Urgent help with battery problem

[Josh]

Hi all,

When I started my car this morning, the engine turned on as normal and the car ran fine,
however the battery light on the dash board was on for around 5mins while the car was running. The light turned off after 5 mins of driving.

When I drove the car again this the afternoon, it had the same problem, the battery light was on for around 5mins while running.

Does this mean that the battery is dying soon? and I need to replace it?
or is this normal for a Alfa 156 (V6)?

If I need to replace it, any recommendations with brands and types?

Thanks!

Josh

[dehne]

if i were you i would give it a good charge and see how it goes if it does the same thing again i would get a new battery, now the tip when getting a new battery is not to tell them u have an alfa what you need to do is check what side ur bat terminals are on and go into a bat shop and buy either a good quality ford or holden bat i think its the holden bat this way you are most certainly going to save $100 or more and they work fine ive had one in my 156 for 6 years now and its still good

[1750GT]

I would say that you should have your alternator and alternator belts checked as this sounds more like a charging problem than necessarily a problem with the battery particularly if its starting OK

1750Gt

[Gary Pearce]

Doesn't sound like a battery symptom to me, or you would not get the car started. The light staying on is indicating that the alternator is not charging. There is also probably a memory code in the body control but you will need a Dealer to see that.
I think it is extremely risky to charge the battery yourself, or to even attempt to change the battery unless you are sure you know what you are doing. There has been many a modern car with blown electrics or computors (read Thousands of $$) when care is not taken. Also if your battery is disconnected without precautions you will loose all your memory codes. Visit an Auto Elec, or an Alfa Technician.

[MD]

All good tips.
Mine is to buy the "Super Charge" brand of battery ( if you need one ) for the simple reason that their guarantee is for the life of the battery. For example, it the battery comes with a 2 year warranty and it dies at 1 year and 11 months, you will get a new battery.

Generally for other makes, you get a pro rate residual life of 1 month. Big difference.

Disclaimer: I have no commercial connections with this brand. I just use their batteries.

[ForzaSab]

I just replaced my Super Charge battery with another one.
The original was put in the car on 2005 so you cant get better than that.

[John Hanslow]

As above, take it to an auto electrician & Alfa Specialist to check charging, belts etc. and get battery tested if necessary.

[shane wescott]

With the "Electronic" cars, the battery should probably only last 3 years or so. There is a reason why they only have a 2 year warranty on them.

I have seen reports of many wierd and wonderful probs all solved by a new battery. It's one of the first things i do with a new car/motorbike unless you can confirm the battery is less than two years old.

I love supporting my customer who buy from me so all my batteries are century/Yuasa because they bought from me :-)

We did however get 6 years out of Kerrys Rav4 battery before it was well over vdue for a change.

I would suspect that the $150 or so for a new battery is a good investment, but word of warning first BEFORE  you totally remove the battery make sure you know the Security PIN for the stereo if required and know how to reset the alarm if there is one :-)

Have been caught out by both of these on different cars.

CAtch ya
Shane

[Josh]

Thank you everyone for all the replies and suggestions!!
Where can I actually get the supercharge brand battery?
is there any specific model for an Alfa or a V6?

[John Hanslow]

Take it to a batters place for above reason. 

As for battery size etc, go to KMart, Auto barn and check out the reference charts for what you need.  They may not be that up to date. 

I have always looked at the 'next size' up to cope with modern day electrics, but go with what a battery place would recommend, especially if they take care of the stereo issues and alarm, as a few dollars saved will be worth it !

Like may things, get the best you can afford.

[MD]

Josh,

Look up the White Pages directory for an outlet nearest to you. Pleanty all over Victoria.