Amazing what a difference a new battery makes. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

pj67coll · #1 12-30-2017, 10:35 PM

I've been noticing a slight slowness of the 240D to turn over when I start it in the last few months. It got really bad for the couple of months subsequent to replacing my glow plugs. (three were dead). I had been having to start the car with several lengthy cranking sessions before it would catch in the mornings.

Anyway. Driving the relatives around over the last week I've noticed it getting progressively worse. Never failed to start but you'd often get that sort of definite lag between turning the key and the motor catching on about the second, or sometimes third turn.

Yesterday starting her up prior to going to the mall I could tell the battery was on it's last legs. Definite slow whu-whu before the car started.

So, first thing this AM I pulled the battery and took it to Autozone. It was a Duralast Platinum. I knew I had bought it in January of 2014 so it was three years old. Actually the longest duration I've ever had a battery last in Phoenix. It had one month left on the warranty. Walked out with the new battery for free

and installed it.

What a difference. Instant start the moment I turn the key. No suggestions of hesitation or anything un-towards at all. Maybe its my imagination but it almost feels like the car is idling slightly smoother as well. Don't know how the battery could affect that except perhaps in the current getting to the fuel pump?

Anyway. If I get three years out of this battery as well I'll be happy indeed.

- Peter.

Diseasel300 · #2 12-30-2017, 11:45 PM

If the battery is weak and putting extra load on the alternator, I could see how it could make the idle slightly rougher, kind of the same way that the A/C compressor make the idle slightly choppy on a 4 banger.

I tend to average 5 years out of my batteries here. I consider myself lucky, most people locally only seem to get 3-4 years with the same brand and class batteries I use. The SDL has a Duralast Gold in it, so far 2 years old and still starts on the 1st or 2nd compression hit.

tangofox007 · #3 12-31-2017, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pj67coll

Maybe its my imagination but it almost feels like the car is idling slightly smoother as well. Don't know how the battery could affect that except perhaps in the current getting to the fuel pump?

Have you noticed any wires connected to your fuel pump?

pj67coll · #4 12-31-2017, 01:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tangofox007

Have you noticed any wires connected to your fuel pump?

Say what?

- Peter

pj67coll · #5 12-31-2017, 11:59 AM

Ok I get it now. I completely spaced it and was thinking of the gasser models with the fuel pump back by the tank. Don't know what came over me. Of course that makes it even more weired that a new battery might smooth out idle a bit but of course that might just be my imagination.

- Peter.

PaulH · #6 01-02-2018, 01:31 AM

I usually get 8 years out of a Johnson Controls battery. But you must add water every year or two. This includes the so called maintenance free batteries! I tried a MB maintenance free battery in the past , didn't add water and it lasted about 3years. Pried off the sealed vent cover and all the cells looked dry. Johnson Controls makes batteries for Interstate Batteries, Die Hard, and others. Google it as retail brands change supplier's from year to year. Example, Walmart used to use J. C., now uses Exide batteries. I went to Advance Auto last year, found the battery for my SDL, asked the clerk who makes the battery, she called the main office in VA, and they said Johnson Controls for this particular battery. I've been told that there are only 3 battery manufacturers that make batteries for all brands sold in the U. S..

pj67coll · #7 01-02-2018, 01:37 AM

How do you add water? I've not seen a battery to which you can add water in over a decade.

- Peter.

sloride · #8 01-02-2018, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pj67coll

How do you add water? I've not seen a battery to which you can add water in over a decade.

- Peter.

That one got me also. Wifeys Subaru 5 year old battery in five year old vehicle, replaced about six months ago, when pulling it to be replaced noticed the star shaped threaded filler caps and line in translucent case for proper level. I did not feel so bad as the dealer has done ALL maintenance which come with fluid checks.
Glad this AM I changed the battery last Aug/Sept as we have -14 F and -27 wind chills at 7:30 cranked and fired pretty well considering.

jake12tech · #9 01-02-2018, 10:52 AM

It's pretty crazy. My dad put a battery in my now e300 10 years ago. It's still kicking strong. It was also MB brand. I know they're all made by Johnson controls, but it's ironic the MB brand always lasts the longest for me.

PaulH · #10 01-02-2018, 11:58 AM

Peter, first let me say that I am talking about a water flooded "regular" battery, not a AGM battery. All regular 12 volt batteries have 6 holes in the top where the manufacturer put in the electrolyte. These holes are covered by a vent which may be a long one piece cover that is flush with the top of the battery. Using a small flat screw driver, start to pry up one end of the cover. As soon as you have a little space, switch to a larger screw driver which will give you more leverage. Gentlly pry up until the vent pops off. Add your filtered water, distilled is best, and don't over fill. Replace the cover(s) and press down hard to snap the cover completely Back on. My 3 year old Walmart battery in the ML, my 1 year old Advance Auto battery in the SDL, and my daughter's 1 week old Die Hard all have this type of vent. All are Johnson Controls batteries. Walmart has now switched to Exide.

PaulH · #11 01-02-2018, 12:10 PM

Peter, other notes......I don't know how much longer than 8-8.5 years J. C. Batteries will last, as I change them if winter is coming .I'm happy with 8 years. Also, my daughter's 4Runner came with a battery with screw caps to check the water level.

tangofox007 · #12 01-02-2018, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulH

Peter, other notes......I don't know how much longer than 8-8.5 years J. C. Batteries will last, as I change them if winter is coming .I'm happy with 8 years.

How often does winter come where you live?

PaulH · #13 01-02-2018, 03:47 PM

Our winter temps have been single figures at night and about 12 to 15 during the last 4-5 days. We may get below zero in the next few days, with snow. Most summer days are in the 90's with maybe 3-7 days over 100 degrees. It may get cold in early October or wait till early December.

vstech · #14 01-02-2018, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tangofox007

Have you noticed any wires connected to your fuel pump?

Ha ha ha...

pj67coll · #15 01-02-2018, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulH

Our winter temps have been single figures at night and about 12 to 15 during the last 4-5 days. We may get below zero in the next few days, with snow. Most summer days are in the 90's with maybe 3-7 days over 100 degrees. It may get cold in early October or wait till early December.

Actually I've been wondering about the temperature thing. In Phoenix it's the heat that kills them. I've never met anyone here who has had a battery last more than three years. For most it's two if you're lucky.

- Peter.