arne487
Veteran Member
Or so you thought! There's no such thing as a simple question with the people on here (for better or worse).HoneyBeetle said:Simple TDI 101 Question
Or so you thought! There's no such thing as a simple question with the people on here (for better or worse).HoneyBeetle said:Simple TDI 101 Question
Cool, then we're both good.Diesel Nut 247 said:I'm NOT upset, just pointing out that they are junk.
I personally would not recommend a product that I have not used.
I use Exide's in my Kubota's, I use OEM in my TDI, and will use Optima's in my Cummins.
When I had my Z06 Corvette I also used Optima, Because GM discontinued the Glass mat batteries.
I would also recommend Frostheater for the heater too.
GM, discontinued them due to lack of sitting time. What this means is if you did not start the car every 2 days and let it run for 30 minutes, the on board computers would drain the battery to the point that it would not crank.T_D_I_POWER said:Cool, then we're both good.
I was considering to buy a Deka AGM batt. to replace the OE moLL batt., but I only had the money to buy 1 batt., and I needed to get 2 batts. So, the good old Sam's came to the rescue. I've been very happy and no issue what so ever w/ Energizer batt.
Why did GM discontinue AC Delco AGM battery?
1. You can take your alternator to Autozone, Pepboys, Advance Auto Parts and they will test it for you.HoneyBeetle said:arne487.....you are SOOOO right, there are NO simple questions. But, it's fun to hear what everyone says about one topic! Anyhow....
#1. DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW TO TEST AN ALTERNATOR?
#2. What's a brush pack and can someone like me install one, what's the point of installing a "brush pack?" (never heard of it)
#3. What do people think about a Frostking heater? Do you plug it into an outside outlet? Is that how it works? Does it really extend the battery life?
What a revelation. I didn't know this. What's the reasoning for the OBC to drain the battery if the engine wasn't started for 2 days?Diesel Nut 247 said:GM, discontinued them due to lack of sitting time. What this means is if you did not start the car every 2 days and let it run for 30 minutes, the on board computers would drain the battery to the point that it would not crank.
Mine lasted 7 years, but it had always been on a battery tender when it was not driven.
On the Corvettes the Computers don't really sleep, so they continue to scan even though the key is not on.T_D_I_POWER said:What a revelation. I didn't know this. What's the reasoning for the OBC to drain the battery if the engine wasn't started for 2 days?
Forgive me if I did not translate your answers clearly but they sound a bit condesending to me.scooperhsd said:#1 - most shops should be able to test it for you - even some of the auto parts stores
#2 - talk to a real mechanic (not me)
#3 - The Frost heater is a coolant heater, AC powered (120V).I don't know about extending battery life, but it will make you more comfortable when you first start it up.
I have issues with my headlight bulbs. I loosened the casing for my NB and I can't seem to pop the thing back in there tight. There is condensation in the glass and I'm upset. I could use some help with this issue. The seal is not tight, I can't seem to slide the assy properly back into the fender area (near the battery box). This....is yet another issue......wish I could fix myself....(sigh).kwong7 said:One thing I like about the Optima, is the smaller size. It makes the airbox, snorkel, and headlight bulbs easier to get at. Time will tell the Optima's longevity with the TDI. I've had an Optima Yellow Top in my mom's Maxima for 9 years so I have high hopes for the Red Top.
I will try to answer.HoneyBeetle said:Forgive me if I did not translate your answers clearly but they sound a bit condesending to me.
First, my question was HOW.....NOT where to go to have someone else do it for me (although I realize there may be a few exceptions)
Second, if I wanted a "real" mechanic to do anything for me, I'd be sitting on the couch doing nothing or worse.....I'd be throwing hard earned and borrowed money at guys in vw shop clothes who seem to not have a clue.
Third, I'll respond to your most reasonable response with a question re: coolant heater. Q: How does a coolant heater make the cabin warm? Assuming engine coolant has something to do with cabin heat, how can it heat the coolant to temps high enough (without damaging something) to make a difference to cabin temps?
You can do a pretty good test by just seeing what is going on before and after a large load on the alternator. You need a voltmeter.HoneyBeetle said:First, my question was HOW...
You are right: the coolant does have something to do with cabin heat (except for seat warmers, which are electrical). The engine coolant circulates through a device that looks like a small compact radiator. Ventilation air blows through it, is heated by hot coolant, and then is distributed by the vents in the cabin. Flaps in the ventilation ducts control temperature, whether the air flows through the a/c heat exchanger, the amount of cool air mixed in, etc.Third, I'll respond to your most reasonable response with a question re: coolant heater. Q: How does a coolant heater make the cabin warm? ...
I would also confirm that on a C-5 2001 Z06, new since 4 miles now at 73,000 miles for 8 years now. The oem AC/Delco battery (not sure about the AGM designation) was another battery that lasted LESS than 9/10 years (my normal SUV's battery life's) . (almost 6 years) So aftermarket A/C Delco products had (@ the time) 6 years/72 months warranties. I was informed by the Chevrolet dealership the 3 year 36,000 miles applies to OEM provided parts, when I took it in for possible warranty prorate. In addition to the onboard computers draws, there are numerous lights that go on before during and after " shut down". There is also an oem security system that draws 24/7. I would dare say it draws even when not set. Heaven help you if you have stuff like aftermarket high watt stereo systems, GPS, radar detectors, huds, etc.Diesel Nut 247 said:On the Corvettes the Computers don't really sleep, so they continue to scan even though the key is not on.
Also on Corvettes C5's one of the computers is under the battery.
Thanks.......but Guru? Not sure where to find Guru in the yellowpages? The letter "G" isn't working for me. Maybe ASE has certified Gurus. Just wondering how to find one and verify you have one when one is found.Diesel Nut 247 said:I will try to answer.
1, they will load test it. ( this means putting work on the alternator to see if it will keep the voltage up and if it will produce right amount of current.)
2, Find a Guru too talk too ( they will usually do things for you cheaper if you want them to do it.)
3. It Has a preset thermostat to keep from burning things up.
When it heats the coolant then it heats the engine. The cabin heater gets its heat from the engine through what is called a heater core. ( small radiator in your dash.) Then you blower fan blows it through your vent ducts.
Question: So, if the trickle charger doesn't even bring it back up to 80%, does that mean that every battery used in a TDI is only performing up to 80%?ruking said:Again the trickle chargers have a series of light cues (Battery Tender Plus does anyway) that graphically let you know :
1. when the battery can use charging
2. when the battery is back up to 80%
3. @ 100% charged
4. there is a chip that keeps the battery from being overcharged, if you should decide to leave it attached and plugged in.
I am also under the understanding that in addition to the 2x amp draw of "normal" gassers, our TDI's have 24/7 draw and the charging systems are NOT designed to get the battery back to 100%. The Battery Tender Plus indicates that it doesn't get it back to even 80%.
Yes, and/or less. Obviously one would need say a sample (say 100) to see if you can reasonably project that it might apply to every or most batteries. I strong suspect it applies to most, if not all.HoneyBeetle said:Question: So, if the trickle charger doesn't even bring it back up to 80%, does that mean that every battery used in a TDI is only performing up to 80%?
Did anyone have a response as to whether or not the Frostking heater helps extend battery life? If so, I didn't read one, forgive me.
It should since warm Diesel engine starts better, quicker, and it'll use less battery power than to start a cold Diesel engine. A zerostart batt. warmer blanket will further increase batt. life during cold winter months.HoneyBeetle said:.....Did anyone have a response as to whether or not the Frostking heater helps extend battery life? If so, I didn't read one, forgive me.
Good advise...I believe you. However, sounds funny coming from a Georgia man, not sure what to think.T_D_I_POWER said:It should since warm Diesel engine starts better, quicker, and it'll use less battery power than to start a cold Diesel engine. A zerostart batt. warmer blanket will further increase batt. life during cold winter months.
TEN YEARS....very good!kiwibru said:Interesting info. on the AC Delco AGM batteries. I have dual Delco OEM's still good on the farm truck, '95 Isuzu. 27k miles and it sees mostly of hay field and feed run trips so less than 1500 miles a year. Use a Battery Minder when it sits and so far no problems as I think the de-Sulfating process really adds to the life of the battery.
I just recently swapped out my OEM battery on the Golf in anticipation of it finally getting weak. Battery Minder occasionally on it but the car gets used so much it is never sitting for a long enough period (at least 48 hr. needed) for the process. That is ten years on a OEM. I just bought another OEM from the dealer and it was only $107. Not bad for the next ten years!
Go here:HoneyBeetle said:Oh I see, the battery tender will flash green at 80%....got it? How much does one of those cost? Sounds like an interesting thing maybe I should have?
HoneyBeetle said:OH BOY NOW YOU'VE OPENED UP A CAN OF WORMS JetBlu!!!
Questions:
First, what's a 94r series battery?
Second, (Using CCA as a measurement) Does having over 650 CCA (required) ......or more than 700 CCA (most batteries) affect the life of the battery?
I know it sounds odd, but the temp. gets down to 40° at night. In Dec-Feb it will get down to 30° F., and that's cold for us. Up in the mountain gets even colder. Well, I have to admit it that I have very soft skin, and a big suck when comes to cold weather. When it rains here gets very damped and cold. I need to learn a few things from you who really lives in the freezing cold state.HoneyBeetle said:Good advise...I believe you. However, sounds funny coming from a Georgia man, not sure what to think.
14 years in NC ingrained into my brain that it doesn't get much lower than zero degrees farenheight for a day or so, per year. Isn't GA a couple of degrees more South in lattitude, ...like......closer to the Equator....LOL!?
Hi JetBlu...what I meant by open up a can of worms....was that when you used the term...94r, I didn't understand you were talking about the size of the battery. Even so, there was a great number of terms being tossed about in this conversation near the time you added your info about the 94r battery. Can of worms, more info added to the mix, that's all.JetBlu said:Don't know what can I opened, but the 94r is the battery recommended for my 02 TDI Jetta. DON"T matter what the CA or CCA says.
I would imagine that the "stated" CA and CCA's for different suppliers would vary 10 to 30, maybe more. I was just stating which battery I had.
As far as the battery life being affected by CCA, that many factors come into play beside the CCA.
First, would be the general condition of the Alternator. They can loose some effectivness but still go for many years.
Second would be conditions, weather, driving (short distances vs long distances), driven everyday vs occasionally.
Batteries are usually uniformally warrantied among each individual manuf. Meaning if there 94r has a 72 month warranty so does there 47 series.
Can a 72 month battery with 525 CCA start a TDI? Probably, but how many times? Not as many as one with 725 CCA. So, Battery life can be affected, especially when used in the wrong application.
Is the Battery Tender a simple trickle charger. If so, I have a small 12-volt trickle charger.aja8888 said:Go here:
http://www.amazon.com/Battery-Tender-021-0128-Plus-Charger/dp/B00068XCQU/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
$40.48 with free shipping for the Battery Tender Plus. Great deal. It's so good, I may buy one just to have it.