S1 Battery change

[tuscan_thunder]

My car clearly needs a new battery
(lasting about a day and a half of not running before it needs a jump start. The alternator was checked at service 3 weeks ago and it's fine)

How easy or otherwise is the battery to change?

[cuzza]

As long as you don't mind skinning a few knuckles and swearing a lot it's easy.

You may need a piece of wood to put between the new battery and bracket as most batteries are a different shape to the standard one and it can move around - I used a length of 1" x 2" fence baton which seemed made for the job. I think Bell and Colvill do a replacement battery bracket if you want the best solution.

[tuscan_thunder]

What do I have to remove to get access to the battery? Do I need to take off the rad or anything?

[cuzza]

You might need to take the shroud thingy off but that's all. The washer bottle has to come out too.

Worst bit is actually getting the old one out, I ended up turning it round in situ and lifting it out like that.

[spunagain]

The handle broke off when I pulled mine out, I made a cradle out of gardening wire and used that to pull it out. And yes you will skin your knuckles!

[tuscan_thunder]

Thanks guys, I'll tackle it this weekend - hopefully it'll be problem solved.

[tuscan_thunder]

Ok, tackled this on Friday.

Washer bottle out, motor disconnected. Disconnected battery terminals, then took off the bracket, then the radiator surround. Tied the battery feed wires round the hinge for the bonnet to keep them out of the way. Battery needed 'jiggled' about a bit to get it free but came out easily.

Old battery was so dead it wouldn't even register it was faulty. New heavy duty one obtained for £47. (Cheaper one was £39) putting in was easy. Put a piece of wood down between chassis rail and positive terminal to secure battery better and, if it slips it won't short onto chassis.

All done, including trip to garage for test and new battery, in 1 hour, 10 minutes. It's an awkward job but not a difficult one.