21 replies to this topic

[LESTA MINI]

hey guys, i got a new halfords HB038 battery for my mini 49.99 i know i could of got it cheaper somewhere else but i didnt.

problem is i charge it and my old battery used to fire teh car up no problems, cold, hot, snow, rain but this new one just turns over a few times and is dead. the minis damp in a morning so it needs a bit more power. kicks once but then theres not enough power left to start.

this is the new battery

■Startup Power: 265 Amps
■AH value: 35
■Reserve Capacity: 45
■Bench Charge: 3.5 Amps
■Weight (kg): 10.63
■Dimensions (LxDxH): 238x135x202mm
■Guarantee 3 Years

and the next one up is

■Startup Power: 300 Amps
■Ah Value: 42
■Reserve Capacity: 62
■Bench Charge: 4.2 Amps
■Weight (kg):10.63
■Dimensions (LxDxH): 238x135x202mm
■Guarantee: 3 Years

im crap at batterys and just took the standard one, as i have to keep jumping my car once in the morning and at night for when i go out as its cold do you think i should go and get myself the bigger one or is there an even better one than the one above.

im really stuck here guys because its getting annoying, i always used to say to my mates my mini loves the cold but now it doesnt.

dont mind getting the new battery although at £80 i got a halfords tarde card now and will save a bit and my brothers about to get a mini so i can put the current one it in that as its a project.

any helps guys?

[Dan]

A new 038 should start up any Mini without problems. There may be a problem with your starting and charging circuit, the same one that killed the old battery presumably. Check all the main earths and connections.

[LESTA MINI]

yer tried all that, the alternator was draining the old battery.

when teh 38's full it will fire up the mini but only say from 11am till 3pm when its sunny, when its dark and cold when i need to go out theres no hope that it will start it

[wassupcrew]

if the battery's new take it back it could be faulty. its got at least a years warranty on it

[Dan]

What do you mean the alternator was draining it? Was it not turning off? Has it been replaced now?

Have you tried bypassing the solenoid?

[lrostoke]

Does sound like a dodgy battery if its draining that quick. Have you tested the alternator is actually putting full charge back into the battery.
You want about 14.5 volts at the battery with the engine running, nothing switched on.


If your after an alternative battery one of the best is the Type 075

http://www.carbatter...60AH-I1002.html

I can't vouch for the above vendor though, but it shows spec and price.

Premium Car Battery
Voltage - 12V
Capacity - 60Ah
CCA(SAE) - 525A

Dimensions(mm)
242 x 175 x 175

3 years guarantee

[minilester]

or.....

same site, slightly bigger

[mikey72]

Another good one

Vauxhall battery, no. 93168488, 50A, 420CCA, £48.88, from any dealer.
drops in (just), never had any problem, and comes with a three year guarantee.

[bmcecosse]

You don't need a bigger battery for a Mini - the smaller/lighter the better! Even my TR7 2 litre engine fires up just fine with the smallest battery in the world! there is something wrong with your car - either bad connections/bad earths/bad starter or bad charging. First check (after connections and earth wires) - is the fan belt tight ?

Edited by bmcecosse, 14 November 2010 - 12:42 AM.

[finch661]

my midget uses the halfords 038 battery, and i am onto my second one this year. My car has had the charging circuit checked, and earths cleaned. I find that the battery doesnt seem to have the juice to get it going!

[Dan]

I've said it many times but here we go:

Don't buy batteries from Halfords!

[finch661]

I've said it many times but here we go:

Don't buy batteries from Halfords!

i am with you there never again

[minilester]

I've said it many times but here we go:

Don't buy batteries from Halfords!

i am with you there never again

me 3 thas where mine came from... its a 075 and its fubar'd already...

[Yoda]

thas where mine came from... its a 075 and its fubar'd already...

Told you it was the battery cooking your ICE! the only ICE that should see spikes, is your snow tyres on the other type of ice.

Moral= high output alternator + high spec ICE with Halfords battery = Toast!!!!!!

Edited by customcart, 16 November 2010 - 09:09 AM.

[mikey72]

my midget uses the halfords 038 battery, and i am onto my second one this year. My car has had the charging circuit checked, and earths cleaned. I find that the battery doesnt seem to have the juice to get it going!

Clean inside the battery terminals as well. They always corrode inside, and it first shows in the damp. I usually put a layer of bacofoil over the battery posts when I push them on, to help the connection.