![]() This topic is for those with a technical background, in support of others on the field. Why you want to setup and test a specific way. Various recommened controller settings can be discussed here with battery issues based on chemistry and thoughts about optimum LVD settings and more. Setting Up Solar Controllers for Optimum Performance If this doesn't sound like you, dear reader. This section is for the ones who like to make and design there own solar systems with bits and parts from other suppliers, and connect the various sub-systems together. Not to worry simply skip this part if you are a normal OWL and well, you rely on the technicians in your life to set up custom solar systems. Most readers will not really want to read this part and might feel "embarrassed" that they don't know or understand the details given here. Oh, and if you're taking it home to install, get one with a traveling handle if possible-a car battery can weigh between 25 and 60 pounds.The technician's corner. It's a final check to make sure your choice is the right one. Before you hand it over, place it side by side with the new battery to confirm the one you're buying is the same size. If you're doing it yourself, take your old one to the retail outlet for recycling and to avoid a core charge-a mandatory deposit on your new battery that is refunded when you return the old one. If you're having it installed, the shop will dispose of your old battery. More Battery Costs More MoneyĮxpect to pay anywhere between $100 and $400 for a new battery, with lower-performing SLA types at the low end and stronger, longer-lasting AGMs near the top. Coding the battery requires BMW-specific OBD-II software that any reputable service shop or BMW dealer will have. Bear in mind, manufacturer warranties are often not supported when parts and accessories are purchased online from retailers like Amazon or Walmart.įinally, be forewarned: Some brands, such as BMW, require the battery to be " coded" (digitally mated) to the car or it will not take a charge. Two hours is better.Īlso important is the warranty, which should be at least three years for full replacement (assuming no signs of neglect or abuse), plus, in some cases, a prorated refund for some time after that. Three More Things You Need to KnowĪnother number to understand is the battery's reserve capacity, which is how long it can provide power with the engine off and headlights and/or accessories on or if the vehicle's charging system fails. A bigger number is better, especially in cold weather, when batteries are at their weakest. The next thing to check is the engine-cranking power of a vehicle battery, which is expressed in cranking amps (CA) and/or cold-cranking amps (CCA), a measure of how much electric current (in amperes) it can deliver for 30 seconds at 32 and zero degrees Fahrenheit. They are likely not offered in the right sizes and specs to support modern cars, however. Those old " wet cell" batteries from Dad's day are still available, though primarily for older models or penny pinchers. Gel-cell batteries are best for deep discharging but may have problems in extreme hot or cold. They use similar chemistry as SLAs but are more durable and are claimed to stand up to more charge cycles. ![]() These SLA batteries use the same chemistry as the ones your dad had to periodically top off with water, but today they are sealed-hence the name-and maintenance-free.Ībsorbent glass mat (AGM) batteries have quickly become the norm for most modern cars. MarkSwallow | Getty Images Know What Type of Battery You NeedĪlmost all cars come with a 12-volt sealed lead-acid (SLA) battery of some variety (a few high-performance cars are equipped with lithium-ion batteries). Again, you can find which size you need in your owner's manual, in the replacement guides at the retail store, or online. Size 48H6 (top terminal) batteries fit many European and American vehicles. A number of sizes fit today's wide variety of vehicles.įor instance, size 24/24F (top terminal) batteries fit many Honda, Acura, Toyota, Lexus, Nissan, and Infiniti vehicles, while size 35 (top terminal) units fit many other Japanese vehicles, including recent Toyotas, Nissans, Hondas, and Subarus. Regardless of whether you're doing it in your driveway or letting a shop install, it's a good idea to first make sure you're buying the correct physical size. Just remember, the negative terminal is always the first thing you disconnect and the last thing you reconnect. But some are buried in the trunk or elsewhere-not so easy to find, let alone remove and replace. Most batteries are located up front, under the hood, where they're easy to access and replace with a couple of wrenches. How to Disconnect Your Vehicle's Battery.
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