Batteries and chargers 36 www.aftermarketonline.net OCTOBER 2024 Importance of being a ‘battery detective’ Ecobat urges workshops to check out clues for underlying issues when it comes to dealing with battery problems Although diagnosis of this kind is a necessary part of the job for many repairs, battery related analysis is still often overlooked and a faulty or discharged battery simply swapped, without any thought as to why it might have failed. While replacement might fix the immediate problem, failure to understand why it failed may mean that simply replacing the battery merely provides a temporary fix, after which, the fault will return. Irrespective of the powertrain, a 12V battery is almost always at the heart of a vehicle’s electrical system, powering many of its related functions. But in common with every other component, it has a natural service life, after which its performance will deteriorate and eventually fail. Ecobat Battery, the UK’s largest battery distributor, is encouraging technicians to be inquisitive and ask themselves why the battery is discharged, for example, and follow a step-by-step guide to make sure that battery replacement is a first-time fix, not an ongoing saga. As it is likely that the vehicle will be brought in by the customer, start by asking how regularly it is driven, typically for how long and what type of journeys does it generally take. This will reveal whether the battery should be getting a decent amount of charge on a regular basis, or if it is usually using more power starting the engine, than it gets back from the alternator. Assuming the initial problem is reported as a ‘flat battery’, instead of just checking the voltage, which is likely to be around 12V (the rate that constitutes a fully discharged battery), the battery should be charged and its state of health (SoH) tested to find out whether it can still hold a charge. If it can, it is a good indication that there is another underlying issue that is causing the battery to discharge, rather than it just reaching the end of its life. Another consideration is the battery’s age. Under normal circumstances, even a reasonable quality battery should last two or three years. If the SoH is okay, then begin with the obvious things. Check the condition of the cables and terminal clamps, how secure they are and if there is any corrosion that could be impeding charging. If everything there is in order, then it could be a problem with the alternator, which should be tested to assess whether it is operating to the vehicle manufacturer’s (VMs) specifications. Parasitic drains are a persistent problem, so look for any aftermarket additions, such as alarm systems or daytime running lights that might not have been installed correctly — or for simple issues like the light in the boot, glove box or under the bonnet staying on. In more modern vehicles, updates to apps can be the cause of considerable electrical demand. Combined with a vehicle that has been used infrequently or only for multiple short journeys, this could bring the battery’s state of charge to a potentially problematic low level. If none of these potential issues can be identified as the cause of the battery problem and its SoH is found to be low, then replacement is unavoidable, but even in this instance questions should be asked and procedures followed. First, make sure the replacement matches the VMs specification for the make and model by using a resource, such as Ecobat’s battery finder. The only normal exceptions to this rule are if the vehicle covers an unusually low annual mileage, or is fitted with additional, non-original electrical equipment, both of which could mean it requires a higher capacity battery. In these instances, consulting with a battery expert is crucial. Second, after the correct battery has been identified, even if the workshop already offers its customers a ‘good, better, best’ option, it is always wise to encourage them to opt for the best quality replacement. Third, make sure the replacement battery is fully charged before its installation. Finally, ensure the battery is securely mounted in its tray, with the appropriate clamps to hold it in its correct position. Problems here could indicate the battery is not of the correct size or specification, which emphasises the need for the first step to be adhered to. In addition, to prevent any possible electrical short circuit, attach the positive cable to the terminal first, then the negative cable — and reverse the procedure when disconnecting the battery. https://www.ecobatbattery.com/ applications/cars-vans/
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