Correct battery for '92 XJR-S

[dme123]

I need to replace the battery in my '92 XJR-S. I keep reading that it should have an 096 size battery, but the dimensions of these are 175mm wide x 278mm long and the dimensions of the inside of the bracket for the top are 175mm x 255mm long.

The current battery is far too small, I think it must have been put in there just to get the car moving.

The best fit I can seem to find is an 027 at 175mm x 242mm but would like to hear if anyone here knows for certain what it should take. I suspect a change was made after '92 to the 096 size battery with a corresponding change to the size of the battery tray.

[ptjs1]

dme123,

That's slightly confusing. As you've probably found if you've used the Search facility here on the BB, there are a number of battery threads, because of the fact that most suppliers quote the wrong battery size for the facelift XJS. Earlier XJS used a larger size battery but the late facelift used an 096. See my comments and photo in this thread:

http://www.jec.org.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=8719

If you feel that an 096 won't fit in your tray, could you post a pic of your battery tray?

Cheers

Paul

[dme123]

That's interesting, my battery tray doesn't clamp at the bottom, it has two rods that hook either side of the battery and screw through a frame that holds the battery down from above. I'll take pics of the tray and frame later when I get home.

I found an old thread that said an 088 was the original fitment, and that does seem to be exactly the right size to fit inside the frame. It's not a common size though, and there aren't a lot of options available for a high quality battery. Some have recommended an Optima red top, which is exactly the right size but only 50Ah. Sky high CCA though.

[ptjs1]

dme123,

Re-reading that old thread, "XJR-S" also mentioned that he a had a top mount bracket on his 92 XJR-S so presumably that's correct for your car. Earlier cars definitely used a smaller Ah battery although with modern technology it's quite easy (and desirable) to put a higher capacity battery in our cars.

I don't think it should be hard to find an 088 battery. A number of the usual internet sites (incl Tayna) sell the Numax 64ah model.

Good luck

Paul

[dme123]

I've attached the Jaguar parts diagram for my battery tray. Apparently this is what was used for (V)179737 Up to (V)226645).

[ptjs1]

dme123,

If you look in more detail at the diagram, you'll see that the clamp configuration shown in the diagram was only used up to VIN 185819. After that it changed to the base clamp setup. This would then seem to allow for a larger battery. Perhaps buying the later clamp from a breakers will give you more options?

Cheers

Paul

[dme123]

Well spotted. My VIN is 184571 so I nearly made it! On a recommendation from the "help in a book" and a few other XJR-S members I have ordered a very expensive Optima battery that fits exactly where the old one went.

[BigCatXJS]

I feel that the 075 battery (fitted to my 1989 XJ-S V12 HE) is rather small for a V12 as the max CCA tends to be at 640 at best currently. I have not yet been able to find a battery that has a higher CCA rating within the size constraints of the battery tray (there are other batteries designed for modern stop/start systems - but these can cause electrical havoc I understand when used for a traditional purpose). I think this is a design limitation with my car as the spare wheel consumes a lot of space leaving a relatively small space for the battey tray. I raise this knowing that the battery sizes for a contemporary XJ40 is more generous. If anyone has come across a more powerful battery with a better CCA - please let me know as I will need to replace mine soon.

Ta, Rich

[oldtimer]

Hi Rich,
you say that later type batteries used for stop/ start systems play havoc with electrics

Are you able to amplify this , for edification of the ignorant ! - to me a battery is a battery although I am aware that leisure batteries are designed for long drawn out use as opposed to the short sharp loads of vehicle application (starting)

I have a feeling Mike K may well make a contribution here

P

[J44EAG]

Wot! Me again!!

Leisure batteries are totally unsuitable for cranking. Used as a starting battery, they will expire pretty rapidly. A V12 would eat a leisure battery for breakfast. CCA is all. To quote Sterling International. " Only a fool uses a leisure battery in a starting situation". A leisure battery is best for caravan or marine internal domestic applications only. It is always worth telling your battery supplier that you need a "cranker" and nothing else. They are a tad more expensive than a leisure unit, but at least it is the right component for the job.

Amp/hour rating is all important. I`d be trying to obtain at least a 110ah unit for a V12, even at the expense and perhaps inconvenience of attempting to re-locate the battery elsewhere in the car. I know. There isn`t much of an alternative location really in an XJS. Remember, I had that old V12 Q-plater albeit during a summer period. I recall it had something like an 85ah battery which I felt was far too small in capacity.

There you go.

Mike K

[ptjs1]

Hi Rich,

You might remember my thread on buying the last battery for my 4.0 convertible. 78ah and 780 cca.

Check the size for an 096 battery.

http://www.jec.org.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=8719

Cheers

Paul

[oldtimer]

Yes, You again ,
I didn't explain myself - yes - I'm well aware of the inappropriate use of leisure batteries.

The above comment made by Big Cat , batteries specified for vehicles fitted with stop/start facility play havoc with the electrics of vehicles that do not have this facility.

So my question is , what difference does the inclusion of a stop/start system make - OR/IS the battery any different

Does that question now make sense?

P

[davidr]

My old 2.2d XF and my current Volvo V70 both have 2 batteries. I think it works like this (but I am ready to be corrected!)
The main battery is a conventional high CCA one used for engine cranking.
The secondary battery is a more complex gel type so needs "intelligent" charging. It is used to run the cars electrical systems when the car is in stop/start mode.
I guess the issues come when the wrong type is used in the wrong application.
Hopefully someone who knows what they're talking about will expand on that for us!
Regards
David

[J44EAG]

Regret no experience myself of stop/start battery technology but this link to the Yuasa site offers explanations. It is all very advanced technology compared to lead acid types.

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j ... UBJhO1VKXA

Mike

[BigCatXJS]

Try replying again - website shows me signed in but bounced me from posting as I'm apparently not signed-in /sigh

Anyways - just quickly (as I cant be arsed to re-type my reply);
1. Battery size 096 will NOT fit my XJS. Seems that late eighties XJS Coupes have a smaller battery tray that will only take a 075 size NOT a 096 (trust me - I tried last October when I had a starting issue).
2. Start/Stop v's regular battery; its the technology difference apparently. I rememeber toying with idea of considering a start/stop battery (smaller size higher output) but I came across a thread elsewhere wherbey someone had tried this and hit upon all sorts of issues!

Ta, Rich