Battery Warning

[Ews]

Good morning guys, I've noticed a couple times now my 'Low Battery' warning indicator has come on. It's a bit worrying. Does this mean I need a new battery? I have a Ford Focus Edge 2011. As far as I know the previous owner never changed the battery. I'm considering going to Halfords and getting the battery checked. I got caught out with a flat battery with my last car, had to ring the RAC and ended up forking out £70 for a new one! I don't particularly want to go through that again, I'd rather catch it before it happens this time. I've been told the life of a battery is about 3 years, not sure if this is correct?

Thanks in advance, any help would be appreciated.

Ewan

[Guest]

We sell batteries.

I have a 2009 1.6 Zetec on original battery, it's used for 4 days then stands for 4. Never had a problem.

My Mum's Corsa went almost 10 years on the original battery.

They often last 5 years + and some die in a year.

pot luck.

Make sure you fit a calcium battery as you have a smart alternator/ changing system. Some say silver calcium but this is Fords name for a calcium battery!

you can get a free check at many places, however I rarely trust these!

Smart charge is basically an alternator with a clutch it charges only when the battery needs it, this should lengthen the life and be more energy efficient.

Calcium batteries don't give a lot of warning they just die!

I have never seen a low battery warning light so cannot comment Im afraid.

I am told the heated front screen won't start automatically if the battery is sick though?

[artscot79]

Not exactly The theory behind smart charge, is a battery will take a charges at its most efficient when its cold. Following start up, the PCM checks the Engine coolant temp, and intake air temp, and calculates a cold engine. It will then boost the battery charge, pulling it back as it calculates the under bonnet temp coming up. Its not there to compensate high demand as is the common misconception.this places high demands on the battery which is why silver and calcium are used in the electrodes as they can take the higher voltage

If you have a battery issue do the dash test youll find if it is the battery youll have a dtc code.

A few tips dont keep the heated front screen on whilst driving it uses too much power its intended use is to clear the screen before moving off this gives the battery a chance to charge up you can get a Bosch s4 battery on eBay at a good price thats a 4 year warranty a lot cheaper than halfrauds who will sell you a lead acid battery as they always do

[Ews]

Thanks for the replies guys.

Something else i've been noticing lately is that when I turn the key in the ignition, the car doesn't spark to life until the very LAST moment. What I mean is, when I'm turning the key I have to turn it right to the very end before it starts. When I'm turning the key it feels like nothing is going to happen, she still starts ok but it feels like I have to turn the key a hell of a long way. My car is still under warranty but I've just found out that batteries are not covered - perfect!

I did have my battery tested at Halfords. They told me that the battery is charged up ok but that something is drawing power from it. Obviously a fault or a loose connection somewhere.

Can anyone recommend what I should do next? I'm tempted to say bo**ocks to it and just go and buy a new battery.

Many thanks.