Flat battery - help please

Dirk Diggler · 16 Apr 2023 at 16:12

Charger has arrived and I'm slightly confused; should I be "normal" charging or pulse charging? If I select pulse charging then the interior light is flashing on and off as it pulses, which doesn't seem right for the car electronics?

ShiWarrior · 16 Apr 2023 at 16:19

im guessing "normal"

what type of battery is it ?
read the manual it will tell you which mode to put it on

Armageus · 16 Apr 2023 at 17:24

Fairly sure it will be an EFB stop/start battery, so may even need a dealer level reset once replaced to get the best out of it

Dirk Diggler · 16 Apr 2023 at 17:54

Armageus said:
Fairly sure it will be an EFB stop/start battery, so may even need a dealer level reset once replaced to get the best out of it

Argh, there's a mode for stop/start types too. I'll leave it a few hours on the "car" setting and see if I can get any joy from it, and if not then I'll switch the mode to stop/start.

I'm noticing a difference so far as the radio now switches on and the lights come on in the cab, so it's definitely giving it some charge.

ShiWarrior · 16 Apr 2023 at 17:57

did you not read the instructions ?

if car has stop / start and there's a setting for it, you need to be using it

Dirk Diggler · 16 Apr 2023 at 17:58

ShiWarrior said:
did you not read the instructions ?

if car has stop / start and there's a setting for it, you need to be using it

Yes, I read the instructions and I didn't understand them, that's why I'm back posting here.

I don't even know what start/stop is referring to, is that the auto ignition off when idle thing?

Armageus · 16 Apr 2023 at 18:02

Dirk Diggler said:
Yes, I read the instructions and I didn't understand them, that's why I'm back posting here.

I don't even know what start/stop is referring to, is that the auto ignition off when idle thing?

Yes and Cars with stop/start have specific types of battery (EFB or AGM)

Dirk Diggler · 16 Apr 2023 at 18:26

Armageus said:
Yes and Cars with stop/start have specific types of battery (EFB or AGM)

Cool, I've switched the mode now.

Fuzz · 16 Apr 2023 at 18:44

no need to remove battery to charge it.
What I would do though now you've bought the charger is make sure you leave it charging (maintaining) the battery while you are away from it for those three week periods.

The two other things you need and should get done is
1. Get the battery tested to see how much capacity it has left in it.. if it fails the test, buy a new one.
2. Get the electrics checked for parasitic drain so it doesn't wreck the new battery you are likely going to be fitting.

Rroff · 17 Apr 2023 at 16:19

Nominally stop/start charging mode is for AGM batteries - EFB you can charge like a regular car battery on any modern (smart) charger. I might be wrong but I believe registering/programming the battery is more important for AGM batteries.

Terminal_Boy · 17 Apr 2023 at 16:30

Armageus said:
Not relevant for most modern Canbus connected stereos, normally specifically coded to match the vin etc

Good to know. My Duster is more Leyland Bus than Canbus.

Dirk Diggler · 17 Apr 2023 at 18:35

After 8hrs charge, she fired up successfully. Thanks for all your help, and why not join me in my brand new thread coming soon... "Spec me a new family SUV"

Chris Wilson · 17 Apr 2023 at 18:52

Dirk Diggler said:
After 8hrs charge, she fired up successfully. Thanks for all your help, and why not join me in my brand new thread coming soon... "Spec me a new family SUV"

I am sure some Greens will be only too happy to "join you"

Glad you got it sorted.

Dirk Diggler · 29 Aug 2023 at 19:49

Well, I finally got the battery replaced today and now I've got an "engine malfunction" warning light on the dash.

I'm reading via Google that error codes can be looked at via Bluetooth on laptop or even phone. Does anyone have any experience of that?

Rroff · 29 Aug 2023 at 19:57

You need an OBD Bluetooth dongle to do that - I don't think any cars have a direct BT connection for it.

Dis86 · 29 Aug 2023 at 19:59

Dirk Diggler said:
Well, I finally got the battery replaced today and now I've got an "engine malfunction" warning light on the dash.

I'm reading via Google that error codes can be looked at via Bluetooth on laptop or even phone. Does anyone have any experience of that?

Take it to a professional. Please for all of our sakes.

Dirk Diggler · 29 Aug 2023 at 20:09

Dis86 said:
Take it to a professional. Please for all of our sakes.

What's the justification for trashing the thread like that?

Dis86 · 29 Aug 2023 at 20:11

Dirk Diggler said:
Yes, I read the instructions and I didn't understand them, that's why I'm back posting here.

I don't even know what start/stop is referring to, is that the auto ignition off when idle thing?

Dirk Diggler said:
What's the justification for trashing the thread like that?

See above. You're out of your technical depth/ability and stand a good chance of shagging things further or throwing away good money after bad.

andy_mk3 · 29 Aug 2023 at 20:15

Dis86 said:
See above. You're out of your technical depth/ability and stand a good chance of shagging things further or throwing away good money after bad.

As 15 years a mechanic, I can only agree.

Dirk Diggler · 29 Aug 2023 at 20:21

Ok, apologies offered and I'll ask a mod to close the thread.