Car Battery pain

[KWAWD]

Sheesh, my battery died in the KL and finding a new one is a PITA.
I decided on a Century Ultra Performance model, code 75D23R MF. I trust Century and this is the one that the Century website recommends. Its got the terminals correctly oriented, has 620 CCA and it should fit. I use my Alpine sat nav and stereo a fair bit and also have the LED running lights installed and usually run the air-con, all at once. Often theres a phone charging in the cig socket too.

Do you think theres any stock anywhere in Melbourne? Nope! No where has it.
I've had plenty of guys try and sell me something else though. One fellow even claimed they're all the same, just different stickers,

So I've had to order it. Its days like this I really appreciate having the KH around.

Last time I nad a dead battery a spike went through the system and slammed the speedo needle all the way over and I had to remove the cluster to free it. Fingers crossed it doesnt happen again.

[flyboy]

The 75D23R just fits, but on my TL the stock plastic clamp which holds the battery down was too high.

I had to buy a generic battery clamp from Supercheap to secure the battery.

Definitely worth it though. The one in my 380 is four years and still going as strong as the day I bought it.

[KWAWD]

The 75D23R just fits, but on my TL the stock plastic clamp which holds the battery down was too high.

I had to buy a generic battery clamp from Supercheap to secure the battery.

Definitely worth it though. The one in my 380 is four years and still going as strong as the day I bought it.

Thanks for the heads up!

[flyboy]

Sorted?

[leadfoot6]

The 75D23R just fits, but on my TL the stock plastic clamp which holds the battery down was too high.

I had to buy a generic battery clamp from Supercheap to secure the battery.

Definitely worth it though. The one in my 380 is four years and still going as strong as the day I bought it.

I would like to use the 75D23R battery mentioned above, but would hope to keep the original plastic clamp if possible.

There are no issues with low charge on my battery at present, so once winter is over, I will probably make it through to next year's colder months.

By then, it will be approaching 3.5 years old so about due for replacement.



https://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/sh...=1#post1628325

The above image(taken when I was making my CAI) shows the standard battery clamp.

@Flyboy, would you be able to highlight, if possible, what part of the standard plastic clamp that would need to be modified to allow it to fit the 75D23R battery?

Or is it just not possible?

I am guessing the metal leg at the front would be a start?

[flyboy]

From memory it was one of two things.

Either the height of the plastic bar across the top of the taller battery fouled on the bonnet, or the height of the new battery meant the metal hooks would no longer reach the plastic bar.

It may depend on model. The TL had that redesigned front and the bonnet may sit lower than earlier third gens.

Either way, it definitely wasn't workable on my TL. Had it been an easy fix - then I would have done so. Don't have the car any more so can't have a look for you sorry!

[telpat16]

My 380 battery failed "prematurely" last year and I got great service and advice from Battery World. I asked about warranty on old one and they checked - it was a year old when I bought it from and different auto shop,


They guarantee is less than 2 weeks old when they fit it


Check their website - they have tie down accessories etc also

[flyboy]

Actually, I'd say looking at that photo the problem is the metal threaded hooks which secure under the battery will be too short.

[leadfoot6]

Thanks for the reply.

It's not a major problem to go to an aftermarket part, but I will try to retain the original clamp if possible without too much work.