Difficulty starting my TDI

Good battery should last 4 years at least. It is not unusual for battery to last 7 years in Japanese cars. Even the battery starting diesel engine should last more than 3 years since it has bigger capacity for that.
If you want your battery to last - put it on the battery charger once a month, since the vehicle's charging system is designed to charge the battery to 80% capacity only.


http://www.ashdown-ingram.com.au/CA2...+Chargers~&3=~

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Originally Posted by shogun2

A battery recharge overnight seems to have done the trick. Now seeing 13.6v on the battery without the ignition on. haven't been able to check the cranking voltage, as I can't see the multimeter and turn the key at the same time. :)

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13.6 V is surface charge. You need to remove the surface charge first. Turn the head lights on hi-beam to put load on the battery, that will remove surface charge, watch the voltmeter - let the voltage drop below 12.5 V and turn the head lights "off" the voltage should now return to above 12.5V and use table below to check your battery state of charge.

Open Circuit Voltage Approximate State-of-Charge at 25°C
12.65V - 100%
12.45V - 75%
12.24V - 50%
12.06V - 25%
11.89V or less - DISCHARGED

You can get/make longer leads for your voltmeter. I even thinking about installing voltmeter in my van. Something like digital thermometer with voltmeter from the Jaycar store.

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Originally Posted by MRL T5

Good battery should last 4 years at least. It is not unusual for battery to last 7 years in Japanese cars. Even the battery starting diesel engine should last more than 3 years since it has bigger capacity for that.

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I still have the original battery in our 2001 T4 TDi.......and we replaced the battery in our 2000 Forester just last year.

I reckon there's something to be said for having as few electrical doodads on your car as possible....

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Originally Posted by Seano

I still have the original battery in our 2001 T4 TDi.......and we replaced the battery in our 2000 Forester just last year.

I reckon there's something to be said for having as few electrical doodads on your car as possible....

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I do many short trips (like 5km or less with 1 -2 hours brake between trips) and that is what killed my first battery. I didn't use any accesories connected 12V accesories socket during first 3 years.
I replaced battery in our Forester after 51/2 years and it was still good (preventetive measure) still use it in shed for testing and lighting.