That's it. I'm never changing another car battery.

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 11-27-2011, 02:42 PM
  #1  
Rooting for Acura
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
knight rider's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Austin Burbs
Posts: 8,071
Received 1,765 Likes on 804 Posts
That's it. I'm never changing another car battery.

This is the second time I've changed a battery on a "modern" car. Seriously, they make something so easy, so difficult to do, physically. I mean, every freakin' thing is in the way. After completely removing covers, getting cables with inline fuse boxes on them partially out of the way I still had to muscle the battery out of the compartment. Oh, btw the battery does not have a strap, so pulling it out was interesting. Putting the new one in was equally as daunting.

To add insult to injury after replacing the battery my windows were malfunctioning. Thanks to myG37.com I figured out how to fix that (reset the windows).

The other car I helped replace a battery on is a VW CC, which was far worse. After replacing it the power steering module needed to be reprogrammed. I mean, really!? Do car manufacturers really want us to bring our cars in for a battery replacement??

/rant
Old 11-27-2011, 03:01 PM
  #2  
Pro
 
calgary2800's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: seattle
Posts: 738
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes on 7 Posts
Take it to Sams club or Costco, no matter how complicated its the same price you just pay for the battery and no labor costs. But if they screw up, they probably wont be as helpful as a dealer.
Old 11-27-2011, 03:43 PM
  #3  
I shave my change purse
 
WILLDOGS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: NY City
Age: 46
Posts: 6,445
Received 155 Likes on 87 Posts
Originally Posted by knight rider

To add insult to injury after replacing the battery my windows were malfunctioning. Thanks to myG37.com I figured out how to fix that (reset the windows).

/rant

The auto up/down reset? Hold for 10 secs etc... ?
Old 11-27-2011, 03:53 PM
  #4  
Rooting for Acura
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
knight rider's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Austin Burbs
Posts: 8,071
Received 1,765 Likes on 804 Posts
Originally Posted by WILLDOGS
The auto up/down reset? Hold for 10 secs etc... ?
yes, that one.
Old 11-27-2011, 03:56 PM
  #5  
Moderator
iTrader: (1)
 
justnspace's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 86,295
Received 16,261 Likes on 11,972 Posts
I enjoy simple cars.
Old 11-27-2011, 03:59 PM
  #6  
Senior Moderator
 
Ken1997TL's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Better Neighborhood, Arizona
Posts: 45,640
Received 2,329 Likes on 1,309 Posts


That's the price you pay for gizmos.
Old 11-27-2011, 04:20 PM
  #7  
Pro
 
calgary2800's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: seattle
Posts: 738
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes on 7 Posts
How much did VW charge to reprogram the power steering module? Always been a VW fan just never bought one for one reason or another.
Old 11-27-2011, 04:36 PM
  #8  
In the Mid-South meow
iTrader: (2)
 
SuperTrooper169's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Music City
Age: 47
Posts: 10,793
Received 2,126 Likes on 1,093 Posts
The battery on my MS6 isn't too burried, but I do hate having to reprogram the windows every time I disconnect the battery. It only takes a few minutes but it drives me crazy because I never remember until a day or two after I've worked on my car lol.
Old 11-27-2011, 04:57 PM
  #9  
all work and no play
 
MWalsh9152's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Wakefield, Ma
Age: 49
Posts: 13,916
Received 134 Likes on 97 Posts
Originally Posted by Ken1997TL


That's the price you pay for driving an Infinity.
fixed
Old 11-27-2011, 05:11 PM
  #10  
I got the Shifts
iTrader: (5)
 
phee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Age: 35
Posts: 14,203
Received 230 Likes on 163 Posts
I just put a laWnmower battery in my car.
Old 11-27-2011, 06:43 PM
  #11  
Rooting for Acura
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
knight rider's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Austin Burbs
Posts: 8,071
Received 1,765 Likes on 804 Posts
Originally Posted by calgary2800
How much did VW charge to reprogram the power steering module? Always been a VW fan just never bought one for one reason or another.
Get this... The dealership was going to charge my friend $150 to reprogram it, but after trying they realized that what was wrong was in a TSB so they had to replace some part and do it free of charge. Initially they told him if he would have brought it in to them to get the battery changed there would have been no charge. WTH?
Old 11-27-2011, 07:08 PM
  #12  
I shave my change purse
 
WILLDOGS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: NY City
Age: 46
Posts: 6,445
Received 155 Likes on 87 Posts
Originally Posted by MWalsh9152
fixed
What's an InfinitY ?
Old 11-27-2011, 07:10 PM
  #13  
I shave my change purse
 
WILLDOGS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: NY City
Age: 46
Posts: 6,445
Received 155 Likes on 87 Posts
Originally Posted by knight rider
Do car manufacturers really want us to bring our cars in for a battery replacement??
Yes. $$$$$$
Old 11-27-2011, 07:10 PM
  #14  
Senior Moderator
 
Ken1997TL's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Better Neighborhood, Arizona
Posts: 45,640
Received 2,329 Likes on 1,309 Posts
Originally Posted by WILLDOGS
What's an InfinitY ?
Well we used to have a resident Infinity (sic) salesman here. Oh yes, thats how he's spelled it
Old 11-28-2011, 06:31 AM
  #15  
Chapter Leader
(Northeast Florida)
iTrader: (1)
 
gatrhumpy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Age: 44
Posts: 35,532
Received 1,652 Likes on 1,117 Posts
Originally Posted by WILLDOGS
What's an InfinitY ?
That's how an Infiniti salesman (StonedCL) spelled it.
Old 11-28-2011, 07:39 AM
  #16  
It's the Halladay season!
iTrader: (5)
 
hANDYcaptd's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Philly, PA
Age: 36
Posts: 4,533
Received 110 Likes on 87 Posts
Was this preventative maintenance? Or are OEM batteries getting less life nowadays? I just recently changed the original battery on my 02 TL...
Old 11-28-2011, 08:25 AM
  #17  
Rooting for Acura
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
knight rider's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Austin Burbs
Posts: 8,071
Received 1,765 Likes on 804 Posts
Originally Posted by hANDYcaptd
Was this preventative maintenance? Or are OEM batteries getting less life nowadays? I just recently changed the original battery on my 02 TL...
This was "preventative". It's getting cold in central Texas and when I went to start my car yesterday it turned over slowly. Just to make sure I turned it off and turned it back on. Same thing. I "prevented" being stranded.

I think so. That and from my understanding Infinitis OEM batteries don't last long at all. But, I have heard of other manufacturer's original batteries dying seemingly prematurely. I don't think it's premature though. I just think manufacturers go with the cheapest battery. It makes since for them financially. They don't pay much for the battery (lowering manufacturing costs) and they (may) get to make money on the replacement.
Old 11-28-2011, 09:11 AM
  #18  
99 TL, 06 E350
 
Black Tire's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Toronto
Age: 44
Posts: 5,030
Received 164 Likes on 110 Posts
Cars these days are very electronic heavy thus batteries die quicker, electronic die,etc.
I really enjoy my basic 99TL. Tires are cheap, cheap to maintain, easy to maintain, etc.

I read this article about the Audi Q7 and my jaw dropped:

http://www.wheels.ca/article/801104

In the case of this driver of a 2007 Audi Q7 sport utility, a leaking sunroof, electrical glitches, a broken armrest, big fuel bills and a weird MMI controller that flits between languages were enough to sour the experience.

Reportedly, the high-tech Multi Media Interface on the Q7’s centre console is averse to water. Even a spritz of cleaner is enough to send the electronics into convulsions that cost big bucks to resolve, frustrated owners noted.
Old 11-29-2011, 12:17 PM
  #19  
Chapter Leader (Southern Region)
 
Majofo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Waffles, BU
Posts: 88,888
Received 11,841 Likes on 8,573 Posts
cool story bro.
Old 11-30-2011, 11:04 AM
  #20  
Advanced
 
spg900ny's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Long Island, NY
Age: 55
Posts: 70
Received 19 Likes on 3 Posts
Originally Posted by SuperTrooper169
The battery on my MS6 isn't too burried, but I do hate having to reprogram the windows every time I disconnect the battery. It only takes a few minutes but it drives me crazy because I never remember until a day or two after I've worked on my car lol.
Nice to see an MS6 owner here. My biggest regret in my car buying/selling life is selling my MS6. I still miss it. What an awesome car. Wish Mazda would make a new one.
Old 11-30-2011, 11:40 AM
  #21  
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
 
JS + XES's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Socal
Age: 39
Posts: 20,301
Received 2,603 Likes on 1,571 Posts
hmmm mine's pretty simple to swap it out

must be the infinity
Old 11-30-2011, 12:01 PM
  #22  
Senior Moderator
iTrader: (2)
 
fuzzy02CLS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: South FL
Age: 48
Posts: 16,847
Received 223 Likes on 184 Posts
Try the 300M I had... It was in the passenger side fender. Under the wheel well lining. Had to take the wheel off to get to it.
Old 11-30-2011, 01:16 PM
  #23  
Moderator
 
ttribe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 15,289
Received 5,912 Likes on 2,913 Posts
Trunk here, and it's massive. Not to mention the fact that it has to be electronically "registered" with the on-board computer for anything to work upon replacement. Not a DIY project.
Old 11-30-2011, 01:50 PM
  #24  
Rooting for Acura
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
knight rider's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Austin Burbs
Posts: 8,071
Received 1,765 Likes on 804 Posts
Originally Posted by ttribe
Trunk here, and it's massive. Not to mention the fact that it has to be electronically "registered" with the on-board computer for anything to work upon replacement. Not a DIY project.


Originally Posted by fuzzy02CLS
Try the 300M I had... It was in the passenger side fender. Under the wheel well lining. Had to take the wheel off to get to it.
Old 11-30-2011, 02:00 PM
  #25  
Moderator
 
ttribe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 15,289
Received 5,912 Likes on 2,913 Posts
^^^I know. It's become ridiculous. Unless you're highly trained, the weekend tinkerer under the hood is dying off.
Old 11-30-2011, 02:36 PM
  #26  
אני עומד עם ישראל
 
Hapa DC5's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Los Gatos, CA
Posts: 9,860
Received 810 Likes on 522 Posts
Eh doesn't look too crazy to change my Infinity's battery? Remove cover, remove tie down, loosen connectors, remove battery, install new battery, reverse steps

I use to leave cars running when I changed out batteries, that way radio and navi codes are preserved along with auto window operations.
Old 11-30-2011, 02:52 PM
  #27  
Moderator
 
ttribe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 15,289
Received 5,912 Likes on 2,913 Posts
Originally Posted by Hapa DC5
I use to leave cars running when I changed out batteries, that way radio and navi codes are preserved along with auto window operations.
It never even occurred to me that you could do that.
Old 11-30-2011, 04:35 PM
  #28  
Senior Moderator
 
oo7spy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 31,897
Received 7,246 Likes on 4,857 Posts
You can always use jumper cables from your terminals to another battery while you swap out. I have successfully done it twice. It does make getting it out a little harder though.

My battery is also strapless.
Old 11-30-2011, 07:57 PM
  #29  
Rooting for Acura
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
knight rider's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Austin Burbs
Posts: 8,071
Received 1,765 Likes on 804 Posts
Originally Posted by Hapa DC5
Eh doesn't look too crazy to change my Infinity's battery? Remove cover, remove tie down, loosen connectors, remove battery, install new battery, reverse steps

I use to leave cars running when I changed out batteries, that way radio and navi codes are preserved along with auto window operations.
Try it. If you have a G37 Coupe you'll see. If you have a sedan it may be a bit different.
Old 12-01-2011, 01:23 PM
  #30  
Evil Mazda Driver
 
PortlandRL's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Portland, Oregon
Age: 37
Posts: 11,212
Received 174 Likes on 89 Posts
As I am currently employed by a Honda dealer, I get conned into doing wiper inserts, light bulbs and the like all the time and this is my current shit list...or, the list of cars whose engineers will get a swift kick in the nads from me if we ever meet.

Presenting the Runner-Up in the 'Bitch to Change a Headlight' category is.....
The 2003-2007 Accord for the driver's side.

This charming endeavor involves turning the wheels all the way to the right, removing a clip and pulling back the wheel arch liner. Then you must reach around a steel support bar and turn the bulb to remove after unclipping the power plug, something for which there is no easy way to achieve. More often than not, the screws that hold the bulb retention plate into the light assembly were over-tightened by the factory so you have to then loosen said screws in an area only large enough for one hand. Thus, there is no way to get a light in there so everything must be done by feel.

And the winner for 'Bitch to Change a Headlight' goes to....
The '05/'06 CR-V for the low beam bulbs.

It uses an impossible H1 bulb that refuses to stay put, is impossible to see if you've put it in upside down and makes use of a clip system that infuriates even our master technicians. And since they have VSA, there is literally no room in the passenger side of the engine compartment to get to the light. If you come in and ask for a CR-V with a low beam failure to have the bulb replaced, either ball it in with a service or prepare to wait at least 15 minutes.
Old 12-01-2011, 01:38 PM
  #31  
Advanced
 
spg900ny's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Long Island, NY
Age: 55
Posts: 70
Received 19 Likes on 3 Posts
Originally Posted by PortlandRL
Presenting the Runner-Up in the 'Bitch to Change a Headlight' category is.....
The 2003-2007 Accord for the driver's side.

This charming endeavor involves turning the wheels all the way to the right, removing a clip and pulling back the wheel arch liner. Then you must reach around a steel support bar and turn the bulb to remove after unclipping the power plug, something for which there is no easy way to achieve. More often than not, the screws that hold the bulb retention plate into the light assembly were over-tightened by the factory so you have to then loosen said screws in an area only large enough for one hand. Thus, there is no way to get a light in there so everything must be done by feel.
Pretty much the same procedure for changing a simple fog light in my old '03 Forester. Remove wheel and fender liner? Really? Come on.
Old 12-01-2011, 03:09 PM
  #32  
Suzuka Master
 
Mr Marco's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 8,490
Received 609 Likes on 493 Posts
Originally Posted by spg900ny
Nice to see an MS6 owner here. My biggest regret in my car buying/selling life is selling my MS6. I still miss it. What an awesome car. Wish Mazda would make a new one.
Fun, fast, maybe. "Awesome?" Not really. I don't miss my Speed 6. I especially don't miss the heavy clutch pedal that detracted from what should have been effortless driving. Not to mention the rather long shift gate. The seats were nice, but I always felt cramped width wise.
Happy 4G TL SH-AWD owner.
Old 12-01-2011, 03:38 PM
  #33  
Senior Moderator
 
oo7spy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 31,897
Received 7,246 Likes on 4,857 Posts
Originally Posted by spg900ny
Pretty much the same procedure for changing a simple fog light in my old '03 Forester. Remove wheel and fender liner? Really? Come on.
Same for the 350Z with Xenon bulbs. Front wheels and well liners must come off. Because the housing is behind the liner which may get cracked, there is a plastic housing around the bulb that is sealed to keep water out. I turned the screw on back of the housing at least 3 full turns to get it off and take out the bulb. When it went back on, 3/4 of a turn was sufficient to seal out water as it was TIGHT. At least an hour to change one bulb.
Old 12-01-2011, 04:00 PM
  #34  
Rooting for Acura
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
knight rider's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Austin Burbs
Posts: 8,071
Received 1,765 Likes on 804 Posts
Originally Posted by PortlandRL
As I am currently employed by a Honda dealer, I get conned into doing wiper inserts, light bulbs and the like all the time and this is my current shit list...or, the list of cars whose engineers will get a swift kick in the nads from me if we ever meet.

Presenting the Runner-Up in the 'Bitch to Change a Headlight' category is.....
The 2003-2007 Accord for the driver's side.

This charming endeavor involves turning the wheels all the way to the right, removing a clip and pulling back the wheel arch liner. Then you must reach around a steel support bar and turn the bulb to remove after unclipping the power plug, something for which there is no easy way to achieve. More often than not, the screws that hold the bulb retention plate into the light assembly were over-tightened by the factory so you have to then loosen said screws in an area only large enough for one hand. Thus, there is no way to get a light in there so everything must be done by feel.

And the winner for 'Bitch to Change a Headlight' goes to....
The '05/'06 CR-V for the low beam bulbs.

It uses an impossible H1 bulb that refuses to stay put, is impossible to see if you've put it in upside down and makes use of a clip system that infuriates even our master technicians. And since they have VSA, there is literally no room in the passenger side of the engine compartment to get to the light. If you come in and ask for a CR-V with a low beam failure to have the bulb replaced, either ball it in with a service or prepare to wait at least 15 minutes.
sounds more like this

Old 12-01-2011, 04:03 PM
  #35  
Moderator
 
Costco's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 29,869
Received 3,489 Likes on 2,089 Posts
I've never tried it on a newer car so I wouldn't know but wouldn't those memory savers keep all the settings? The ones where you hook up a 9V battery to your cigarette lighter or something?
Old 12-01-2011, 05:08 PM
  #36  
Suzuka Master
iTrader: (8)
 
StreetKA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Age: 37
Posts: 7,106
Received 574 Likes on 409 Posts
Relocate the battery to the trunk like i did
Old 12-02-2011, 05:46 AM
  #37  
אני עומד עם ישראל
 
Hapa DC5's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Los Gatos, CA
Posts: 9,860
Received 810 Likes on 522 Posts
Originally Posted by knight rider
Try it. If you have a G37 Coupe you'll see. If you have a sedan it may be a bit different.
You may be right. It's not like you have the most room available, but eh you do it every what three years?

Knock on wood my sedan's battery is still going strong.
Old 12-02-2011, 11:27 PM
  #38  
Advanced
 
spg900ny's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Long Island, NY
Age: 55
Posts: 70
Received 19 Likes on 3 Posts
Originally Posted by Mr Marco
Fun, fast, maybe. "Awesome?" Not really. I don't miss my Speed 6. I especially don't miss the heavy clutch pedal that detracted from what should have been effortless driving. Not to mention the rather long shift gate. The seats were nice, but I always felt cramped width wise.
Happy 4G TL SH-AWD owner.
Ha! I remember that clutch! That *was* frustrating sometimes, when you weren't *quite* paying attention... CCRRUNCH! The takeup was like an on/off switch. Clutch was either ON or OFF. I didn't find it overly heavy though. I liked it generally. Shift gate was shorter than my Saabaru 9-2X, so I didn't mind that either. I thought the seats were as good as in my Saab 9-5. Loved them.

It was quite a machine. Yeah, I'd say awesome, but that's just me. Maybe I'm remembering it over-fondly. I'd gladly take the Speed6 seats over the ones in my TSX wagon. I really don't like feeling like someone's kneeing me in the small of my back when I drive.
Old 12-03-2011, 10:58 AM
  #39  
Drifting
 
LaCostaRacer's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Carlsbad, CA
Age: 63
Posts: 2,499
Received 220 Likes on 180 Posts
Originally Posted by Costco
I've never tried it on a newer car so I wouldn't know but wouldn't those memory savers keep all the settings? The ones where you hook up a 9V battery to your cigarette lighter or something?
You can do something even simpler than this. Here's what I did a couple years ago:

1. bought one of those combo power sources from Costco- the one with jumper cables, air compressor, etc. Perhaps you or a neighbor already have one of these things- I use my pretty often as a compressor for tires.
2. the unit comes with a 12v male plug that you stick into your accessory outlet near radio
3. replace battery
4. unhook powersource

result: no codes to enter for radio/nav and no windows to program
Old 12-08-2011, 01:25 AM
  #40  
Evil Mazda Driver
 
PortlandRL's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Portland, Oregon
Age: 37
Posts: 11,212
Received 174 Likes on 89 Posts
Just remembered the King of PITA Service Items....

The S2000 for that itty bitty marker light on the grille edge of the headlight. It baffled myself, two other lot attendants, three techs and a service advisor before the customer finally caved and we spun it into the shop, put it up on the lift and took the wheel off to get the new bulb in.


Quick Reply: That's it. I'm never changing another car battery.



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:13 PM.