Battery warning light

[Idol hands]

Advise required gents.

Battery warning light has come on?

The car started no worries. Initially there wasn't a light. Then it came on, after a brief visit at the mother in laws after starting t for the return journey no warning light. After 5 mins the light came on? I drove 20 miles home. And didn't miss a heartbeat.

The handbook says alternator problem?

Regards Andy

[Old Peter]

HI Andy,

 

I would be inclined to have the battery output tested, which ought to tell you if it is charging properly and holding its charge.

 

Peter.

[Idol hands]

The dealer I bought it off told me the battery was flat and he would recharge it or replace it. On collection he said it had been replaced. I can't prove otherwise but presume the battery is new..less than a week??

[Old Peter]

Andy, It is possible that the battery - if new - might not necessarily be the correct one for you car.  You could check that out  --  Google might assist.

 

And a visit to the dealer might be worth while.

 

Peter.

[Idol hands]

Thanks peter. I will get my mechanic pal to have a look. Wasn't sure if the warning light was a battery fault or alternator? Hoping that it was going to be the cheaper option!! Something says it is going to be the more costly!!

[Idol hands]

After looking at the battery it's obviously new. Although no manufacturers information as to brand etc?? Possibly some poor quality job??

[Old Peter]

Thanks peter. I will get my mechanic pal to have a look. Wasn't sure if the warning light was a battery fault or alternator? Hoping that it was going to be the cheaper option!! Something says it is going to be the more costly!!

Andy, Looking for the cheapest option first can sometimes save you money. If the battery warning light comes on, it ought to be the battery.  If it is, that is easier to fix.  If the dealer said he has replaced it and hasn't, he should do the honest thing.  As you say, it could be a poor quality thing, and Jaguars do need the right battery as they have so many electronic features.

 

If it is the alternator, the dealer should have sorted that out before he sold it.

 

Peter.

[Old Peter]

Andy,

 

The correct battery should be 110 , and 70 or 80 amp. The price for a new one should be around £70.

 

Peter

[Idol hands]

Thanks peter.

Attached a couple of pics. One shows it's clearly new. The other 510A.

Don't know if this is the issue??

[Old Peter]

Thanks for the Photo's, Andy.

 

It now becomes clear.  The 64 ah  510A battery is extremely suitable for older cars ---  those made in the 80's  --- with far less electrical equipment on them.

 

What should be fitted is a 80 ah  110A battery,

 

I am no electrical expert but I do know that you need the correct battery for all the electrics to work properly.

 

Peter.

[Idol hands]

Right. I'll go have it changed first thing tomorrow. Any suggestions as to where?? Was thinking national tyres etc?? Or should I go straight to jaguar???

[Old Peter]

Euro Car Parts are supposed to be very good, and they are a national company with stores everywhere.

 

Just Google them and put in your postcode.

 

Very close to me is an Auto Accessory shop - quite independent  -where I have bought batteries over the years, so I am a bit spoilt.

 

I would tend to avoid the Kwik fits and tyre companies.

 

Also google "Car Batteries 80ah 110A" and print off the results.  There is nothing like knowing the answer before you ask the question.

 

Let me know how you get on.

 

Peter.

 

PS __ What part of Lancashire are you from?

[Idol hands]

Hi peter.

Thanks for that. I'll have a look. I notice halfords have one. Some fancy calcium thing!

I'm originally from Manchester. Joined the army moved away. Then met my other half who's from Colne. We now live in a little village between Chorley and blackburn. We have a business in preston.

Regards

Andy

[Idol hands]

I went premium in the club too! Finding it very useful and interesting!!

[Bracksta]

Andy

If you replace the battery and find the battery light still keeps coming on, which I've seen on numerous occasions, then I'd be replacing the battery positive cable.

Regards

Brax.

[Idol hands]

I'm hoping that it's a simple one off solution!!

I'll try the battery option. Then take it from there!

[Old Peter]

Welcome to the Club, Matt.

 

And a very useful first post.  Exchanging experiences is always helpful.

 

Regards,

 

Peter.

[Old Peter]

I'm hoping that it's a simple one off solution!!

I'll try the battery option. Then take it from there!

Hi Andy,

 

I always try for a second opinion, so I walked round to the Car Accessory shop and spoke to the owner. He tells me that if it was the alternator at fault it would not charge the battery at all and the light would stay on when driving.  When I told him what battery was on the car, he said immediately that it was the wrong battery, and that a modern car needs much more power.

 

Let  us know how you get on.

 

Peter.

 

PS ---  I am originally from Widnes, and here via North Wales & Sheffield.

[Idol hands]

Hi peter.

Thanks for that!! Excellent advice. I've now replaced the battery. The difference in size alone makes it pretty obvious there was a problem. The light is no longer in and I hope that is the problem resolved!!

[Idol hands]

Thanks again!

Widnes ?? You're a rugby league fan then??

[Old Peter]

Yes Andy, for over 77 years.

 

Sadly, however, I did not renew my season ticket this year, partly due to the distance, but due more to the change by the new CEO from Sunday afternoons to Friday nights.  The M6 is stop start  and the back roads are the same on Fridays, so Row 14 seat 93 South Stand Gold Section is vacant.

 

My son and I go when we can on Sundays, but we haven't been this season due to other commitments.

 

I am glad your battery problem is now sorted.  My S type has a 95 ah as recommended by Jaguar.

 

Jaguars are complicated as well as beautiful cars both to look at and to drive and batteries, when they are not the right ones tend to worry the ECU somewhat.  And when the battery is on the way out, less important electrical functions [radio etc] are shut down by the computer.

 

Regards,

 

Peter.

[Idol hands]

Hi peter.

I'm a rugby union man myself. I still play. But self employment means a lot of juggling of limited time off. Although the sky planner is full of lots of games much to the missus consternation.

The battery seems fine. Fingers crossed. Thanks again for all the help. Much appreciated. I have a million more questions as I've lots of tweaks I'm planning!! Stereo is on the things to do. The other half found the cassette player most amusing!!

Thanks again

Andy