Thread: Mixing battery types

Originally Posted by Ferret

Originally Posted by wbowner

...The testing to see that I needed a new battery cost the same as the battery.

???

Battery load testing is often free at many places, it's 30 second job. Was it a simple load test that was done or did you have something else done?

Nup.

It wasn't a battery test as such. I thought I may have had a battery leak. The guy apparently spent quite a bit of time going through every thing but found nothing. Sort of pointed at the battery.

My big concern is they put in a Calcium batter (EXIDE DIN88MF) and no BMS reset was done.

Been doing some reading and have go the impression that my car (a 2014 TDV6 Diesel) MUST have an AGM battery as the alternator and charging system is set up for this.

Whether doing a BMS reset would change this I don't know as don't know what this achieves.

In my reading it did appear the D3 could go CALCIUM but the D4 from mine on AGM was required.

Does any one have any idea if this is true and can you point me to some documentation stating this so I can take it back to the mechanic.

I did ask for AGM but he was insistent that it was not required although he did say it was AGM (different type spiral or something). But this is wrong.

Richard

Apart for the above concerns that I have had the wrong type of battery installed I believe the following (does not mean to is true)

The BMS is probably set up for AGM. Installing a CALCIUM battery with out a reset will probably not cause problems but is not ideal.

However going CALCIUM to AGM may cause a problem and require a BMS reset.

This is because the CALCIUM takes a higher charger, higher than good for the AGM battery.

Previously I used to charge my main battery (AGM) with the charger set for AGM, alls well as my AUX is an OPTIMUM AGM.

Now that I have a mixed set up I asked Tim (drivesafe) and he said to still charge a AGM as charging for CALCIUM may cause issues with the OPTIMUM AUX battery.

I have extrapolated this to my original statement.

I am a bit annoyed as I did ask for an AGM but allowed my self to be talked out of it.

Hence if I can find some written proof that I must have an AGM in my car I will go back and confront them about it.


Richard

Richard
You’re uncomfortable with the calcium battery that’s been installed.
its not what you requested.
Go back and get him to swap it over.

Originally Posted by RHS58

Richard
You’re uncomfortable with the calcium battery that’s been installed.
its not what you requested.
Go back and get him to swap it over.

Ron
That is if they will

I am happy as long as it works ok

From my reading it seems that AGM is what people and LR are using. My cars BMS is probably set up for AGM and I am fairly sure they did not change this.

And if they did is there an impact on my AUX battery as in questions above as it is AGM.

The easiest solution would be if they used AGM.

i will contact them again today.

Richard

I think (say if this is wrong) one of the differences in battery settings is that optimum charging rates vary between types of batteries.
Calcium are a type of lead acid battery, but they require a higher charging voltage (14.4-14.8) than some other batteries. They are also more easily damaged by high temperatures.
So the alternator would have to be able to charge at the right rate to fully charge a calcium battery.
My Defender's alternator just sits on 14 volts, which might be a bit low for a calcium but is fine for a lead acid starting battery, but those with smart alternators might be able to charge at a higher rate until the battery charged and then drop down.
Is that right?

Originally Posted by wbowner

Ron
That is if they will

I am happy as long as it works ok

From my reading it seems that AGM is what people and LR are using. My cars BMS is probably set up for AGM and I am fairly sure they did not change this.

And if they did is there an impact on my AUX battery as in questions above as it is AGM.

The easiest solution would be if they used AGM.

i will contact them again today.

Richard

After hunting around a bit I did go back to them.

They said it was AGM but it ain’t

Going to swap it for me but I am sure it will cost extra for battery. I hope labor is not added on as I was told it was AGM.

No conspiracy just a misunderstanding as the guys I go to a pretty good.


Richard

Isn't calcium a type of AGM? AGM just means the lead acid electrolyte is held in the glass mats rather than flooding the plates. Calcium is added to reduce water loss for faster charging than a standard AGM.
VRLA battery - Wikipedia

I have always used Bog standard lead acid batteries as cranking batteries and with a bit of care and maintenance they can last well over the 24 month warranty, 7 years of service is not unusual.
Is there really any advantage in spending the extra quids on the AGM/Calcium cranking batteries?