VE battery replacement

[boggers007]

Hey guys,

Going to change out my battery on the VE, can't complain as it's still the factory one and it's been 5 years (hasn't died yet but I can tell it's getting a tad long in the tooth)

Was going to go to battery world and get a replacement so that I can change myself (unless they can do this?) anything I need to know about battery types and well how I should go about replacing it if I have to do it myself? Anything I should be wary of?

Any helps appreciated

Thanks,
Brendan

[Micks]

Obviously needs to be the fully sealed type, warning they ain't cheap!!! As far as swapping them out took me about ten mins.

[boggers007]

Obviously needs to be the fully sealed type, warning they ain't cheap!!! As far as swapping them out took me about ten mins.

Did see that in a previous thread what brand/model did you use? Any problems with the stereo or immobiliser when you disconnected? I am thinking around the $160 mark or is it more then that?

[JT]

I got holden "police spec" as a replacement battery. no complaints so far. only the trip meter & L/100 reset to zero after the change (no big deal) and possibly the radio settings.

[Wonky]

If you have a ute the hardest thing is access behind the passenger seat. Apart from that, no problems. From memory you lose current trip settings but I never lost any radio settings I'm sure (though it's been 18 months since done).

As with many on here I went for an Optima Yellow Top D34 as I'm driving two amps, plus 175w of driving lights/high beam/low beam and actuators for hardlid and tailgate - if the battery dies on me then with my disabilities I'm farked......... :D

[Micks]

Just bought a century std replacement. The stereo/immobiliser is BCM configured so no loss of settings there & my Batt was dead for a complete day until I swapped it out.

[boggers007]

Cool thanks guys, Wonky it's a sedan so its in the boot but I did have a look at it once when I had my ute and thought screw doing this myself haha.

Will just hit up Battery world and see what they got.

[amckiwi]

Last time I bought a battery from BW they had an of the shelf price.

I took the batter home to fit to another car and got asmall discount of that price

Stu

[limmo]

I went to battery world and got a din65lh (aussie made) century for my mates VE rather than the din53lh (imported) more cranking amps on the din65lh.

[Micks]

I went to battery world and got a din65lh (aussie made) century for my mates VE rather than the din53lh (imported) more cranking amps on the din65lh.

What did that set you back if you don't mind?

[boggers007]

Thought I'd update, ended up going with a challenge fully sealed no maintenance battery from battery world. Next size up from the standard battery, so hopefully another 5 yrs of no troubles

[Drizt]

Need a new battery myself.

Seen the following recommended on another site... any advice welcome.

Varta Car Battery E38 'Silver'
http://www.everybattery.com.au/proddetail.php?prod=Varta-E38

Odyssey PC1400-25 Batteryhttp://www.odyssey-batteries.com.au/odyssey-battery-pc1400-25.html

[boggers007]

Need a new battery myself.

Seen the following recommended on another site... any advice welcome.

Varta Car Battery E38 'Silver'
http://www.everybattery.com.au/proddetail.php?prod=Varta-E38

Odyssey PC1400-25 Batteryhttp://www.odyssey-batteries.com.au/odyssey-battery-pc1400-25.html

Is your car standard electrical wise?

My challenge one (don't know the model number but can check if you like) was only $220 fitted and was a size up from standard.

[Drizt]

Standard ve Calais v. Might do some audio mods in years to come.

[boggers007]

Standard ve Calais v. Might do some audio mods in years to come.

Challenge DIN65LH M/F according to my docket, was told it will support an audio system beefup and last 4 odd years.

$220 installed at battery world

[vessv6l]

Need a new battery myself.

Seen the following recommended on another site... any advice welcome.

Varta Car Battery E38 'Silver'
http://www.everybattery.com.au/proddetail.php?prod=Varta-E38

Odyssey PC1400-25 Batteryhttp://www.odyssey-batteries.com.au/odyssey-battery-pc1400-25.html

I just got a Varta E44. Was looking at the E38, but the 44 is the replacement model, few extra CC Amps for same price.

Got it as i was having a few electrical issues, and I leave the car unattended for weeks at a time, need a good bat that isnt going to fall over. Guess well see, but its german, and germans always make good stuff right?

[Drizt]

I just got a Varta E44. Was looking at the E38, but the 44 is the replacement model, few extra CC Amps for same price.

Got it as i was having a few electrical issues, and I leave the car unattended for weeks at a time, need a good bat that isnt going to fall over. Guess well see, but its german, and germans always make good stuff right?

Cheers for the info.

Just checking.... you have a VE yes?

Was it a direct bolt in or did you need to modify anything?

So the E44 is the new version of the E38. Where does the E39 come in to it?

Which one is the most appropriate for the VE?

________

Varta Car Battery E38 'Silver'


Maintenance Free
Cold Cranking Amps: 750
Capacity (Ah): 74
Weight (Kgs): 17.9
Dimensions: L 278mm W 175mm H 175mm

________

Varta Car Battery E44 'Silver'


Maintenance Free
Cold Cranking Amps: 780
Capacity (Ah): 77
Weight (Kgs): 18.7
Dimensions: L 278mm W 175mm H 190mm

___________

Varta AGM Car Battery E39


Maintenance Free
Cold Cranking Amps: 760
Capacity (Ah): 70
Weight (Kgs): 20.2
Dimensions: L 278mm W 175mm H 190mm

[Drizt]

Challenge DIN65LH M/F according to my docket, was told it will support an audio system beefup and last 4 odd years.

$220 installed at battery world

Are you sure it was a Challenge not a Century??
http://www.batteriesdirect.com.au/shop/product/4439/din65lmf.html

According to the following chart the 'Century DIN65LH' is equivalent to the Varta E44 and E39.

http://www.challengebatteries.com.au/storage/Batt%20Comparison_Cross%20Referance.pdf

This is actually pretty difficult to get a straight answer on what is appropriate for a VE.

[vessv6l]

Cheers for the info.

Just checking.... you have a VE yes?

Was it a direct bolt in or did you need to modify anything?

So the E44 is the new version of the E38. Where does the E39 come in to it?

Which one is the most appropriate for the VE?

________

Varta Car Battery E38 'Silver'


Maintenance Free
Cold Cranking Amps: 750
Capacity (Ah): 74
Weight (Kgs): 17.9
Dimensions: L 278mm W 175mm H 175mm

________

Varta Car Battery E44 'Silver'


Maintenance Free
Cold Cranking Amps: 780
Capacity (Ah): 77
Weight (Kgs): 18.7
Dimensions: L 278mm W 175mm H 190mm

___________

Varta AGM Car Battery E39


Maintenance Free
Cold Cranking Amps: 760
Capacity (Ah): 70
Weight (Kgs): 20.2
Dimensions: L 278mm W 175mm H 190mm

I was told the e39 was designed for cars that start/stop, ie those hybrid ones where the engine has to start a lot. Would be fine Id imagine, not sure on the cost though

The e44 is a direct replacement, same as the e38, fits straight in. I got it for 300 from battery world but you can get it cheaper online if youre happy to wait for delivery, I think i saw somewhere for 215

Varta are OEM for audi, bmw etc

Yes have a ve ss.






This is actually pretty difficult to get a straight answer on what is appropriate for a VE.

Plenty of brands out there offer direct replacements. The varta E38 and E44 are sealed Silver/calcium batteries. Either will be fine, if you can get a 44 for the same price id go that.

[boggers007]

Are you sure it was a Challenge not a Century??
http://www.batteriesdirect.com.au/shop/product/4439/din65lmf.html

According to the following chart the 'Century DIN65LH' is equivalent to the Varta E44 and E39.

http://www.challengebatteries.com.au/storage/Batt%20Comparison_Cross%20Referance.pdf

This is actually pretty difficult to get a straight answer on what is appropriate for a VE.

Challenge is what is in my car as I watched them put it in. Receipt could be out of wack tho

[Drizt]

Challenge is what is in my car as I watched them put it in. Receipt could be out of wack tho

Yeh, reciept must be wrong. Any chance you could check your battery for us? Maybe a photo?


I sent an email off to Challangebatteries and they replied with:



These are the 2 we would offer you.


Yes the battery has to be like for like. And these both will suit your vehicle. The Varta is an excellent battery.


Varta silver (Code: DI5 Varta) DIN55 High Case 610CCA 63AH - $227
Challenge MF DIN55 High, 540CCA 100RC, -/+ - $150

[boggers007]

Yeh, reciept must be wrong.


I sent an email off to Challangebatteries and they replied with:



Based on your quote offers the receipt must be right as mine was a MF DIN65 according to the receipt and I was told that the battery capacity was 1 model up from a straight replacement.

[XUV]

This is actually pretty difficult to get a straight answer on what is appropriate for a VE.

I think you're over thinking/complicating the issue , if anything, go with a higher AH capacity if you listen to your sound system with the engine off.

Calcium or AGM . Do an ebay search for VE batteries .

[Micks]

The orig battery in our Calais V has heaps of Elec Acc hanging off it & handles the load really well.

[Drizt]

I think you're over thinking/complicating the issue , if anything, go with a higher AH capacity if you listen to your sound system with the engine off.

Calcium or AGM . Do an ebay search for VE batteries .

I don't think so.

I mean, would you buy the Varta E39 based on it's spec? If not, why not??

[Drizt]

Looks like my battery has a leak ... thought they were meant to be sealed units?

2923

[boggers007]

Looks like my battery has a leak ... thought they were meant to be sealed units?

2923

Nope Dude at battery world pulled my old one out and looked exactly the same as yours and asked if I had ever topped the water up and was like nope didn't know I had to and well they are a bitch to get to.

[Drizt]

The varta E38 and E44 are sealed Silver/calcium batteries. Either will be fine, if you can get a 44 for the same price id go that.

Thanks for the reply.

The only nagging issue I have is regards to people mentioning the "VE has a variable voltage alternator" which I hear can 'over voltage' and damage a regular battery. I wish I knew more about that point....

[Micks]

Thanks for the reply.

The only nagging issue I have is regards to people mentioning the "VE has a variable voltage alternator" which I hear can 'over voltage' and damage a regular battery. I wish I knew more about that point....

The PCM regulates the alternator voltage on the VE's, haven't heard of the "over voltage" issue though certainly there was an "under voltage" issue early in the series one. Most would had the software revision anyhow. Our My10 has been solid.

[Drizt]

Got the following quote from Challenge Batteries



DIN66H Challenge MF DIN66 High, 680CCA 130RC, -/+ $180.00
E44 VARTA Varta Silver DIN66 High Case 780CCA 77AH $225.01
E39 VARTA Varta AGM DIN66 High Case 760CCA 70AH $350.00
S56638 AC Delco DIN66 High 580CCA not in stock


Any of these batteries will do the job. It really is your
choice. We put hundreds of batteries in VE V8's. If you
run a big stereo and lots of other gadgets go for the Varta.
Our Challenge battery Is fine otherwise.
We have no stock of The AC Delco.

[XUV]

I don't think so.

I mean, would you buy the Varta E39 based on it's spec? If not, why not??

no I'd buy a Red Top optima , so when i open my bonnet people go " oooer a Red Topped Optima" , but you can't do that in a VE :p ;)

I really don't understand what you're after,

if you want the same OEM specs, buy the 150 buck battery, if you're after more punch , buy the 250 buck battery.


Thanks for the reply.

The only nagging issue I have is regards to people mentioning the "VE has a variable voltage alternator" which I hear can 'over voltage' and damage a regular battery. I wish I knew more about that point....
this has the bit you're concerned about.
http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?126399-VE-battery-charging/page2

[duke5700]

Why would they ever put a battery that requires maintenance in a prick of a spot like that.. no one is ever going to look at it.

That looks like it has boiled up a bit in a few of the cells.. Personally, considering what is coming out of those batteries having in a place like that wouldn't be on my list of OK things. Why the battery shop thought it was OK I don't know, probably repeat business when it dies.

I've always used Optima Redtops.. I don't do stereo etc and the last for ever and cover my needs a starting battery and I never have to look at them.

Looking on the Varta Website the E44 you have listed there as long as it is a sealed unit would be acceptable to use.

As for CCA, really unless it is a 15:1 Methanol swilling Big block.. massive CCA isn't going to do a lot. As long as it meets or slightly exceeds the factory it will be fine. Yes I know it relates to internal resistances of the battery etc etc, for 99% of users it aint going to matter. Maybe if you have moved the battery further away and increase the total resistance path sure, get a battery with a larger CCA.

[Drizt]

I really don't understand what you're after,


Basically want the best battery I can get that will charge correctly (to 100%), is fully sealed, last a very long time and most importantly will NOT go flat if you use the electronics while the car is not running. I've been stranded a few times now because the car can't support electronics being used while the car is switched off. The latest such incident occurred on a 44 degree day... was not impressed.

[Drizt]

no I'd buy a Red Top optima

Which one? There seems to be a few different models.

Edit: Oh, any reason why you wouldn't go the R34 Yellow top? Being a mixed deep cycle and starting battery would seem to be the ideal combo.

[duke5700]

Redtops supposedly don't like being drained.. I've used mine like that with no problems. They call is a starting battery.. high CCA and pretty rugged. I've left mine over 12 months in the car without starting and it will start the car kind of deal..

Yellow is designed as a pretty general duty style battery, great for what you want and good as a starting battery also handles being cycled pretty well.

The Bluetop is basically a deep cycle style battery used in motor homes, boats etc.

I noticed they also have cross over part numbers that fit inbetween the Red/Yellow/Blue designation. So a bluetop that starts pretty well, a redtop that handles drain etc you might need to contact Optima to find the ideal one.. but a run of the mill YellowTop would be more than adequate.

[XUV]

Which one? There seems to be a few different models.

Edit: Oh, any reason why you wouldn't go the R34 Yellow top? Being a mixed deep cycle and starting battery would seem to be the ideal combo.

Yes, go the yellow top, it will meet your needs, but get the d35

[XUV]

went to google to satisfy a query and found an answer i'd been pondering..... How many cranking amps does an LS motor require ?

http://www.bugmanweb.com/c6/c6images/battery/optimabatterytable.jpg

[XUV]

you might need to contact Optima to find the ideal one..

What did optima do to deserve that ;) :lol::wave:

[Micks]

Why would they ever put a battery that requires maintenance in a prick of a spot like that.. no one is ever going to look at it.

That looks like it has boiled up a bit in a few of the cells.. Personally, considering what is coming out of those batteries having in a place like that wouldn't be on my list of OK things. Why the battery shop thought it was OK I don't know, probably repeat business when it dies.

I've always used Optima Redtops.. I don't do stereo etc and the last for ever and cover my needs a starting battery and I never have to look at them.

Looking on the Varta Website the E44 you have listed there as long as it is a sealed unit would be acceptable to use.

As for CCA, really unless it is a 15:1 Methanol swilling Big block.. massive CCA isn't going to do a lot. As long as it meets or slightly exceeds the factory it will be fine. Yes I know it relates to internal resistances of the battery etc etc, for 99% of users it aint going to matter. Maybe if you have moved the battery further away and increase the total resistance path sure, get a battery with a larger CCA.

Have a feeling that Drizt has the incorrect Batt fitted to the VE! The proper ones are fully sealed, non serviceable & explosion proof!! Thus why the type is fitted in the cabin!

[Drizt]

Have a feeling that Drizt has the incorrect Batt fitted to the VE! The proper ones are fully sealed, non serviceable & explosion proof!! Thus why the type is fitted in the cabin!

Others (on mea - car forum and here) seem to have the same battery as I do. I 'think' it is the stock unit that came with the car.

[IJ.]

Redtops supposedly don't like being drained.. I've used mine like that with no problems. They call is a starting battery.. high CCA and pretty rugged. I've left mine over 12 months in the car without starting and it will start the car kind of deal..

Yellow is designed as a pretty general duty style battery, great for what you want and good as a starting battery also handles being cycled pretty well.

The Bluetop is basically a deep cycle style battery used in motor homes, boats etc.

I noticed they also have cross over part numbers that fit inbetween the Red/Yellow/Blue designation. So a bluetop that starts pretty well, a redtop that handles drain etc you might need to contact Optima to find the ideal one.. but a run of the mill YellowTop would be more than adequate.
I have a Yellow D34 that's been in a couple of cars over the last 9>10 years, only recently retired it to the Tractor and it's never failed to start it, I replaced it with a Blue top in the Tonner as it can sit for long periods and it's a bit of a Harsh environment for it and can see pretty high inrush if everything "starts" at once (5 fans 3 Fuel Pumps, 1 electric waterpump + the normal VZ Loads) , likewise never failed to start it! :)

[Drizt]

Can you guys post some pic's of how you have installed your Optima yellow D34's ?

[duke5700]

Someone could try one of these..

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MAXWELL-ULTRACAPACITOR-BOOSTCAP-BCAP3000-2-7V-10pcs-/221296870189?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item338652432d

[Drizt]

Optima D34 fits.

Surprisingly hardly anyone posts any pics of their installs .....

Stone on MEA posted these

2956
2957

As the D34 fits, I'd rather get that than the D35.

I don't think the D34 has any vent holes? Is that correct? Is that ok?

Any last suggestions cautions????? I'll be buying something tomorrow morning.. might just end up being a coin toss.

The Varta e44 would fit straight in. Could go that over the Optima D34 ???

[Drizt]

Also.. the black box just above the negative terminal.... I assume you just unplug that and pull it out so you can get the battery in and out? Do you unhook the battery first before unplugging everything? Or unplug everything first? Sorry, might be dumb questions, but better off being sure.

Edit: Is the wood a good idea? Anyone have a better alternative / suggestion as a chock ?

[IJ.]

Optimas are sealed but will vent if you charge over 15v.

Block of plastic would be better, Kitchen cutting boards are a cheap source.

[Drizt]

Optimas are sealed but will vent if you charge over 15v.

Block of plastic would be better, Kitchen cutting boards are a cheap source.

Maybe a stupid question but if it's fully sealed where and how will it vent?

Will the Varta e44 do the same?

[adr8]

Anyone know if the Century, Varta and Optima are all calcium batteries?

[Drizt]

Varta e44 is calcium silver

[adr8]

Varta e44 is calcium silver

Thanks Drizt, I think the Century is calcium aswell found this, see description http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/online-store/products/Century-Car-Battery-DIN65L-580CCA.aspx?pid=0818&menuFrom=40601#Cross and Exide is definitely calcium http://www.exidebatteries.com.au/battery-range/passenger-4wd/endurance-plus/54C/?u=X56C

[SimonNQ]

When you purchase an optima battery there is a plastic cover that comes with the battery, it covers the terminals. This is a spacer that fits under the battery perfectly to raise the battery so there is no need for the wood etc....

[Drizt]

When you purchase an optima battery there is a plastic cover that comes with the battery, it covers the terminals. This is a spacer that fits under the battery perfectly to raise the battery so there is no need for the wood etc....

All depends on the cables reach. Wood on top makes it easier to reach terminals

[IJ.]

Maybe a stupid question but if it's fully sealed where and how will it vent?

Will the Varta e44 do the same?

From the Vents ;)
2x round plastic nubs towards the front of the pic.

No idea on the Varta but I'd expect it's the same.

[Drizt]

Lol fair enough. How is something with vents classified as sealed?

[XUV]

Anyone know if the Century, Varta and Optima are all calcium batteries?

Optima is AGM

[XUV]

Can you guys post some pic's of how you have installed your Optima yellow D34's ?

here's a red 34 http://www.carmodder.com/fitting-an-optima-battery-to-a-ve-t18960.html#p21878

http://www.carmodder.com/gallery/image.php?image_id=14686

[Drizt]

Went to 'Everybattery' Heidelburg today and the guy there was extremely helpful. Definitely recommend them.

Had a good discussion before trying to install the batteries about which ones he would recommend and his favourite is the Yellow D34. Out of the 3 batteries I was contemplating he recommended (without considering which car they go in) them in the following order:

1). Optima Yellow D34
2). Varta E44
3). Optima Yellow D35

He said basically he has the most experience with the Optimas and rates them very highly. He did say the Varta's are extremely high quality he just hasn't had as much experience with them.

He was very accommodating in that he came out and helped us try the different batteries in the car to see which was the best fit. After some dicking around all of the batteries would fit but the D34 was the most difficult and required a bit of manipulation / bending of leads etc. In the end the guy wasn't happy with how it sat in the car. Once you turn the battery around to get the terminals the right way round the terminals are pretty far back and in awkward spots. The black box that looks like a fuse box sits right above the negative terminal and generally it just isn't a great fit. Can be done... but.. decided not to.

We then discussed the D35 vs the Varta E44 and he said he would go the Varta. The varta has higher specs for everything and fits in perfectly. The only thing the Optima D35 has over it is the fact it is deep cycle. Deep cycle meaning you can run electronics without the car on, drain the battery down to very low levels and then be able to cycle it back up (trickle charge) without doing damage (shortening the life) to the battery. In the end I dont 'think' I really need that capability. Time will tell.


2958

Fits in perfect.

Tip for installing.... The black side wall / plate needs to slot in to the battery holders bottom plate before you get the battery into position. You sort of have to slot it in as you are pushing the battery into place. If you put the battery in (fully fitted) first you wont be able to get the side wall back in properly. You could try lifting the edge of the battery up to slide the side plate in, but it is a bit tight in there. You will see what I mean when you try it.

The vent tube was easy to hook up, and the terminals were in the right spots :)

2959

He installed a red plug in the second vent hole just in case. He said you really don't need to, but no harm in doing it.

All up with an Australia Day discount it was $230. Pretty happy with that really.

[motomk]

Others (on mea - car forum and here) seem to have the same battery as I do. I 'think' it is the stock unit that came with the car.


The Calais I owned for a little while definately had a smaller battery, it too would go flat after a week or so. Not sure if it had been replaced or not. When I replaced it, I initially had a Century but the height or the terminals were in the wrong place (bought the wrong version) so bought a local brand I had not heard of but it fitted perfectly. I agree it was complicated looking them up and cross-referencing. It was definately more powerful than what was in there.

[Urko]

just bought BOSCH S5, 12V, 680 CCA, 74AH for $200AUD and just found VARTAe44 for $215AUD...wish I would have bought VARTA...They told me BOSCH is alright :)

[Drizt]

I'm sure it will be fine :)