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Old 13th June 2020, 13:46   #1
c-j2
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Default Non-MG - Recommendations for stop/start EFB battery

Hi folks,
Caution - non-MG content - hope ok...Always been grateful for the good advice here so hope that someone can help...

My non MG annoyingly has stop start (which myself and the previous owner disable each trip) - and therefore an Enhanced Floating Battery (EFB). Despite this, at 6 years old the battery is showing signs of failing. £100-£150 to replace!

Maybe 6 years is considered decent these days - however my previous standard batteries in MGs etc have lasted 10-16 years! Bosch and Varta.

Any recommended makes that perform well in EFB guise? Having usually bought from Tayna, this time I'm considering a Halfords one mainly due to the 5year warranty, and hopefully easy of return - and partly as I think they are/were actually made by Yuasa? (Is that latter bit correct?)

Anyone with experience/understanding of these EFB batteries, advice much appreciated on which should have the best life.

Thanks
Chris

Last edited by c-j2; 13th June 2020 at 13:49.. Reason: More info
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Old 14th June 2020, 07:49   #2
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I believe you're right about Halfrauds batteries being made by Yuasa.

People will have plenty of opinion which battery is best, but I've had good experience with Yuasa.

Strangely my quickest failing battery was a Bosch. I do think some of their products now are suffering from poor quality and unfortunately like most other companies are being produced in eastern countries with substandard techniques.
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Old 14th June 2020, 08:45   #3
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First time I encountered Stop/Start was in a hire car on holiday in Italy.

When it's 30 degrees, you're in a traffic jam and the car suddenly just stops running it's a bit awkward and causes more than a little panic! It gets worse 'cus the air con goes off . Don't like it at all as I tend to keep cars for many years and can't get the wear and tear on starter motors/batteries etc. out of my mind.

I've had nothing but good service/price from Tayna having been put on to them from folks on here.

I'm guessing they don't have an option for the 5 year warranty as you're asking the question. Maybe give them a call?

Bosch & Varta seem to be reliable choices. Had lots of Yuasa on bikes and they were decent until replaced with a Odyssey which was awesome but pricey.

Good luck with the search.

Andy.

PS. Saw this a few days ago - might be a help?

https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/s...d.php?t=305247

Last edited by AndyN01; 14th June 2020 at 08:56..
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Old 14th June 2020, 09:10   #4
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One of the things putting me off many modern cars is the stop start technology.

When test driving a new Mini earlier in the year, I asked the salesman if this could be turned into defaulting to the off mode, and turned on when desired rather than having to switch it off every time the ignition is cycled.........no was the answer, and why would you want that in any case?

Of course I know this can be deleted with third party tools, however I suspect this would invalidate a manufacturer warranty in double quick time, so it became a deal breaker.

It might help the OP to state the model of the non MGR car, it's not a lynch mob if you own a non MGR product

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Old 14th June 2020, 10:50   #5
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Like Brian, this is one of the things that has stopped me buying mrs cd a “modern car” , much to her disappointment I must add

Don’t get me started on electronic handbrakes

When I’m replacing customers stop start batteries I have used Yussa with good results. Have a look online for a company called nappa they also offer a 5 year warranty and are a little less pricey
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Old 14th June 2020, 13:23   #6
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Default Stop / Start, not for me.

You seem to be very fortunate compared to us here in OZ.

A local member mentioned that one of those large European SUV/4WD with stop / start “enhancement” requires a battery that in local currency cost AUD $800.00.

And to rub salt into the wound, where is that largish battery positioned? If you said under the drivers seat, you would be correct. With all the electronics, removal of said seat from the vehicle then reinstallation the owner was in for a shock. I heard that with dealership labour costs the bill was well in excess of AUD $1,000.00.
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Old 14th June 2020, 18:23   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by egremont View Post
You seem to be very fortunate compared to us here in OZ.

A local member mentioned that one of those large European SUV/4WD with stop / start “enhancement” requires a battery that in local currency cost AUD $800.00.

And to rub salt into the wound, where is that largish battery positioned? If you said under the drivers seat, you would be correct. With all the electronics, removal of said seat from the vehicle then reinstallation the owner was in for a shock. I heard that with dealership labour costs the bill was well in excess of AUD $1,000.00.

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Old 14th June 2020, 20:59   #8
c-j2
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Cheers all - really appreciate the suggestions so far, especially re others using Yuasa. Not heard of Napa - but now found their website and will take a look.

Re warranty, there are some with Tayna at 4 years, and probably a 5 year option if I search enough. However it is more a case of presumably non of them will be dead simple to action if needed - however Halfords will probably be easier to return to, or at least get them to load test. Returning others by post will be a pain. Fingers crossed the next battery lasts what I consider to be decent number of years and no returning will be required! Strategy now is to buy something decent and hope never to need to purchase again. For a laugh I looked at the base ECP price - approx £450 - even with a discount that is £200!

The car in question is late Mk4 Mondeo with a whopping 1.6 diesel. To be fair it does all the family stuff fine. Bought from a family member selling their company car - and at the time my MG was at 222k mls, but had a couple of issues - and the Mondeo was cheaper than a divorce.

I put stop/start in the category of 'solving a problem that doesn't exist'. In the Mondeo I don't just get 'stop/start', I also get 'smart changing' thrown in for free! It may charge at 14.8 v or 14.4 or 13.something, or not at all!!! In other vehicles I've used a cigarette lighter cheapie plug-in to monitor voltage whilst driving and check that the alternator charging voltage is constant - in the Mondeo I can look at the same plug-in - and because it fluctuates anyway, it doesn't help me!

To make things slightly more complicated, some sources suggest that the vehicle 'might' need to be 'told it has received a new battery'. Other sources suggest not required. Anyone know? At least with Halfords I could swap in their carpark, and pop back in with an embarrassed expression if I can't swap a battery on my own (madness). I've had the old one out today - removal is a bit of a faff until the contortionist technique for removing the air-box was mastered. Only required 4 different tools too.

Rant over. Electrickery is not my strong point. Please keep the suggestions going, much appreciated.

Last edited by c-j2; 15th June 2020 at 08:20.. Reason: Correct typos / clarity
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