Battery problem?

DXP55

DXP55

DXP55

Soldato
Joined
5 Aug 2013
Posts
6,829
Location
Shropshire
I am having problem with the 2010 Focus 2.0 ltr diesel -It has started to play up some morning and not start.
Did a voltage test and battery was showing 11.7v so charged it up to 13.2v and it started better than usual - So put it on charger at night and it stopped at 12.9v -turned it off and in morning it was12.2v.
Been doing this all week so took it to local garage for battery test.
Battery test -58% -Health = good -cranking and charging tests OK -Diode ripple OK. -- So do these figures sound OK.
I have been googling for a few days and it was mentioned that the battery could have a duff cell.
The battery was replaced about 5/6 yrs ago and is a Bosch.
I am now considering getting another battery check from Ford dealers just in case.
Other wise we are talking of a drain somewhere. -I do have it booked in for 12th Feb with auto electrician but would like to double check before take it in (expensive)

PS one other thing is we only use it 2 or 3 times a week for local runs and the killer -start it up -back out of garage then put it back later in the day so loads of amps but not replaced.

Any ideas ?
 
sovietspybob said:
If its gone down below 12.4v it'll have sustained internal damage so best to replace it, especially if you say its 6 years old anyway, that's not an uncommon lifespan for a battery in a modern car.
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This essentially, modern stuff does not like going too low, I did this with my focus during covid let it go low. Now it passed all tests, but its hold rate was pants. I could tell by the speed of the mirrors closing when the car was locked. I doubt the cold weather / short runs/ start up back out is helping it.
 
DXP55 said:
I do have it booked in for 12th Feb with auto electrician but would like to double check before take it in (expensive)
Any ideas ?
Click to expand...

If the auto electrician is expensive, then just buy a new battery instead and see if that fixes it.

I would say it's unlikely to be a drain, and more likely to be a deterioration in battery performance and its ability to hold voltage over time.

I have a 2005 Ford Focus 2l diesel and sometimes I have to remove the battery and recharge it as well. I think this type of car is quite hard on batteries when starting. Putting your foot on the clutch when you start it probably helps save a little bit of battery over time.
 
Presumably a Halfords battery is cheaper than messing around. It's 15 years old at this point too. Diesels need a lot of power to crank when cold, too.

Maybe a quick disconnect trickle charger if it isn't getting used much?
 
Thanks for the replies - I feel better now and just hope it is battery - Mind you a new one is just over £100 which will be a lot less than Auto electrician.
One other thing is it has had a few electrical problems with rear tailgate lock not working with the fob and have to open rear door first but it still locks with button on handle and fob.
I think it was a major fault on mine with rain seeping through rear screen and frame and water soaking electrics.
Will ring up dealer tomorrow and get it tested - I can't do this anymore as i can't lift the battery and it sits under the windscreen and air filter and stuff needs removing.
I have one of these chargers and it is good -Had it a few years and it is now paying for itself.
 
DXP55 said:
Thanks for the replies - I feel better now and just hope it is battery - Mind you a new one is just over £100 which will be a lot less than Auto electrician.
One other thing is it has had a few electrical problems with rear tailgate lock not working with the fob and have to open rear door first but it still locks with button on handle and fob.
I think it was a major fault on mine with rain seeping through rear screen and frame and water soaking electrics.
Will ring up dealer tomorrow and get it tested - I can't do this anymore as i can't lift the battery and it sits under the windscreen and air filter and stuff needs removing.
I have one of these chargers and it is good -Had it a few years and it is now paying for itself.
Click to expand...
How often do you use the car?

A decent non-Chinesium battery charger will probably be better.

E.g. what folk use for their super cars.
 
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