Chimaera Battery
Discussion
Thanks to M&H,Incorrigible,Simpo two, big treacle,gaston, ropey & shpub for your replies.
If any one else is thinking of changing battry on a Chimaera it's not to bad. The following refers to a late 1998 Chim. 1st tip is leave yourself plenty of time and remove the Ign key and place with alarm remote safely in pocket, as when you reconnect the battery the doors may lock and the alarm will activate. The battery is located in the passenger footwell behind the carpet near the engine bay and is housed in a glass fibre box. Remove carpet, remove ECU and wiring loom out of the way (taking note of how the ECU and wiring fits on top of battery box, This helps when trying to put everything back together.) Mark the floor in front of the battery box, this will help when replacing battery box. The battery box is held in place by two 13mm bolts, these are accessed from underneath the car. Once bolts removed, battery box can be pulled forward and battery removed (always remove negitive terminal first.) The battery may be held in the battety box by a cover which is riveted to the battery box, this is in place to stop the battery falling out if the car should turn over. If this cover is in place you will have to drill out the rivets to remonve the battery, it may be possiable to replace cover with self tapping screws, but make sure screws are not too long and hit battery. Once battery is replaced refit battery terminals Positive terminal first. Check car starts and all elects work, if OK refit box and replace the two 13mm bolts, using a small amount of sealant. Ensure all relays and ECU connections are tight and then refit ECU, relays and carpet.
Make sure you purchase a 072 battery as some of the ones being sold by factors are not the same size and will not fit in the battery box. Also 072 equates to a 630amp which is the right capacity for turning over a large TVR engine.
I managed to buy one for £49.00 inc VAT from a local shop in Farnham Surrey.
If any one else is thinking of changing battry on a Chimaera it's not to bad. The following refers to a late 1998 Chim. 1st tip is leave yourself plenty of time and remove the Ign key and place with alarm remote safely in pocket, as when you reconnect the battery the doors may lock and the alarm will activate. The battery is located in the passenger footwell behind the carpet near the engine bay and is housed in a glass fibre box. Remove carpet, remove ECU and wiring loom out of the way (taking note of how the ECU and wiring fits on top of battery box, This helps when trying to put everything back together.) Mark the floor in front of the battery box, this will help when replacing battery box. The battery box is held in place by two 13mm bolts, these are accessed from underneath the car. Once bolts removed, battery box can be pulled forward and battery removed (always remove negitive terminal first.) The battery may be held in the battety box by a cover which is riveted to the battery box, this is in place to stop the battery falling out if the car should turn over. If this cover is in place you will have to drill out the rivets to remonve the battery, it may be possiable to replace cover with self tapping screws, but make sure screws are not too long and hit battery. Once battery is replaced refit battery terminals Positive terminal first. Check car starts and all elects work, if OK refit box and replace the two 13mm bolts, using a small amount of sealant. Ensure all relays and ECU connections are tight and then refit ECU, relays and carpet.
Make sure you purchase a 072 battery as some of the ones being sold by factors are not the same size and will not fit in the battery box. Also 072 equates to a 630amp which is the right capacity for turning over a large TVR engine.
I managed to buy one for £49.00 inc VAT from a local shop in Farnham Surrey.
Not recomended, but at a push you may be able to disconnect the battery without removing the battery box, but you will need a spanner bent to fit as there is only a small distance between terminal and top of foot well. You must disconnect Negitive first, and this is the hardest one as it is @ the back.
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