Change of car? Maybe.

[Steve M]

Yes makes sense. You idea using jump leads was very clever.

Excellent idea. I think these days the situation is complicated by engine stop/start systems and the bits that monitor their status. Yes, I do have that fitted to this car - absolutely hate it.

And they call it progress.

[Walkingthedog]

I have it in my Bmax. Switch it off as soon as I start the car.

[Steve M]

I have it in my Bmax. Switch it off as soon as I start the car.

It’s only there so the manufacturers can hit emissions targets - does nothing for the driving experience.

[Steve M]

Taking a slightly different approach today. I phoned another of their Autocentres to order the ‘correct’ battery and fitting.
The ‘operative’ tried to push me back to a retail shop as he probably didn’t have one in stock (he hadn’t actually looked at this stage) but when I explained that I had tried that already, he got very aggressive, told me to go somewhere else and hung up on me.
Now awaiting two return calls from the CEO.

In other news I have bought the battery and ordered an OBD2 memory saver (Amazon £8.99) and I’ll fit the damn thing myself when it stops raining.

[Brian]

I've had three cars each with ISG which automatically engages when the ignition Stop/Start button is pressed. But its the first thing I turn off even before putting the car into Drive! When it is on I find it just doesn't restart the engine quickly enough, especially if you want to pull away a bit smartly

While you're now fitting the battery yourself did you try all the other car parts suppliers that offer a fitting service - ATS, Quickfit etc plus local small garages

[Steve M]

I certainly did Brian - but they all only want to supply batteries at around £300 a pop.

The Halfords battery at £114 is an absolute steal and with a 5 year guarantee it can’t be matched - The only other one I found only saved a few quid and only had a 3 year ticket.

Now if I can get this sorted out I might get back to some modelling.

[yelrow]

Gosh, thats a lot of money for a battery. Much cheaper here,but much reduced warranty. I bought Heathers for €48 , 6 years ago, and still perfect.

[Steve M]

These batteries are designed specifically for engines with the stop/start facility - a ‘standard’ one will fit but will fail in very short order. They are designed to cope with a minimum of 270,000 stop/start cycles apparently.

I think the one I fitted to my Spitfire was about £30. Nice and simple.

Taking away the provision for home maintenance is not progress as far as I’m concerned. At some point I need to change the key fob battery - it’s not going to end well, is it?

[Brian]

<Snip> At some point I need to change the key fob battery - it’s not going to end well, is it?

I haven't changed one for years! Don't keep my cars long enough for them to run down! The last one I changed in a Citroen C5 the cars manual stated that the battery had to be taken out and a new one inserted within a short time frame. I think it was 20 or 30 seconds, but it was easy to do and it retained its settings

[yelrow]

Key fob battery will be ok, if you have a spare set of keys. If so, nothing will be affected. Did that with both volvo, and Land rover. You will, however, need the code, from memory, but it was several years ago. You will buy these mo dern things. I understand now about battery costs. Can these silly, stop/ start things be permanently, disabled.My disabled lad had one in his motability car, and dealer, did this for him..