2 Batteries?

[2Smoke]

It seems my van has 2 batteries, I'd appreciate them if it wouldnt refuse to turn over some days until jump leade'ed, left me almost stranded in aintree yesterday. Tried the one off my other van and it starts ok.

Van is charging ok, dont think the connectors are shabby. Could it be the starter motor? Also why has it got 2 batteries? 1997 190 2.5

Cheers
paul

[MrMPuk]

2 batteries were an option when new.

[2Smoke]

Any idea why you would want 2 batteries? There doesnt seem to be any extra load on the van bar the 2 spotlamps fitted within the past year.

[MrMPuk]

It was an option, so it would have been the buyers choice not necessarily for any reason.

[oldsaltoz]

Any idea why you would want 2 batteries? There doesnt seem to be any extra load on the van bar the 2 spotlamps fitted within the past year.

Two batteries will give you more cranking power with two small standard units.

It sounds like your starter is OK but one of the batteries is on the way out, possible a dead cell drawing the rest.

Pop into any battery specialist outlet and they will test them for free. If nothing else this will eliminate one possible cause.

Avagoodweekend......

[4x4trannie]

Mine has 2 batteries. It is ex-police so had all the lights and that fitted but as mentioned helps with extra starting power (for cold weather). I had trouble with it at first - would not start or hold power because the batteries are linked in series and one battery water level was low and the plates had warped - got a new one and now is fine.

[MarkM]

I have just the one battery but on my last van the battery decided to die just outside of the years warranty took a charge but died within a day I had the alternator tested and the battery, alternator was fine but the battery had one bad cell even though the water level was correct, so it does happen. Get the alternator and batteries tested, most battery specialist shops do the test for free. Because of the aggravation I have seriously thought about simply buying one of the electrolyte testers as they aren't that expensive and the test is quick enough to do. The metering of the battery I can do but to be sensible I really need a good multimeter...might pick up a Fluke at a bootsale this summer if I am lucky enough.

[2Smoke]

Cheers, well stuck the varta off my other van and its still struggling in the mornings. I'll probably take the second battery off for a bit to see how it goes. Then will look at replacing it. Its charging fine but points a finger at a duff cell!

Thanks
Paul

[FredTransit]

I have heard the two battery thing called 'arctic spec'. Dunno if that's official!

[2Smoke]

I know its cold here in wales but that takes the pee

[AndyG]

What's wrong with having two batteries

They're brilliant

You get good cranking power in the middle of the coldest winter even if you haven't used the van for weeks. And that's with the alarm on Not to mention you can leave your lights on for hours and still start

And it's standard if you tick the Automatic option

I'm still on my originals

[oldsaltoz]

Well I'm not too sure about the Arctic bit, we don't even get frost in this part of Australia......

My 98 Smiley had 2 batteries from birth?

[AndyG]

Well I'm not too sure about the Arctic bit, we don't even get frost in this part of Australia......

My 98 Smiley had 2 batteries from birth?

You're well spoilt

I'm feeling green

[oldsaltoz]

Well I'm not too sure about the Arctic bit, we don't even get frost in this part of Australia......

My 98 Smiley had 2 batteries from birth?

You're well spoilt

I'm feeling green

Believe me there are times when I would love a bit of cooler weather, working (Waterproofing an external wall for a new home) a few months ago the temperature was 38C and the humidity 97%, in full sun in a 2 metre deep trench with not a breath of wind.

I stopped work 4 times to jump into the tranny air conditioning and a cool drink, a short burst of frost would have been fantastic.

[AndyG]

Well I'm not too sure about the Arctic bit, we don't even get frost in this part of Australia......

My 98 Smiley had 2 batteries from birth?

You're well spoilt

I'm feeling green

Believe me there are times when I would love a bit of cooler weather, working (Waterproofing an external wall for a new home) a few months ago the temperature was 38C and the humidity 97%, in full sun in a 2 metre deep trench with not a breath of wind.

I stopped work 4 times to jump into the tranny air conditioning and a cool drink, a short burst of frost would have been fantastic.

Not so green after all

Good job you've got the Aircon option