Battery problems?

The battery in my rice cooker, which powers the flashlight function, doesn't seem to be brand new anymore, and unfortunately, its exact age can't be determined while it's installed. It's a real piece of Japanese engineering, and the only thing legible on it is "12 V / 32 Ah." The battery is also quite small, more tall than wide, and has these thin, pencil-like terminals. The acidity level is okay, and visually, nothing unusual can be observed in the cells.

Besides the fact that the battery is likely already quite efficient for normal conditions, it may not be providing enough starting current. It probably requires a battery test to clarify the issue. My local repair shop doesn't have that equipment anymore, and in cases of suspicion, they simply order and install new batteries.

The battery seems to struggle noticeably when starting both the cold and warm engine, with the first two engine revolutions being noticeably slower. However, it starts perfectly fine. Right now, at least, with these summery temperatures.

Today, after three days of operation, the device "A1 411001 B4" malfunctioned and the yellow "EPS" light for the electric power steering illuminated. I read the OBD code, which showed: "Power steering, safety shutdown, intermittent error, power steering reactivated," with the following environmental conditions: "Error frequency: 1, Voltage: 8.85 V, Fault counter: 1." The power steering was reactivated while the engine was running.

"The 8.85 volts seem quite low to me, although I don't know where they were measured. It seems strange that the ground cable from the battery's negative terminal to the chassis, as well as the cable to the engine, are brand new. The cable from the positive terminal to the starter is old, but looks good. It's neither oxidized nor corroded, but it also seems quite thin compared to other cars." The power cables, in any case, are not very thick.

Okay, I'm going to try starting it with a second battery next time and compare the results. If it sounds significantly healthier, then I'll put in a new battery and stop searching for the problem. It could be two sizes larger (42 Ah) and still fit in the holder, which I now know. If that doesn't help, I'll check the wiring and measure it. The ground point on the engine is a stud on the engine block itself. It should be working. The grounding point on the body is simply a stud pressed into a side panel, but it also serves as the grounding point for the entire lighting system and the horn.

The 42A alternator from Nippon-Denso is small, but it apparently charges reliably. About two to three seconds after the engine starts, the regulator kicks in and immediately provides 13.8V (measured via OBD). A few minutes after starting the drive, the voltage reaches 14.0V, which increases to 14.2V after a few kilometers and remains there until the end of the journey. However, you can see every activated turn signal, every brake light, or whatever else is turned on. The voltage fluctuates within the range of 0.2 to 0.4 volts.

Is my error analysis correct, logical, or is it nonsense? Honest opinions are always welcome!

Quote:

The 8.85 V seem quite low to me, although I don't know where they were measured.

Measure the voltage drop at the battery when starting the engine. Is the voltage dropping too much? --> Replace the battery .

I would also check/measure the battery positive and ground connections for resistance and, if necessary, verschandeln the connections.

How much can the voltage of the battery drop during starting? Is a memory multimeter sufficient for this measurement?

Do you want to use the search function, or would you like to see /viewtopic.php?t=10964&highlight=battery?

Japsen batteries are known for their relatively short lifespan.
Around the age of 3-5 years, these [products] become unusable – it's time to throw them away. I don't bother with any tests or complicated experiments if they're older than 3 years; it's just a waste of time. You can use jumper cables and another car with a healthy battery to test if the starter motor is working. If it turns over, then you have your answer.
It can also be used for testing by connecting the starter cable ground to the engine and battery, and optionally connecting the positive cable to the starter and battery.
Build the biggest one that fits, and then look forward to a longer lifespan in the future.
Similarly, in Fiat cars, the batteries are often of very low quality and tend to have a short lifespan.

Okay, I guess I'll just have to replace it blindly. I just found a stamp marking "4707" with the flashlight. If that's the manufacturing date (like with tires), then it's really old and gray. I've emailed my battery supplier, and they're going to check what size batteries can be used as replacements.

Current status: The battery dealer wants to inspect the vehicle in person and will then decide what can be accommodated. Optionally, a battery test of the "old battery" can also be performed before or after.

While there aren't many options available in this exotic format anymore, the vast majority now come from Italy: "They don't cost much, but they should last a few years." It's important to know that Italian batteries often fail without any warning, while Japanese batteries, even when weakened, can last a long time.

Genuine Japanese batteries can last between 7 and 10 years if they are not stressed and are appropriately sized. However, even the 36 or 38 Ah versions cost between 80 and 110 EUR. He believes it's simply not worth it. A cheaper Italobattery, costing only 1/3 of the original price, will also last for four years.

Hi,

Sometimes they even last longer: The original battery of the Daihatsu Cuore (the little car with the 850cc three-cylinder engine) that my parents bought new in 1992 was still working perfectly well when the completely dilapidated car was scrapped in 2002, with approximately 120,000 km on the odometer.

Best regards,

Jan.

On Fridays, the battery would fail. The remaining power was enough for one cycle of the central locking system, including the turn signal confirmation, after which it would be completely drained. On Saturday, I (while riding my scooter) went to get a replacement and installed it today. The difference is noticeable; the new Banner Power Bull (45 Ah) starts the engine with an ease that I wouldn't have expected. The space it occupies fits perfectly, down to the millimeter. It's not possible to make it bigger without modifications.

On this occasion, I removed the rust from the corroded battery holder and then primed it before painting it silver. If you're already taking it outside...

P.S.: The stamp on the battery, labeled "Hi Dash," read "1003." This indicated that the battery was as old as the vehicle itself, meaning it would have celebrated its 10th birthday in two months. With what the thesis of the quickly dying Japanese battery received a counter-argument...

Here's an example of the starting procedure for a 2.0 TDI engine. The battery also drops significantly in performance, and it's not new anymore.

Oh dear! Thank you, Rainer! The battery will be put through quite a lot. Just for comparison, what components are used in the 2.0 TDI engines?

Hi,

Quote:

Just for comparison, what components are used in the 2.0 TDI engines?

Compared to the older TDI models, these cars have batteries that are like dollhouse batteries! I was quite surprised when the dealer pulled out the 61 Ah battery (which is in a protective casing) when I asked about it during the Octavia demonstration. My re-imported Ibiza from 2001 had a 70 Ah battery, and I later installed a 74 Ah battery in 2012. In the car buying advice thread, I had mentioned considering trading in my one-year-old 740 (for a new car), but I was advised against it, citing the onboard computer and the charging management system it controls.

Let's see how long this thing lasts.

Best regards,

Jan.

[Translating...]

380A / 80Ah

That doesn't sound very thin.

Hi,

80Ah? Which 2.0 model are you referring to? In your Audi?

At least Skoda is much more stingy with the battery capacity, offering only the aforementioned 61 Ah.

Best regards,

Jan.

By the way, I just learned something in another Japanese forum: It's even possible with even less battery power! A 1.1-liter (eight-valve) engine was started in a small car using a 22 Ah motorcycle battery. A 1.0 triangular file was sent out with a 30 Ah battery.