In article .uk,
Ed Sirett wrote:
Got up the other day to find my van was dead. No problem, I thought,
battery is flat [1] I'll charge it up. 2 hours later the charging
current was less than 1A and the voltage was up to 14.6V.

But as soon the key was turned the pre-heater relay started chattering.
Investigations showed the battery was unable to receive a charge and
could only deliver a few amps. Battery only about 2.5 years old.

Was told when I went to buy a replacement "if Calcium batteries go flat
they die".

It's a fine art making lead acid batteries last only as long as the
warranty.

Q1. What is a Calcium version of a Lead Acid battery? Q2. Other than my
experience is it true that they are less robust (to deep discharge).

No lead acid can stand deep discharge without effecting its life. But some
are better than others.

The original (FIAT) battery spec was 12V 380A 60Ahr. The new one is
Halfords 12V 600A @ -30C + reserve of 25A for 1 hour.

At least with a Halfords one they should honor the warranty regardless.
BMW, for example, record the battery state in the ECU - and if you've run
it below a certain level by leaving the car parked for more than about 2
weeks, won't replace a failed one under warranty.


[1] The interior light (probably 1.75A) might have been on all night due
to an improperly closed door rear door. This should not have taken all
the power out of the battery but may be it wasn't fully charged prior.

--
*Never test the depth of the water with both feet.*

Dave Plowman London SW
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