VE V Calais Battery

[kyone]

I've just come from the drive in movies where my battery went flat after watching just one movie using the car audio system. Well not flat.. just flat enough such that I could not start the car !

I know Calais have battery lasting issues but really 90 min of radio !! The key was on the accessories only.

During the movie I opened and closed the doors a few times (interior lighting) and put down the two back windows.

Previously my car warned me that the battery was going flat but I think if you have it on accessories only (on the key ignition) then this feature might not be enabled ? Can anyone confirm this ?

Is 90 min of listening to radio causing the battery to go flat to be expected ? Do I need to replace my battery ?

[VIC_VE]

In the CalaisV I'm pretty sure while in accessories the factory amplifier is also on so its possible, depends on how loud you had it as well. Although normally 90 mins of radio (1 1/2hrs) should be okay I know in a factory Calais its fine, but with amp and extra power required to feed the inbuilt subwoofer you never know. Your profile says 2007 model, if it the battery hasent been changed yet and its very much on 2012 you VERY due for a battery change anyway and should be done or else you will get caught with a flat battery at the worst time ever so for $150 get a new battery put in and if you want spend an extra $30 and get a slightly larger capacity one they fit straight in the shell that's in the boot. 2 years is a good lifespan, batteries now days can go up to 4 years but if you rely on your car alot and do alot of short trips I advise 3 year changes.

[kyone]

Thanks for that VIC_VE

I only bought the car 6 months ago second hand.. not sure if the battery has been replaced since or not.

My car does have and amp and sub.. the volume was set to relatively low.

My understanding is that you cannot put a larger capacity battery in as the charger is only designed for the standard size battery. So if you put in a battery with 20% more capacity it will only fully charge to 80%. Others have tried just this only to find out it was to no benefit.

I'm grateful it was at a drive in.. they must have this problem all the time.. the projectionist came out with a unit that attached to the terminal under the bonnet and it started right away !

[womble66]

3-4 years is what yiu seem to get out of a battery in these cars. as you have had a warning about a flat battery you probably need a new one to be safe. look for a EXIDE Performance Plus 55H as the standard replacement battery at a cost ~$150 from some places. Holden charge about $250 for the same 460CCA batteryand I think they come from the same factory as they look identical except for the label. If you going a bigger battery e.g. 600CCA then you will need the cars computer to be reprogramed to ensure it charges correctly as you have stated above.

[VIC_VE]

My understanding is that you cannot put a larger capacity battery in as the charger is only designed for the standard size battery. So if you put in a battery with 20% more capacity it will only fully charge to 80%. Others have tried just this only to find out it was to no benefit.

I didn't know this, I will have to take my car in to Holden to get the change done on the computer then. Cheers

[RiCeY]

You cant reprogram the car to suit a different size battery, theres no option to do this. The not charging to capacity claim is a myth as the car has no way of know what capacity the battery is, it simply charges it till its at the correct voltage.

[womble66]

interesting...............never done it but I believe you due to your job.
I am amazed that this is what the NRMA battery service tell their members when they offer them the 600CCA battery?

[RiCeY]

The only reprogramming option is for Police cars that have 2 batteries.

[Onelittledeafman]

I just bought a new battery for my 06 Calais V 2 weeks ago from Holden and it cost $150 fitted but shop around another Holden dealer in my area wanted to charge me $170 just for the battery!!!!