Mattchaps Posted February 27, 2008 Report Share Posted February 27, 2008 6 months ago I had a flat battery and had it replaced (by VW)... got in the car this morning and again it's flat, although it did manage about one turn of the crank. Thanks to some jump leads I got the R going, and then took her out for a nice cruise of the motorway for just over an hour. Went shopping, came back and she started fine. The thing is, I've heard that if a battery is completely drained (which mine almost was, I think) it has to be replaced as it loses it's ability to hold charge. So, with the above in mind, and also considering the battery is only 6 months old, should I keep the current battery and do a few long journeys to get her charged, or should I replace it AGAIN? p.s. I now know why it's being drained... the DVD player in the glove box is constantly on standby and is therefore eating the power when the car isn't running. 5 days with no running and the battery is sucked dry! Need to sort this out too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chasdrury Posted February 27, 2008 Report Share Posted February 27, 2008 Some garages will have battery testers that test the battery and basically indicate whether it can hold charge or not... Motorworld near me has one and I have popped in quite a few times to get them tested, only once has it said get a new one. The sceptics may say they are programmed to always read dodgey battery, but, they're not!! Chaz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparticus Posted February 27, 2008 Report Share Posted February 27, 2008 Why not try a solar charger that feeds the battery with a trickle charge. About £20.00 I have one stuck to the boot side window behind the privacy glass as I have 2 x DVD, car phone and Road Angel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattchaps Posted February 27, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 27, 2008 Interesting idea, where can I get one from? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt R Posted February 27, 2008 Report Share Posted February 27, 2008 If you're near canterbury then i can test it for you? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rhyds Posted February 28, 2008 Report Share Posted February 28, 2008 Is the car used every day? It could be that the alarm etc. are draining the battery when the car is stopped and due to a lack of use the battery doesn't get charged. The other thing is to have the alternator/charging system tested to make sure the battery is being charged properly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mb Posted February 28, 2008 Report Share Posted February 28, 2008 There should be a "magic eye" on the battery that tells you if (one) of the cells is knackered - it is just under the cover - green = good, black = bad although mine lasted another year out of mine after it went black & was still starting the car fine (allbeit a little slower to turn over) when I replaced it last month. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patently Posted February 28, 2008 Report Share Posted February 28, 2008 Isn't it: green ... good, charged black ... discharged, needs to be recharged yellow .. buggered, won't recharge, you need a new one Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattchaps Posted February 28, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 28, 2008 hmm, hadn't noticed any colour spots, will go have a check when i get the chance. Will let you know what I can see! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattchaps Posted February 28, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 28, 2008 Had a look at the battery but due to having a secondary terminal cover I cannot see anything without taking it apart! Good news tho is that after 24 hours of having a flat battery and then going out for an hours drive, I was able to get back in the car today and she started first time, with a very healthy turnover. Hopefully tomorrow I be able to have it confirmed that the battery is still good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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