Hi, the battery in my 2006 NC went flat over the winter, but I managed to get it going with a jump start and by using the car regularly again, it now starts first time, every time.
However, it does seem a little more sluggish than it used to when cranking it over. The battery is the original Panasonic one, and it appears to be a non sealed type as there are removable caps. Does anyone know what the correct procedure is for checking and topped up the electrolyte on an NC battery please? I don’t have a battery hydrometer unfortunately.
I’m trying to remember the last time I had to do any maintenance on a car battery - I think it was on my first car, circa 25 years ago ![]()
Thanks in advance,
Phil
The method I used is, if you can see the fluid in each hole it’s ok. It’s when you can’t it obviously needs topping up. Just needs to cover the plates. Think the caps give an indication, wet on the base, enough fluid.
I have just changed my battery after it went flat, it doesn’t really hold a full charge for long, I think this winter has finally took it’s toll on it. Still starts the car, although I’ve had my battery tester on it and it dischargers quicker now. £45 delivered for a new battery.
A battery/tyre place will check your battery for free if you haven’t got the kit.
If the battery has sulphated up then it is probably on its last legs.
However, some of the modern smart chargers can restore a battery if it is not too far gone, and are a worthwhile investment to help prevent a good battery from being flattened by self-discharge and the 30-40mA of standby drain the car uses.
There were some excellent threads on this topic here a few months ago with several suitable chargers recommended. eg
https://www.mx5oc.co.uk/forum/yaf_postst81758_Battery-Charging.aspx
Thanks for the replies chaps, I’ll have a look at the weekend at the levels in each cell and condition of the plates.
I am intending to get a smart charger, probably a CTEK at some point, but I don’t have power in my garage at present (hoping to rectify that this year though).
Looks like we have the same model, mine is also 2006 and Grey. Over the winter it has tended to start a bit more hesitantly than when warm or in the summer so I was collecting info for a new battery, which I may just change if it turns out to still be the original in there.
Here are some links I saved from other threads. I cannot recommend any or confirm that they are the correct size for our vehicle so please check the info provided.
Bosche Battery - http://www.maxautopartsltd.co.uk/car/s4021-044-bosch-silver-car-battery-12v-45ah-38-1-55.php
Varta Battery - http://www.tayna.co.uk/B32-
Yuasa Battery - http://thebatteryshop.co.uk/
cheaper here http://www.buypartsby.co.uk/details/TOYOTA/MR2/1.8/0/__/73/YBX5053/battery/