Average battery life?

[devilmaycare]

I'm trying to ascertain what the typical, or average, battery life might be for an original component as fitted to a new CRD. My original battery is now just over 6 yrs old and its starting to show signs of flagging; an indication being the appearance of the battery warning lamp, just after starting the engine. My initial thoughts were the dreaded alternator problem, so I did some voltage checks with TorquePro. With the warning light lit and the engine idling, the battery volts were only 11.9. After increasing the revs a bit, the light went out and the volts increased to 13.6 after a short time, but never reached the desirable 14.5 volts. So the alternator does seem to be charging. I then switched on the heated rear screen and the passenger seat heating and the 13.6 V was maintained. I have been using the car for fairly short trips, mostly at night and wondered if the battery was getting sufficient charge, or maybe, because of its age, the charge wasn't being retained - usually the tell-tale sign of a dying battery. My next move will be to put the trickle charger on and see what happens. However, I have noticed on the forum that several owners have replaced their batteries before 6 yrs have expired. The original battery on my Audi A4 1.9TDi lasted 9 yrs, but its replacement only lasted 5 yrs. My friend's BMW 3 series diesel still runs on its original battery after 10 yrs. So what are the expectations for a 300CRD battery?

[paul@thecustom300cshop]

From what i remember it seems to be 6-7 years, but not reaching 14v seems a bit iffy to me.

[badgx]

9 years, wow that's very good service How many miles were you able cover with the original battery in those years?

[kugabooga]

Hey there,

I've just replaced mine 2008 CRD @ 33000 miles , it was showing signs of faltering.Cold mornings were really taking their toll on the battery as they do .

Now got a Bosch 100Ah from Halfrauds ( was stuck for choice ) .


cheers

[devilmaycare]

Originally Posted by badgx

9 years, wow that's very good service How many miles were you able cover with the original battery in those years?

121,000 - I've just checked the MOT Cert. for the month following replacement. I think the original battery was a Bosch.

[devilmaycare]

Originally Posted by paul@thecustom300cshop

but not reaching 14v seems a bit iffy to me.

This is why I want to try trickle charging to see if that makes any difference. From past experience, a duff battery will often not show the desired voltage, even after an extended charging period. According to the workshop manual, before attempting to diagnose low battery volts and potential alternator problems, it is recommended to check the battery condition.

[badgx]

I would check the concentratino of the battery acid with a hydromoter tester, only costs a few quids and top up with distilled water if necessary. If applied a heavy load tester, a good battery should not bubble within the cells. When it goes the tale tale signs depending on how bad each cell has become will often bubble and give off a egg smell. Its a good way of checking the condition of each cell

[K1 BPS]

Just had to replace mine a few cold mornings killed it, it was an original 6 years old.
Cycled to work once that was enough.


Brian.

[jackwalton]

Ctek battery condition chargers have a conditioning function built in that can often revive a failing battery if the problem is due to sulphation of the plates. Ctek chargers cost between £30 and £40 though. Cheaper equivalents are sometimes available at Lidl or Aldi for about £15.


Not very practical if you havnt got quick access to one though when you have problems, but worth a try if you have one.

Jack

[paul@thecustom300cshop]

Originally Posted by jackwalton

Ctek battery condition chargers have a conditioning function built in that can often revive a failing battery if the problem is due to sulphation of the plates. Ctek chargers cost between £30 and £40 though. Cheaper equivalents are sometimes available at Lidl or Aldi for about £15.


Not very practical if you havnt got quick access to one though when you have problems, but worth a try if you have one.

Jack

True i have a ctek charger and is very good, they charged a few batteries in the past that a standard charger wouldnt charge