dead battery

[sadev786332]

I have foolishly left my XJR all winter in my barn and now the battery is totally dead.

Problem is A, I don't know where it lives, though i assume in the boot area. B since the battery is totally dead how do I get at it? the boot lid cannot be opened without power?

Obviously I will need to fit a new battery, any tips on what/where to obtain? Gel Battery/lithium?

Thanks, Mike.

[davidr]

Hi Mike - you're right in that the battery is in the boot under a cover on the right hand side.
As for getting in there, if you can get power into the car then you can open the boot. I think there are posts under the bonnet where you can attach jump leads from another battery.
I'm sure others will come on with more wisdom!
PS. Nice car the 350 XJR. I'm jealous! It's on my bucket list! I had a diesel 350 and loved it!

[ptjs1]

Mike,

just because your battery is flat, don't condemn it yet. Batteries take a constant small drain anyway when in the car, even if unlocked, so quite likely just to go flat.

At the risk of contradicting the knowledgeable David, I think your battery is under the boot floor compartment, but my memory might be playing tricks!

If you've got a decent conditioner / charger, try just recharging the battery for 24 hrs.

Good luck

Paul

[J44EAG]

Access to the boot manually is by using the ignition key UNDER the letter U in "Jaguar" on the boot lid plinth and adjacent to the O/S rear number plate light. Go easy with the key as the lock may be stiff due to lack of use and seizure. Don`t use WD 40 and later lubricate with some other product. Such a mix will turn to sticky sludge. I`d advise only using light 3 in 1 type thin machine oil if the lock is sticky. A drop of fresh engine oil would work equally as well.

Batteries that have been left for any time in a discharged condition that might have terminal voltages of less than 11.5v should be treated with extreme suspicion as regards reliable service potential following attempts to recharge. Batteries should hold a reliable charge for at least 24hrs following recharge. If the charge will not hold, then consider the battery is probably finished. The most reliable way to ascertain battery condition is to charge it, then drop test it under load with a suitable drop test tool. There are plenty on eBay for less than £15. To test, connect the unit croc clips to the battery and hold the switch for 15 seconds. Note the element in the test unit will get HOT. Watch and note the voltage lowest level. Below about 11v means the battery is dodgy. Also note the speed to voltage recovery. An immediate voltage recovery means the battery is shot.

Batteries die due of loss of voltage or loss of capacity. Most batteries die with a combination of both faults. New batteries for these cars should NOT be cheapo economy types or leisure types. The silver constructed Bosch or Varta premium batteries are eminently suitable as are genuine Jaguar batteries which I`m advised are badge engineered Varta types.

Batteries that have been good all summer may well decide to croak given cold winter weather. Terminal voltage drops in line with depressed temperatures. The majority of time expired batteries will be found out under those conditions. Batteries in general " fit and forget" use will generally last about 3 years. At 5 years, a battery should be considered as doing well. Come 6 years of use, most will be on their last knocking s.

And the quickest way to wreck a stored battery is.......... to leave it on a concrete garage floor. Batteries that have caught a cold in their bottoms are likely to fail quickly under starting load. Out of service batteries in good condition should be bench stored upon a thick piece of carpet or polystyrene foam with cloth between the foam and the battery base. Regular charge maintenance is also desirable with a switch mode charger which manages the battery condition and adjusts on a second by second basis. Occasional checking of cell fluid levels will also be beneficial.

The above info taught to me at aviation maintenance training school many years ago.

Mike K

[davidr]

Paul and I are agreeing really!

[ptjs1]

Sorry David, just re-read your post. And yes, we are violently agreeing!

Paul

[sadev786332]

Many thanks for the responses, new battery obtained, will fit it tomorrow, Thanks to Mike for boot access detail.

David, its now my duty to make you greener still, tis in fact an XJR portfolio.

Will report back on results.

[sadev786332]

New battery fitted and all is well.

Thanks for all responses.

Mike.