as their daily, so the downtime during the holidays is probably less of a shock and it's less likely to be the car they use for the first day back to work.

Anyway, my guess for this season is 5

[brix79]

I'll take a 3 please Dave.

[nintenjo]

Well you can count me as number 1.. after finally completing my full service today plus a coolant change went to start her up and it just cranked once and died...

Got her plugged into a charger now to see if she plays ball tomorrow once fully charged. (Providing I don’t manage to flood it).

Fingers crossed as it has been idle on my driveway for nearly 4 weeks now.

Battery looks oldish and certainly not original (45k miles) so my guess it’s been changed once already.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[warpc0il]

Next time you take a look at the battery, have a read of this
viewtopic.php?f=25&t=36434

[nintenjo]

Mine is a Type 068 Bosch S4 .. I’ll look for a higher Amp Hour Type 088 of and when I need to replace it.

Think the Bosch S4 is only rated to 44AH..?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[New Duke]

Nope it's 70Ah. Should say so on the sticker on the side. Maybe you saw that figure on a smaller size battery or yours is a very old one? I fitted a Bosch 068 S4 this year and it's been very good. It's plenty battery for the car and isn't the original for your car. The original OEMs had a big Mazda sticker on the side... I still have mine in the garage.

Maybe yours just needs a long, slow recharge as per Warpc0il's guide or has reached the end of it's working life.

EDIT: Oh and I'll take 6 please Dave.

[delta0]

I’m going with 9. There are also the it’s taking longer to start when cold posts as well.

Mine is a Type 068 Bosch S4 .. I’ll look for a higher Amp Hour Type 088 of and when I need to replace it.

Think the Bosch S4 is only rated to 44AH..?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I have the Exide 030TE, 75Ah, 630 CCA

[nintenjo]

Nope it's 70Ah. Should say so on the sticker on the side. Maybe you saw that figure on a smaller size battery or yours is a very old one? I fitted a Bosch 068 S4 this year and it's been very good. It's plenty battery for the car and isn't the original for your car. The original OEMs had a big Mazda sticker on the side... I still have mine in the garage.

Maybe yours just needs a long, slow recharge as per Warpc0il's guide or has reached the end of it's working life.

EDIT: Oh and I'll take 6 please Dave.

Well good news is after an overnight chArge.. it lives and started first time!

Bad news is my traction control warning light is on and can’t figure out why .. (not the DSC light). Only error on my OBD2 reader is U0073?




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[bigpete8]

Have a search for the re set procedure after battery disconnection. But think it's along the lines of ignition on turn wheel lock to lock ignition off then start as normal.

[nintenjo]

Have a search for the re set procedure after battery disconnection. But think it's along the lines of ignition on turn wheel lock to lock ignition off then start as normal.

I tired that, it reset the DSC light but not that traction light shown, but will try again to be sure.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[qwakers]

start up, go lock to lock, back to center, switch off, restart.

[thejaydogg]

As Len Goodman would say - 'Seven!'

[delta0]

I find it ironic that a thread about battery problem threads has turned into a thread about a battery problem

[FrenchCarMan]

Changed mine last week - starting was getting embarrassingly slow, especially after a couple of days standing.

Replaced with a Bosch - exactly the same size as the old one, but struggled to get the nuts back on - suspect the hooks weren't actually hooked on previously.

Anyhow, starting as well as can be expected once again. Might be even better once I get the new plugs and Magencor leads on!