Discussion
I've been neglecting my Cerbera and not taking it for its usual thrashing, and as you can guess, the battery is flat (really annoying when you're solar panel trickle charger wasn't plugged in - Doh!).
Well, managed to gain access to the engine bay, and connected an additional battery in serial so that I could close the doors properly.
The only problem is I cannot get the battery out, the retaining bolt holding the battery in is solid, and there's no room to get purchase on the spanner.
So, I was wondering what peoples thoughts are on jump starting? I was always informed not to do it on the Cerbera, so does anyone have any experience/advice on jump starting. Yes, No, or unsure?
I'd hate to have to call out the AA to get them to remove a stupid bolt.
Thanks
Paul
Well, managed to gain access to the engine bay, and connected an additional battery in serial so that I could close the doors properly.
The only problem is I cannot get the battery out, the retaining bolt holding the battery in is solid, and there's no room to get purchase on the spanner.
So, I was wondering what peoples thoughts are on jump starting? I was always informed not to do it on the Cerbera, so does anyone have any experience/advice on jump starting. Yes, No, or unsure?
I'd hate to have to call out the AA to get them to remove a stupid bolt.
Thanks
Paul
if anyone knows that jumping it is harmful please let us know Jump starting is fine - have been doing for the last few months to put off replacing the battery. And you must mean you're connecting the spare battery in parallel, not series. Series would blow a lot of things up.
If you connect another car via jump leads for a few minutes (with enough revs so that it's actually charging) that's usually enough to charge the existing battery up enough to get it started. Unless you have those thick jump leads and can start directly.
As for replacing the bolt, some violence may be required. Get a local mechanic to do it if you're not happy doing it yourself!
danny
If you connect another car via jump leads for a few minutes (with enough revs so that it's actually charging) that's usually enough to charge the existing battery up enough to get it started. Unless you have those thick jump leads and can start directly.
As for replacing the bolt, some violence may be required. Get a local mechanic to do it if you're not happy doing it yourself!
danny
Use loads of WD40 and a socket, can be done with a spanner but loads of hassle. Getting the bolt undone is only the start of your problems. If that's solid, you can bet the bolts on the adjustment plate underneath are also corroded as well. These must be loosened to allow the plate to slide out. If you don't move the plate you'll have real fun and games trying to swap the battery. Oh yes, the n/s air box has to come off as well.
A quick thought,
I bought a thick set of jump leads, a spare battery and a charger. That way you don't need another car or the AA to start you.
Batteries don't work so well when cold so I didn't buy a replacement cerbera battery but the one that delivered the highest current (690 amps @ -18 C).
I have only used it once but it works a treat and you can take it with you in the boot if you are really worried (usual disclaimer about if the battery leaks dont blame me etc.)
Rob.
I bought a thick set of jump leads, a spare battery and a charger. That way you don't need another car or the AA to start you.
Batteries don't work so well when cold so I didn't buy a replacement cerbera battery but the one that delivered the highest current (690 amps @ -18 C).
I have only used it once but it works a treat and you can take it with you in the boot if you are really worried (usual disclaimer about if the battery leaks dont blame me etc.)
Rob.
Yeah, I've had the battery out before (1st year of usual "teathing" problems), but as far as I know, its been in there for the last 2 and a half.
Slightly lacking at the moment in useful tools, as my mechanic friend is out in Poland.
Already got the heavy-duty jump leads, but think I'll give the extra battery a miss.
As I said, my own stoopid fault. And I'm obviously a bad boy for not taking the Cerbera out for (at least) a weekly drive over the last month.
Thanks for all your insights, off to have a rag - oooh nice looking ice.
Paul
Slightly lacking at the moment in useful tools, as my mechanic friend is out in Poland.
Already got the heavy-duty jump leads, but think I'll give the extra battery a miss.
As I said, my own stoopid fault. And I'm obviously a bad boy for not taking the Cerbera out for (at least) a weekly drive over the last month.
Thanks for all your insights, off to have a rag - oooh nice looking ice.
Paul
Have to charge my battery every week, have bought a new battery and am about to fit it, but having read previous discussions am worried about alarm going off and having difficulty stopping it. Is this true?. Was thinking of wiring the new battery in parallel via jump leads so in theory the alarm never senses a voltage drop, can this be done?
If you have to charge your battery every week, it's definitely buggered.
When you reconnect the new battery, be ready with the key fob. My alarm didn't go off on disconnecting the battery, assuming it wasn't armed in the first place.
Definitely worth leaving a professional to do the job if you have any worries, or it hasn't been moved for a few years imho!
danny
When you reconnect the new battery, be ready with the key fob. My alarm didn't go off on disconnecting the battery, assuming it wasn't armed in the first place.
Definitely worth leaving a professional to do the job if you have any worries, or it hasn't been moved for a few years imho!
danny
You can charge the battery whilst still in the car, see page 37 in owners handbook. you have to connect the charger neutral to a metallic part of the engine, i connect to a steel allen key head on the air box support bracket, works great. However you must ensure that your charger is a trickle charger that does not give out more than 7 amps.
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