Cerbera Battery

[Bigadz]

I have just replaced my battery and had to remove the captive nut and the plate of rust it sat on..

Reach in under the passenger footwell to feel the 2 fixings as there are 2 nylocs on the back. It's a 2 person job really as one person (preferably small) needs to reach right in a get a socket on those nuts while the other untightens from above.

Once you get that godforsaken plate out though it won't need doing again!

[Boatbuoy]

I'm 6'2" and 120kgs, I was the one who had to be upside down and headfirst in the footwell. Fun isn't it!

[Bigadz]

Lol indeed, same stats at you mate - couldn't open the door fully in my garage either. Didn't know I was that flexible

[pottman]

Seems like my battery died yesterday, meaning the Cerbera didn't make the Sunday service.

Before I embark on a bit of DIY to replace offending item can I just check that this battery is the preferred Bosch solution?

http://www.justcarbatteries.co.uk/index.php/bosch-...

Given that I am a numpty when it comes to these things can I just make sure that aside from leaving doors open, windows down and boot unlocked I shouldn't have any other electrical issues to take care of when I replace the battery?

[jackwibble]

Thats the one i fitted its spot on but as you can see in the thread some had fitting issues it is tight but as long as its right into the wing my scuttle panel covered it no problem the terminals are the correct way on that unit as well.

[PuffsBack]

Still liking the Otima Redtop I fitted earlier in the year. Cracking capacity is tremedous.

[jammy_basturd]

I agree, my Optima Red Top survived for a long time of very little use and repeated occasions when it was completely flat. Died after about 3 years. Now gone for an Optima Yellow Top, expensive, but fits perfectly and should be even better on a limited use car.

[Tanguero]

My 5th year on a Red Top - never a moments trouble with it and it won't damage the cover unlike an 096R

[pottman]

Thanks for the replies - which is the right Red Top, can't seem to find the right one on the Tayna website.

[jammy_basturd]

How often do you use your car? For anything less than frequently I'd seriously consider the Yellow Top instead.

Red Top 4.2 S
http://www.optimabatteries.co.uk/en/red-top/17-red...

Or Red Top 4.2 U (has additional connecting points)
http://www.optimabatteries.co.uk/en/red-top/20-red...

Yellow Top YTS 4.2
http://www.tayna.co.uk/Optima-Yellow-Top-YTS-4.2-P...

Yellow Top YTU 4.2
http://www.tayna.co.uk/Optima-Yellow-Top-YTU-4.2-P...

[pottman]

Ok. This all seems a lot clearer now. So basically I have a garage queen of a Cerbera that does c3,000 miles a year and sits on a trickle charger when not in use. The last battery was installed in 2010 and I now have a choice to spend £75 on the Bosch or £180 on the Yellow Top - I wonder whether it is really worth double the money?

Do I have the right approach when replacing the battery i.e. doors open, windows down and boot open - any other things I should be aware of?

In other (OT) news as I was checking through my receipts for servicing, repainting and the like and since 2005 the bills were ..... a lot.

Not sure if I can bring myself to admit it on a public forum

[jammy_basturd]

I wouldn't worry about leaving a Cerb all locked up and alarmed for a month or more with a Yellow Top installed.

[Random24234]

Having spent the last hour or more switching out the battery for the Bosch one that was recommended in this thread I can authoritatively say it will fit, its an incredibly tight fit... but yes it fits. To be more descriptive, 1mm more length and it would not fit at all, no matter how you try to force it, unless you choose to loose the panel covering it.

The red/yellow tops are more closer to the original size.

[jackwibble]

If you can use a trickle charger then its Bosch/standard style battery every time the Optima is not worth double the money and the Bosch has a 4 yr warranty if you can't trickle charge at all then maybe consider the Optima.

[pottman]

jackwibble said:

If you can use a trickle charger then its Bosch/standard style battery every time the Optima is not worth double the money and the Bosch has a 4 yr warranty if you can't trickle charge at all then maybe consider the Optima.

My thoughts too. Bosch ordered, delivery awaited, job for the Christmas break.

Thanks for all the advice everyone.

[Gazzab]

Random24234 said:

Having spent the last hour or more switching out the battery for the Bosch one that was recommended in this thread I can authoritatively say it will fit, its an incredibly tight fit... but yes it fits. To be more descriptive, 1mm more length and it would not fit at all, no matter how you try to force it, unless you choose to loose the panel covering it.

The red/yellow tops are more closer to the original size.

The bosch didnt fit mine and hence I went with the 'banner' type 072 from a motor factors.

[PuffsBack]

jackwibble said:

If you can use a trickle charger then its Bosch/standard style battery every time the Optima is not worth double the money and the Bosch has a 4 yr warranty if you can't trickle charge at all then maybe consider the Optima.

The Optima Redtop has to have a trickle charger really unless the car is in regualar use. They do not like been deep discharged at all. Where the Redtop comes into its own is on cold starts. The 815cca makes for effortless starting and no worries of sticky Meta alarm relays or ignition relays.

The yellow top is best if you have no access to constant power

[Random24234]

Gazzab said:

Random24234 said:

Having spent the last hour or more switching out the battery for the Bosch one that was recommended in this thread I can authoritatively say it will fit, its an incredibly tight fit... but yes it fits. To be more descriptive, 1mm more length and it would not fit at all, no matter how you try to force it, unless you choose to loose the panel covering it.

The red/yellow tops are more closer to the original size.

The bosch didn't fit mine and hence I went with the 'banner' type 072 from a motor factors.

I can understand that, I should of emphasised how ridiculously tight the fit is, if your wiring is not movable and fibreglass lacks flex you will have trouble on some cars as clearly you did. I guess I just had a fraction more space or flex to play with.

As it is currently I'm a bit concerned the cover panel is now touching the air-box that with the engine running it may either cut into it over time or break the edge of the cover. In hindsight I'd of gone smaller, if I can't rearrange the cabling a bit better to free up some space I probably will go for a red top.

Edited by Random24234 on Wednesday 18th December 19:11

[Tanguero]

Be warned - if you flex the fibreglass too much to fit over the battery it will look fine now, but start to crack in a few months. Trust me - I know this!!!

[Random24234]

Well thanks for the tip, will swap in a smaller red top over the weekend. At least the captive plate got to soak in some oil for a bit.