VE Calais Battery Drain - Best fix?

[BFG9K]

G'Day folks, I just got my first real car, a 2007 Calais which I adore. However I have the apparently widespread Battery Drain issue with my car, if I have the radio or the lights on while the car is off, 5 times out of 10 the car will not have enough juice left to crank. I've resorted to carrying around a battery booster in the boot, but I really want to get this permanently fixed.

I plan to get a new battery, but I was reading into the software upgrade Holden released to fix the issue as well. I was hoping there was some way I could upgrade it myself, as I live in the country and all my local mechanics don't offer computer upgrade services, they only fix mechanical problems.

What battery should I get and would that fix the problem anyway? I'm willing to spend more for a longer lasting/heavier duty battery if it means that the car will always start.

Thanks

 

[ChRiDDa]

You've got the right idea with getting a new battery - Truth be told, it's probably the original! As for good quality batteries, I'd either look at the Century or the AC Delco (original fit).

Regarding the software update, I'm not sure what's available, but it can't hurt when your're next in town that has a dealership to pop in and ask for the upgrade

 

[mantaray56]

Typical issue, just make sure you lock the car at night otherweise electronics will keep drawing power. This is an issue with all modern cars , in hact Porsche Ferrari range Rover etc supply a Ctek charger kit permanently connected so they can be hooked up to power now and then. Do this myself after getting Battery replaced, never had an issue since( probably didn't need Ctek 5.0 but I hate flat batteries).

 

[BFG9K]

You've got the right idea with getting a new battery - Truth be told, it's probably the original! As for good quality batteries, I'd either look at the Century or the AC Delco (original fit).

Regarding the software update, I'm not sure what's available, but it can't hurt when your're next in town that has a dealership to pop in and ask for the upgrade

What size Battery should I get? I've got no idea what size suits what car, never owned a modern car.

 

[commodore665]

The dealership you use will give you the best option , i would replace it with the same sort that they fit from factory

welcome in as well mate -:beer chug: let the good times roll .

 

[Nfsve]

Id buy a new factory battery. If your going to leave the car unused for longer than a couple of days, disconnect the battery.

 

[Reaper]

G'Day folks, I just got my first real car, a 2007 Calais which I adore. However I have the apparently widespread Battery Drain issue with my car, if I have the radio or the lights on while the car is off, 5 times out of 10 the car will not have enough juice left to crank. I've resorted to carrying around a battery booster in the boot, but I really want to get this permanently fixed.

I plan to get a new battery, but I was reading into the software upgrade Holden released to fix the issue as well. I was hoping there was some way I could upgrade it myself, as I live in the country and all my local mechanics don't offer computer upgrade services, they only fix mechanical problems.

What battery should I get and would that fix the problem anyway? I'm willing to spend more for a longer lasting/heavier duty battery if it means that the car will always start.

Thanks

If it's the original battery then by now it'd be expected to be on borrowed time so a new battery wouldn't go astray. To check the broader issue, connect an inline ammeter to the battery and measure the current draw when the car is switched off and get back to us with the current being drawn. (disconnect the boot light if there is one as that will give you a false positive).

What size Battery should I get? I've got no idea what size suits what car, never owned a modern car.

Id buy a new factory battery. If your going to leave the car unused for longer than a couple of days, disconnect the battery.

For me - I'd buy the biggest CCA battery that fits the car that I could find (matter of fact, that's exactly what I did with the E3). The OEM batteries were (just) sufficient to do the job but nothing more. A higher capacity battery will give you longer time before you won't be able to start the car and there is no down side to it other than more $$$.

The dealership you use will give you the best option , i would replace it with the same sort that they fit from factory

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHA Oh ****.... There is one born every minute :lmao:...... Go see a battery specialist who should be able to give you an informed opinion if you are unsure yourself.

 

[SSVSE]

I had the same problem as the op . It turned out to be a faulty switch in the driver door lock . Holden replaced it and i havnt had a flat battery since.

 

[VS_Pete]

For me - I'd buy the biggest CCA battery that fits the car that I could find (matter of fact, that's exactly what I did with the E3). The OEM batteries were (just) sufficient to do the job but nothing more. A higher capacity battery will give you longer time before you won't be able to start the car and there is no down side to it other than more $$$.

+1

On the VS 460cca so I put a 650cca in so much better.
When the time comes for the VE I will do the same