After straightening out just about every other problem with my Jag, the battery is stone cold dead and wont even charge enough to eject the CDs.

The battery is a 900CA Group 93 battery. I called Advance Auto Parts and they list a different group-size number with a similar amp rating. However, the man said their computer system says the OE battery spec is 680CA. Does anyone know if this is correct?

Also, this is the first vehicle I have ever seen with a vent tube for the battery. What is this for? Can I use an unvented battery in its place if the amperage is sufficient?

If the car only needs 680CA, I should be able to fit something in there for much less than the $140 900CA unit.

Thanks!

 

680? That doesn't sound right. The vent tube is a MUST as you don't want your battery off gassing in the boot/trunk. I don't skimp on batteries, tires, fuel or oil.

 

Advance Autoparts website shows three battery sizes that would fit, size 93 (825CCA), size H8 (850CCA), and size 49 (900CCA). A battery with only 680CCA likely wouldn't work, at least not for long.

 

You might be able to find a coupon code for 30 or 35% off large buys like that battery. I ended up buying the most expensive (AGM) battery they listed as compatible, which was 850 CCA, for less than the price of the cheapest "silver" level lead-acid. Low battery voltage causes havoc on the Jag computers, you'll be chasing ghost error codes forever, so it's worth going for the proper battery.

 

They had a list of 3 or 4 in the store, all in the 800's and up as far as CCA goes. The computer did say however that the 680 is the factory battery rating. I was just wondering if anyone knew what the OE spec for these cars is. That sounds low to me too, especially with how temperamental the car is about starting without a good charge.

I am going to take a trip to a junkyard across town tomorrow to follow up on a newspaper ad for $30 used batteries with some sort of guarantee. I called and they said they have a selection of 93's to choose from. I don't have a lot of money to keep putting into this car and at this point I am going to try to sell it, but I need it to start.

 

The battery you need is called H8.
Group 49 or MB 88 are all the same physical size.

Jaguars recommendation from years ago.

bob

 

FYI, in researching batteries suitable for the high charging voltages in X350s, our member Box discovered the Exide Global Extreme batteries (also branded Exide NASCAR Extreme), available from of all places, Home Depot.

The stated specs for the Group 49/L5/H8 size are 900 CCA at 0F and 1080 CCA at 32F, and the retail price is just $119. So far I've put these in two X350s, an XJ40, and a Mini Cooper, all with excellent results. Seems like an excellent battery for the money (typical disclaimers, no affiliation, etc.):

Exide Extreme L5/49 Auto Battery-L5/49X - The Home Depot


Since Bob uploaded the Jaguar TSB on Interstate Batteries, I'll mention that Interstate is an excellent company that offers great batteries and great service, but they're not a manufacturer; most of their batteries are made by Johnson Controls, which, along with Exide and East Penn, manufacture virtually all of the auto batteries sold in the U.S., including NAPA, DieHard, Duralast, Duracell, EverStart, Autocraft, ACDelco, SuperStart, Motorcraft, etc. Johnson Controls owns Optima and also Varta, which made the OE batteries for the S-Types and X350s for many years made lead-acid auto batteries for Bosch.

Cheers,

Don

 

I ended up with a used H8 for $30. Its a Duralast Gold and comes with a 30-day warranty from the junkyard.

Thanks everyone!

 

As much as our cars absolutly hate low battery power, I think I would have sprung for a new one.

Low battery voltage will get you all kinds of problems from restricted performance to failure of the many computer controlled systems in the car.

Just because the battery has enough power to start the car doesn't mean it has the juice to run all the computers she is hiding on board.

But......it's your dough and your car so happy motoring!
Vector