hi guys

 

i had to buy a new battery today and managed to fit myself (not too good with car parts).

 

problem was the negative lead was not long enough.

 

to make the connection i had to detach the lead from the bolt that fixes it to the car?

 

is this ok? all seems to be working fine.

 

cheers

 

martin

 

Err No.

I'm amazed anything is working.

Get a longer lead.

 

Sounds like they sold you the wrong battery! The terminals should be the correct way round, and on the REAR of the battery.

A local motorist shop tried to sell me a battery with the incorrect terminals as well.

JEZ

 

What happens if you put the battery in the other way? I did this on my new one the other week - will the standard lead fittings still reach then???

 

No, because the +/- terminals will then be on the wrong sides for your leads.

 

Very important to not run the car with the earth strap disconnected. Assuming it will run, there must be additional earth wires connecting the battery indirectly to the body of the car. These will be MUCH thinner. The proper earth lead is thick because of the amount of current is drawn - particularly when starting but also when a lot of electics are in use (wipers / lights / demister / heater fan being the worst). If that level of current is drawn through the wrong bit of earth wire then it will either create fuse blows (preferred) or create a LOT of heat in the wrong wires and could lead to fire.

 

If you can't get the right battery then you can probably get hold of a longer earth lead from somewhere like Halfords.

 

Dave

 

thanks guys, sort of thought as much. will be returning the battery tomorrow.

 

also just like to say respect due to Craig and Nico for this forum. its nice for people like me who know jack about cars - let alone the z - to be able to get the right answers.

 

cheers and laters

 

martin

 

the shop could not have the correct battery but said that if I attach an earth strap line from the negative terminal to the body bolt all will be ok.

 

are they talking arse or is this acceptable?

 

cheers

 

martin

 

the point is you shouldnt have to do that you want a like for like battery and the shop has to now either give you your money back or supply the right battery

 

I agree with Tooley. the real solution is a different (i.e the correct) battery.

 

If you're new to Z's you'll soon figure out that getting anything for the Z is rarely simple. The car is pretty rare and most shops/mail order/ magazines do not cater for it. Be prepared to check and double check what the shop tells you.

 

This week i got a battery from ATS Euromaster in Eastleigh. Not the cheapest but I knew the brand (Exide) and the asst mgr there, Jason, was prepared to take time to get it right. Recommended.

 

Hi,

Yeah, make sure you get the correct battery(size/terminals/power)otherwise you don't know what other problems you may be storing up for the future.

The Z32 needs a powerful battery, just to start the engine...plus there are all sorts of sensors which can be unreliable in themselves, without any extra help from a dodgy battery.

JEZ

 

thanks

 

definately time for a refund. it's bloody annoying these places have this slap dash attitude, i don't think i'll be using them again.

 

martin

 

If they're prepared to give you the earth strap and the battery is otherwise OK and you got a good deal then may be worth it to save hassle ...