XK / XKR Battery Overview and Replacement
#61
ECU may have to 're-learn' your driving characteristics ?
So when/if my battery runs flat - The time for ECU to 're-learn' my driving characteristics is much longer than 10-15 km .. typical 250-300 km before it run normal again..
Is there a Way / tool to re- program ECU after battery disconnect , so I Can skib re-learn mode ?
Btw I have a XKR 99’ with 2006 4.2 Block .
Thanks
Is there a Way / tool to re- program ECU after battery disconnect , so I Can skib re-learn mode ?
Btw I have a XKR 99’ with 2006 4.2 Block .
Thanks
The following users liked this post:
Robban59 (12-17-2021)
#63
i have recently disconnected my Walmart 3 year old Everstart Max for well over a week after deep charging it with a 10 amp charger and it's been on a CTEK maintainer for 4 days. My Voltage is well over 12.66 after taking it off the maintainer, so I'm good to go again. This is my first time I have disconnected the battery for this long a period of time. I'm ok with resetting my seat and radio settings and relearning my driving style. What I'm really concerned about it the automatic window slight lowering when opening and closing the doors. Are those settings affected as well and will they need to be reprogrammed?
#64
If that doesn't work, then you probably have a bad window regulator or an obstruction in that window track. Ask me how I know, from 2011:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...bration-57518/
The following users liked this post:
bocatrip (05-26-2021)
#65
#66
#67
If the battery is off for an extended period, you may lose your Learned Driving Style and your Long Term Fuel Trims. Those relearn by themselves, and is sometimes beneficial.
Don't worry about the Battery System, it will relearn the new battery in a short time. Course, if you DO have availability of a system to reset the BMS, it won't hurt.
The following users liked this post:
juan gram (12-17-2021)
#69
ive got a problem with my XKR4.2 supercharged roof as will not operate due to message coming up hood open been told the battery is knackered and that’s the main problem also got told that there is a smaller battery in the motor somewhere but I can’t find it think the mechanic is having me over as says he don’t know where it is either have tried to manually drop the roof but only goes so far and stops don’t want to force it incase I break something asking all you experienced members if anyone knows why it’s doing this if I bought a brand new battery would this kinda help it out and is there a smaller second battery in her somewhere ????
thanks
howard hill
Last edited by GGG; 05-07-2022 at 05:59 AM. Reason: Clip the gigantic QUOTE
#70
Welcome to the forums Howard,
The vehicle only has one battery. Expected life is around five years and a failing or partially discharged battery is notorious for causing all kinds of weird electrical faults. However, an ill-informed mechanic can be even more of a problem.
I've never had a convertible and will leave it to members with this variant to advise on whether this issue is battery related, possible causes and solutions.
Graham
The vehicle only has one battery. Expected life is around five years and a failing or partially discharged battery is notorious for causing all kinds of weird electrical faults. However, an ill-informed mechanic can be even more of a problem.
I've never had a convertible and will leave it to members with this variant to advise on whether this issue is battery related, possible causes and solutions.
Graham
#72
Trick to remove battery - this one item has been missed by all accept Ngarara!
This saves so much pain and time, thank you! the battery in the convertible 2007 XKR is now much easier to replace.
#73
"Gentlemen do not motor around after Dark" Joseph Lucas, the Prince of Darkness.
Well, he's still around on British Cars !
If you browse this Forum, you'll see that the most commonly-occurring problem with the Jaguar X150-series of XK and XKR is the Battery.
The following information has been distilled from posts over the last few years:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...acement-54583/
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...lay-ups-73471/
Thanks to forum members Richzak, Clevername, Rscultho, Stuart S, WhiteXKR for their ideas, photos, and for reviewing this information. Mistakes are all mine tho !
And I suppose I should add the use-at-your-own-risk Liability Disclaimer here: As my Mother used to say to me: "Don't come running to me if you fall out of that tree and break your leg".
Symptoms:
Symptoms are 'weird things' happening - like:
* Touch screen 'freezes'
* One-touch window up/down is erratic (this was mostly a problem on the previous edition (X100) of the XK)
* 'BATTERY NOT CHARGING' displays in the Message Center between the Speedo and Tachometer.
The XK has 3 separate computer networks (High-speed CANBus (eg ABS), Medium-speed CANBus (eg wipers, lights) and MOST (Stereo/Nav) all sending messages to each other all the time. If any 'module' (basically a small computer) on any network gets a low voltage error, these messages get mangled or dropped and strange things result....
You should reasonably expect around 3 to 5 years life from the OEM battery, so if strange and intermittent problems are occurring, suspecting the battery is a good first step.
Start by charging it completely (see later for details). If that cures problems for a while, then they return, that is a good indicator of a failing battery.
Replace it before spending time and money chasing errors.
Battery Type:
The standard battery in the 2007-2010 XK is a Varta lead acid battery. The size is a 'Group 49' (that is an industry-standard size and mounting). It MUST be externally vented, because it is mounted inside the luggage compartment (see later).
However, numerous posters (Clevername, Rscultho) have had far better results with more advanced AGM batteries, and they are highly recommended.
However, there a Jaguar TSB (JTB00259) that instructs the Dealers to replace type-for-type, so that might constrain what a Jaguar Dealer will do.
Clevername posted:
Called Interstate tech support today. The Interstate AGM battery is MTP-49/H8A (the A designates AGM)
Note: According to Interstate, this is an older part number. The New number is MT5-49/H8
WhiteXKR found that Sears sell a Group 49 AGM battery, that fits the XK, even though their fitment chart does not list the XK.
AGM stands for Absorbed Glass Mat.
Basically a more refined version of the conventional lead-acid battery.
It has a similar kind of lead plates, separated by a fiberGlass Mat which Absorbs the sulphuric acid electrolyte.
They work in the same way as conventional (called 'flooded') lead acid batteries, but need a slightly different recharging profile for best efficiency.
Advantages:
* Sealed and don't leak, can be mounted inverted...
* Can accept a larger charging current
* Lower 'self-discharge' rate (ie if left unused they hold a charge longer)
* Usually higher capacity for a given size
Disadvantages:
* More expensive (25-50% more) Current prices at the Automotive stores (Firestone, Sears) seem around $200-$220 for an AGM vs about $130-$150 for the conventional Lead-Acid battery.
* Much harder to find...
For all those reasons, they're a much better solution for an infrequently used car, or one in a hot environment (evaporation of the electrolyte is slower).
Battery Replacement:
1. If there is any battery power at all, unlock the car to disable the alarm system (otherwise it will activate when you install the new battery !!).
2. Open the trunk.
3. For the Convertible only, raise the top, then remove the window-blind-like Luggage Separator from the front of the compartment. Better read the section in the owners manual and study the diagrams first: you have to tilt it towards the back of the car and pivot it out. (Owners Manual page 114).
4. Remove the floor panel over the spare tire.
5. Remove the four round plastic knobs at each corner or the vertical panel facing you at the rear of the compartment (the rear of the back seats) remove these by unscrewing counterclockwise and pull out.
6. The vertical panel will now come free when pulled to reveal the battery directly in front of you.
7. Disconnect Negative terminal (10mm bolt) on the left. (#1 in the photograph)
8. Disconnect Positive terminal (10mm bolt). (#2 in the photograph)
9. Pull the vent tube off, and save for the new battery.
10. Remove battery retaining plate (10mm security bolts x2) and swing aside. (#4 and #5 in the photograph)
11. Battery then simply slides out, new one slides in, and reassemble.
12. Ensure the battery terminal fit snugly all the way down (they are tapered) - there's a Jaguar Factory Service Message (SSM38790) suggesting this is a common cause of failure.
13. I always put some Vaseline or grease on the terminals afterwards to prevent corrosion
14. Don't forget to plug the vent hose into the side of the new battery – the battery MUST vent externally (even AGMs).
15. Reinstall the trunk liner, etc. For the convertible, reinstall the luggage separator. Ensure it is seated correctly - there is a microswitch on the LH side of the separator that will disable the convertible top open/close system if it is not located correctly (ask me how I know this.......)
16. You will probably have to reset some or all of these system due to loss of electrical power:
Electric Parking Brake (EPB). The message APPLY FOOT AND PARK BRAKE will be displayed when the ignition is next switched on.
Depress the foot brake and apply the parking brake. This is required to reset the parking brake system. The parking brake will now function correctly.
(Owners Manual page 139).
Power Windows anti-trap and one-touch open functions.
Ensure that the respective door is closed and, if fitted, the convertible roof closed.
Fully close the window, then release the switch. Again pull the switch to close the window and hold for two seconds.
Open the window fully and release the switch. Again press the switch to open the window and hold for two seconds.
Check to confirm the operation by opening the window and then use one-touch operation to close the window.
Repeat for the other window. (Owners Manual page 81).
The trip computer will lose all recorded trip data and all trip functions will be reset to zero. The vehicle total odometer reading is retained.
Reset the clock to the correct time (Owners Manual page 121).
Recalibrate the seat memory positions (driver and passenger seats) (Owners Manual page 119).
If the battery is disconnected for more than 72 hours, the radio preset channels will need to be reset.
If the convertible top does not operate (first check the luggage separator as mentioned above), you will need to manually fold it, which effectively resets it. According to the manual that's only an issue if power fails during operation.
The vehicle ECU may have to 're-learn' your driving characteristics
The engine electronic control system automatically adapts to certain characteristics of the vehicle.
When the battery is disconnected, these adaptations are lost.
On re-connection, therefore, some slightly abnormal drive symptoms may occur and the vehicle may need to be driven 16 kms (10 miles) or more while the control system re-adapts.
When the vehicle main battery is disconnected and then reconnected, the security system immediately returns to the state that it was when the battery was disconnected !
Note: Ensure that a SmartKey is available to disarm the system when reconnecting the battery. Either press the unlock button on the transmitter, or press the START/STOP button.
Battery Charging and Maintenance
If you use your XK daily for long drives, ignore this section. However, most of us use these vehicle somewhat intermittently...
First, always lock the car - even in the garage. Apart from being more secure, the onboard computer will shut down all systems after 6 minutes. If left unlocked, it takes 36 mins before it will shut down all the systems. Since these cars use SmartKeys, keep those well away from the car to keep it locked.
Jaguar has provided 'jump start' battery charging posts in the trunk.
The Positive one is in a compartment on the left hand side, behind a ribbed cover, as shown in two of the photos.
The Negative one is a bare stud under the trunk floor, next to the spare tire, as shown in another photo.
However, I only recommend using these terminals for jump starting or emergency battery charging.
To prevent future problems, use a low power battery charger. aka 'Battery Maintainer' 'Trickle Charger' or, to be really fancy, 'Battery Conditioner'.
Jaguar sell one for $100+ but Richzak has discovered that it is actually a CTek 3300, and about $20-25 less, and highly recommends it. As do several other Forum members - it gets good reviews.
It is also rebranded and sold by Porsche and Aston Martin for even more money.....
I use a Chargemaster 365 with good results, but several forum members have had mixed results with Battery Tender (Jr and Sr models).
Other members have used a BatteryMinder, and even a Solar Panel.
The auxiliary power socket (what was called the Cigar Lighter socket back in the non-PC days) is not live when the systems are shut down, so can't be used for charging.
I recommend connecting a battery charge lead directly to the existing threaded studs on the battery leads. I used a Battery Tender Ring Terminal harness with fused plug
(Amazon Battery Tender 081-0069-6 Ring Terminal Harness with Black Fused 2-Pin Quick Disconnect Plug) together with a Battery Tender 25ft extension cable (also available in 12.5 ft length)
(Amazon Battery Tender 081-0148-25 25' Quick Disconnect Extension Cable).
The Ring terminal harness attaches to the threaded studs on the battery leads with 2 * M8 (metric 8mm) nuts. It has a 7.5A in-line fuse and about 2ft of wire.
It plugs into the 12.5/25ft extension, and that easily reaches my charger. The cord easily passes under the weatherseal of a closed trunk, as shown in
the photo of the grey XK Portfolio. I keep the excess wire coiled in the spare wheel well.
Ensure the connector is insulated or covered when not in use, and this lead MUST be fused (and as close the battery as possible), since it is live at all times, and bypasses all the car systems....
I plug my maintainer in overnight, once a week or so, but some member (like Richzak and Stuart S) leave theirs plugged-in all the time.
And a final note: the Owners Manual specifically states to remove the battery before charging - probably because of the risk of outgassing of hydrogen from the battery and also the possibility of electrical surges.
Many of us have been using good-quality low-current chargers for years without any problems, but I would follow the Factory recommendation if you need to use a high-current (25+ Amps), or 'boost' charger. Actually, I'd try to avoid using boost chargers altogether - they tend to shorten the battery life.
Well, he's still around on British Cars !
If you browse this Forum, you'll see that the most commonly-occurring problem with the Jaguar X150-series of XK and XKR is the Battery.
The following information has been distilled from posts over the last few years:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...acement-54583/
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...lay-ups-73471/
Thanks to forum members Richzak, Clevername, Rscultho, Stuart S, WhiteXKR for their ideas, photos, and for reviewing this information. Mistakes are all mine tho !
And I suppose I should add the use-at-your-own-risk Liability Disclaimer here: As my Mother used to say to me: "Don't come running to me if you fall out of that tree and break your leg".
Symptoms:
Symptoms are 'weird things' happening - like:
* Touch screen 'freezes'
* One-touch window up/down is erratic (this was mostly a problem on the previous edition (X100) of the XK)
* 'BATTERY NOT CHARGING' displays in the Message Center between the Speedo and Tachometer.
The XK has 3 separate computer networks (High-speed CANBus (eg ABS), Medium-speed CANBus (eg wipers, lights) and MOST (Stereo/Nav) all sending messages to each other all the time. If any 'module' (basically a small computer) on any network gets a low voltage error, these messages get mangled or dropped and strange things result....
You should reasonably expect around 3 to 5 years life from the OEM battery, so if strange and intermittent problems are occurring, suspecting the battery is a good first step.
Start by charging it completely (see later for details). If that cures problems for a while, then they return, that is a good indicator of a failing battery.
Replace it before spending time and money chasing errors.
Battery Type:
The standard battery in the 2007-2010 XK is a Varta lead acid battery. The size is a 'Group 49' (that is an industry-standard size and mounting). It MUST be externally vented, because it is mounted inside the luggage compartment (see later).
However, numerous posters (Clevername, Rscultho) have had far better results with more advanced AGM batteries, and they are highly recommended.
However, there a Jaguar TSB (JTB00259) that instructs the Dealers to replace type-for-type, so that might constrain what a Jaguar Dealer will do.
Clevername posted:
Called Interstate tech support today. The Interstate AGM battery is MTP-49/H8A (the A designates AGM)
Note: According to Interstate, this is an older part number. The New number is MT5-49/H8
WhiteXKR found that Sears sell a Group 49 AGM battery, that fits the XK, even though their fitment chart does not list the XK.
AGM stands for Absorbed Glass Mat.
Basically a more refined version of the conventional lead-acid battery.
It has a similar kind of lead plates, separated by a fiberGlass Mat which Absorbs the sulphuric acid electrolyte.
They work in the same way as conventional (called 'flooded') lead acid batteries, but need a slightly different recharging profile for best efficiency.
Advantages:
* Sealed and don't leak, can be mounted inverted...
* Can accept a larger charging current
* Lower 'self-discharge' rate (ie if left unused they hold a charge longer)
* Usually higher capacity for a given size
Disadvantages:
* More expensive (25-50% more) Current prices at the Automotive stores (Firestone, Sears) seem around $200-$220 for an AGM vs about $130-$150 for the conventional Lead-Acid battery.
* Much harder to find...
For all those reasons, they're a much better solution for an infrequently used car, or one in a hot environment (evaporation of the electrolyte is slower).
Battery Replacement:
1. If there is any battery power at all, unlock the car to disable the alarm system (otherwise it will activate when you install the new battery !!).
2. Open the trunk.
3. For the Convertible only, raise the top, then remove the window-blind-like Luggage Separator from the front of the compartment. Better read the section in the owners manual and study the diagrams first: you have to tilt it towards the back of the car and pivot it out. (Owners Manual page 114).
4. Remove the floor panel over the spare tire.
5. Remove the four round plastic knobs at each corner or the vertical panel facing you at the rear of the compartment (the rear of the back seats) remove these by unscrewing counterclockwise and pull out.
6. The vertical panel will now come free when pulled to reveal the battery directly in front of you.
7. Disconnect Negative terminal (10mm bolt) on the left. (#1 in the photograph)
8. Disconnect Positive terminal (10mm bolt). (#2 in the photograph)
9. Pull the vent tube off, and save for the new battery.
10. Remove battery retaining plate (10mm security bolts x2) and swing aside. (#4 and #5 in the photograph)
11. Battery then simply slides out, new one slides in, and reassemble.
12. Ensure the battery terminal fit snugly all the way down (they are tapered) - there's a Jaguar Factory Service Message (SSM38790) suggesting this is a common cause of failure.
13. I always put some Vaseline or grease on the terminals afterwards to prevent corrosion
14. Don't forget to plug the vent hose into the side of the new battery – the battery MUST vent externally (even AGMs).
15. Reinstall the trunk liner, etc. For the convertible, reinstall the luggage separator. Ensure it is seated correctly - there is a microswitch on the LH side of the separator that will disable the convertible top open/close system if it is not located correctly (ask me how I know this.......)
16. You will probably have to reset some or all of these system due to loss of electrical power:
Electric Parking Brake (EPB). The message APPLY FOOT AND PARK BRAKE will be displayed when the ignition is next switched on.
Depress the foot brake and apply the parking brake. This is required to reset the parking brake system. The parking brake will now function correctly.
(Owners Manual page 139).
Power Windows anti-trap and one-touch open functions.
Ensure that the respective door is closed and, if fitted, the convertible roof closed.
Fully close the window, then release the switch. Again pull the switch to close the window and hold for two seconds.
Open the window fully and release the switch. Again press the switch to open the window and hold for two seconds.
Check to confirm the operation by opening the window and then use one-touch operation to close the window.
Repeat for the other window. (Owners Manual page 81).
The trip computer will lose all recorded trip data and all trip functions will be reset to zero. The vehicle total odometer reading is retained.
Reset the clock to the correct time (Owners Manual page 121).
Recalibrate the seat memory positions (driver and passenger seats) (Owners Manual page 119).
If the battery is disconnected for more than 72 hours, the radio preset channels will need to be reset.
If the convertible top does not operate (first check the luggage separator as mentioned above), you will need to manually fold it, which effectively resets it. According to the manual that's only an issue if power fails during operation.
The vehicle ECU may have to 're-learn' your driving characteristics
The engine electronic control system automatically adapts to certain characteristics of the vehicle.
When the battery is disconnected, these adaptations are lost.
On re-connection, therefore, some slightly abnormal drive symptoms may occur and the vehicle may need to be driven 16 kms (10 miles) or more while the control system re-adapts.
When the vehicle main battery is disconnected and then reconnected, the security system immediately returns to the state that it was when the battery was disconnected !
Note: Ensure that a SmartKey is available to disarm the system when reconnecting the battery. Either press the unlock button on the transmitter, or press the START/STOP button.
Battery Charging and Maintenance
If you use your XK daily for long drives, ignore this section. However, most of us use these vehicle somewhat intermittently...
First, always lock the car - even in the garage. Apart from being more secure, the onboard computer will shut down all systems after 6 minutes. If left unlocked, it takes 36 mins before it will shut down all the systems. Since these cars use SmartKeys, keep those well away from the car to keep it locked.
Jaguar has provided 'jump start' battery charging posts in the trunk.
The Positive one is in a compartment on the left hand side, behind a ribbed cover, as shown in two of the photos.
The Negative one is a bare stud under the trunk floor, next to the spare tire, as shown in another photo.
However, I only recommend using these terminals for jump starting or emergency battery charging.
To prevent future problems, use a low power battery charger. aka 'Battery Maintainer' 'Trickle Charger' or, to be really fancy, 'Battery Conditioner'.
Jaguar sell one for $100+ but Richzak has discovered that it is actually a CTek 3300, and about $20-25 less, and highly recommends it. As do several other Forum members - it gets good reviews.
It is also rebranded and sold by Porsche and Aston Martin for even more money.....
I use a Chargemaster 365 with good results, but several forum members have had mixed results with Battery Tender (Jr and Sr models).
Other members have used a BatteryMinder, and even a Solar Panel.
The auxiliary power socket (what was called the Cigar Lighter socket back in the non-PC days) is not live when the systems are shut down, so can't be used for charging.
I recommend connecting a battery charge lead directly to the existing threaded studs on the battery leads. I used a Battery Tender Ring Terminal harness with fused plug
(Amazon Battery Tender 081-0069-6 Ring Terminal Harness with Black Fused 2-Pin Quick Disconnect Plug) together with a Battery Tender 25ft extension cable (also available in 12.5 ft length)
(Amazon Battery Tender 081-0148-25 25' Quick Disconnect Extension Cable).
The Ring terminal harness attaches to the threaded studs on the battery leads with 2 * M8 (metric 8mm) nuts. It has a 7.5A in-line fuse and about 2ft of wire.
It plugs into the 12.5/25ft extension, and that easily reaches my charger. The cord easily passes under the weatherseal of a closed trunk, as shown in
the photo of the grey XK Portfolio. I keep the excess wire coiled in the spare wheel well.
Ensure the connector is insulated or covered when not in use, and this lead MUST be fused (and as close the battery as possible), since it is live at all times, and bypasses all the car systems....
I plug my maintainer in overnight, once a week or so, but some member (like Richzak and Stuart S) leave theirs plugged-in all the time.
And a final note: the Owners Manual specifically states to remove the battery before charging - probably because of the risk of outgassing of hydrogen from the battery and also the possibility of electrical surges.
Many of us have been using good-quality low-current chargers for years without any problems, but I would follow the Factory recommendation if you need to use a high-current (25+ Amps), or 'boost' charger. Actually, I'd try to avoid using boost chargers altogether - they tend to shorten the battery life.
#74
so i installed the battery in the 2007 XKR Convertible, and on the wire harness that goes across the bottom, there is a two wire extension that ends in a white plug. I cannot see where to plug this in, Please can anyone show me where in a picture or point me in a direction, I will not connect the + side until I know just in case it could damage the car. Please help
Read this:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...attery-279459/
Last edited by McJag222; 07-25-2024 at 07:08 PM.
The following users liked this post:
Jonesjag (07-26-2024)
#75
That plug is only used for delivery - no need to do anything with it. Tie wrap out of the way and forget about it.
Read this:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...attery-279459/
Read this:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...attery-279459/
#76
consolidating thread on White plug wire in trunk
Thanks to McJag222 The White Plug on wiring harness is answered.
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...attery-279459/
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...attery-279459/
#77
Note that the undated lengthy post quoted in Post 73, above, authored by JeremyB is not entirely accurate. It appears to have been written in 2010.
1. The first inaccuracy is: "To prevent future problems, use a low power battery charger. aka 'Battery Maintainer' 'Trickle Charger' or, to be really fancy, 'Battery Conditioner'."
Terminology matters. A trickle charger is not the same thing as a battery maintainer or battery charger.
You don't want to use a trickle charger. That's a "dumb" device that charges constantly, with no electronics to determine the rate and level of charge. It can overcharge a battery, cause the electrolyte to boil out, and destroy your battery.
You want to use a Battery Maintainer because it's a smart device that includes electronics that constantly monitors the battery to determine the rate and level of charge. When fully charged, it will go into "float mode" and deliver a "pulsed" charge to keep the battery topped off and fully charged. I recommend the CTEK brand of battery maintainer. I have two, and leave them connected to my XKR and XJ whenever parked in my garage.
Note that a battery maintainer won't jump start a dead battery because that's not what it was designed to do. Battery maintainers produce only around 4 amperes, and you'll need at least 10 amps to jump start a dead battery. For that you'll need a real Battery Charger.
2. The second inaccuracy is: "I recommend connecting a battery charge lead directly to the existing threaded studs on the battery leads." That's OK for 4.2L models, but not for 5.0L models.
The Battery Monitoring Module was introduced in 2010 with the 5.0L models. For 5.0L models, the negative battery maintainer pigtail MUST be connected to a chassis ground and not directly to the battery negative terminal. Otherwise, damage can occur to the Battery Monitoring Module that is attached to the negative battery terminal.
3. The third inaccuracy is: "I only recommend using these [remote battery] terminals for jump starting or emergency battery charging." My CTEK battery maintainer has been connected to my XKR's remote battery terminals using alligator clips with no problems. There's no need to access the battery directly in order to keep it charged with a battery maintainer. The remote battery terminals are fine, even with the 5.0L, since the negative remote terminal in the trunk is a chassis ground post.
1. The first inaccuracy is: "To prevent future problems, use a low power battery charger. aka 'Battery Maintainer' 'Trickle Charger' or, to be really fancy, 'Battery Conditioner'."
Terminology matters. A trickle charger is not the same thing as a battery maintainer or battery charger.
You don't want to use a trickle charger. That's a "dumb" device that charges constantly, with no electronics to determine the rate and level of charge. It can overcharge a battery, cause the electrolyte to boil out, and destroy your battery.
You want to use a Battery Maintainer because it's a smart device that includes electronics that constantly monitors the battery to determine the rate and level of charge. When fully charged, it will go into "float mode" and deliver a "pulsed" charge to keep the battery topped off and fully charged. I recommend the CTEK brand of battery maintainer. I have two, and leave them connected to my XKR and XJ whenever parked in my garage.
Note that a battery maintainer won't jump start a dead battery because that's not what it was designed to do. Battery maintainers produce only around 4 amperes, and you'll need at least 10 amps to jump start a dead battery. For that you'll need a real Battery Charger.
2. The second inaccuracy is: "I recommend connecting a battery charge lead directly to the existing threaded studs on the battery leads." That's OK for 4.2L models, but not for 5.0L models.
The Battery Monitoring Module was introduced in 2010 with the 5.0L models. For 5.0L models, the negative battery maintainer pigtail MUST be connected to a chassis ground and not directly to the battery negative terminal. Otherwise, damage can occur to the Battery Monitoring Module that is attached to the negative battery terminal.
3. The third inaccuracy is: "I only recommend using these [remote battery] terminals for jump starting or emergency battery charging." My CTEK battery maintainer has been connected to my XKR's remote battery terminals using alligator clips with no problems. There's no need to access the battery directly in order to keep it charged with a battery maintainer. The remote battery terminals are fine, even with the 5.0L, since the negative remote terminal in the trunk is a chassis ground post.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
06-XJR
XJ XJ6 / XJ8 / XJR ( X350 & X358 )
16
07-05-2016 11:13 AM
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)