New Battery Required

[Springy]

Hi All,

I think my 2007 D4D-TR needs a new Battery, the existing one seems to be beginning to struggle turning the engine over first thing in the morning. Any opinions on which one to get? One available from Halfords for preference, as there is one near me.

Many thanks,

Neil.

[FROSTYBALLS]

Halfords sell their own branded batteries and Yuasa batteries. Difference between the two boils down to a 3 year warranty with the Halfords Battery and the Yuasa costs on average £20 more and comes with a 5 year warranty.

[Springy]

Thanks for that, is there a specific type I should go for? I seem to remember that a diesel Battery needs to have more oomph than a petrol one due to the higher compression of diesel engines.

[FROSTYBALLS]

Yes. Halfords would have application lists in the stores so should have one suitable (or be able to order it) for your 2.2. Have you thought of trying EuroCarParts - http://www.eurocarparts.com/car-battery

[Heidfirst]

you need to watch out for 2 things - the amp hour rating & the physical dimensions.

If you put your registration into Halford's checker it will give you their options. Fwiw your Toyota dealer will supply & fit for possibly less under the Fixed Price Repair scheme (think that it's £110 for an Avensis but I can't find the schedule on Toyota.co.uk atm).

[FROSTYBALLS]

Think Toyota may have taken the example prices off the website for their Fixed Price Repair scheme

[Springy]

Thanks for the replies, I will call my local toyota dealership tomorrow for a price, otherwise the Silver offering at Halfords looks a good choice.

[Springy]

One thought - is there any way I can check that it is a Battery problem? I have a voltmeter, would I be able to check whether or not the alternator is charging the Battery? Or, if the alternator were failing would there be more obvious symptoms?

[Konrad C]

Yes. Take a reading with the engine off on the volts DC setting, then start the car and the volts should be a lot higher- 14-16 volts.

[avensisd4d786]

Halfords do a free load test on batteries, this will measure the CCA that Battery has which is crucial when firing in the morning.

I paid about 50 odd for blue s4 Bosch Battery from Andrew pages with 4 year guarantee. very simple to fit too.

Halfords is probably the last place I would go for a Battery if they do sell Bosch they are probably provided by euro car parts or andrew pages or other wholesale car part suppliers.

[Mistermena]

Take a Google search on Battery reviews/test. Some of the big motoring magazines have done some. Look at the Bosch batteries as some come with a 5 year guarantee. If you have a Costco card you find them well priced. Also go take a look at ECP sister site carparts4less ( That are cheaper than ECP) and type in Saveme75 on checkout for discount.

[Druid Boy]

Just a note of caution from, well actually not too bitter experience. The Battery struggling to turn the engine over may be a symptom of the starter motor starting to fail. My Battery appeared to have had it, was replaced and then within a week or so was dead again. Turns out the starter motor had given up and was killing the Battery. Not just draining the charge, full on killing it. The good news was that Toyota sorted the battery at a very competitive price and then replaced the starter which obviously cost a bit and the battery under warranty.

So, before you Shell out on a battery get your starter checked. It may save the hassle of a warranty argument if your starter kils your new battery. And, lets face it, these things fail when you least need them to.

[HertsBoy]

Hi All

I have a 2006 Avensis 1998 D4D Hatchback my Battery needed changing (after 8 years service!) I paid £75.00 for a Fulmen (Exide manufacturer) FB740 12v 74ah 680 amps starting.

The Battery was inc. del.from Allbatteries.co.uk and fitted perfectly. On removing the original Mutlu Battery. It was an 84ah 780 amp starter. Mr T wanted £118 + fitting +vat.

I will probably have to change Glow plugs soon anyone know Mr T's price for same? I bought my Avensis from new, it has the newer chain driven cam drive engine. My mileage is low 49000 odd. I has sailed through 5 Mot's, original Pads all round still.The odd engine coolant flush and brake fluid change.

Only changed tyres,I have winter tyres & alloy wheels for Germany. I have driven there six or seven times. I have only changed the Battery (September ) and the nearside front parking bulb this year. And this last Mot in October they changed the front wipers although it was totally unnecessary. I have owned in the past at least 12 vehicles new and second hand, and this is the best car I have ever had. averaging 48 to 50 mpg.

I considered at the time a VW Passat and the Mazda six. Both those cars have been unreliable in Which mag. write ups. A lucky choice I guess. Only criticism, no fresh air ducts when using heater and poorly lighted door switches. Minor irritants those.

I wish some one could tell me why they no longer make a hatchback!

I enjoy the Forum. happy motoring all

[FROSTYBALLS]

"I wish some one could tell me why they no longer make a hatchback!"

Probably because saloons sell better in Europe than hatchbacks - the reverse is the case in the UK - and there probably isn't enough sales volumes for both in what is a declining market sector. It is a case of manufacturing what sells.