Citroen Relay battery.

[Benita]

Can anyone tell me if the battery on my Citroen Relay Enterprise, 1st reg November 2010, is maintenance free or can it be topped up.
I have never checked the battery since I purchased the van in May 2014.
The reason I ask is that today it was reluctant to start.
It had not been used for 4 days and we have had sub zero temperatures.
When I start I always wait for the heater plug indicator light to go out but am wondering if it could be a problem with a heater plug.
Any suggestions?
Thank you
Benita

[Bick]

Some can if you remove the labels off the top of the battery you may see removable plugs - the battery is probably due a change any time now anyway but if you top it up you may get though this winter.

[van ordinaire]

& there was me thinking all batteries were maintenance free now - turns out it seems it's just that the ones that aren't are made to look like the ones that are, by covering up the plugs in the top-up holes. You live & learn!

[Benita]

Hi Bick
Thank you for the advice. The battery is under the floor inside the van and when I got to it there were no stickers and the cell caps were quite evident.
It is a Fiamm battery so I expect it isthe original. Removed the caps and checked and the levels were OK. Did a voltage check on the battery before starting the engine and it was only 11.6 volts rising to over 14 volts with the engine running, so there is nothing wrong with the charging system. Put the battery on a trickle charge and it took 24 hours to get up to 13 volts. Disconnected the charger 1 hour before starting the van and the voltage dropped back under 12 volts before starting Decided on a new battery, checked online and the best offer was from Halfords, a Yuasa 110ah battery on special offer for £125.
I will fit it tomorrow. Thank you for your interest and advice.
Benita

[Bick]

No worries Benita you will be fine with a Yuasa they are very good batteries

[wheeler]

Have to agree with Yuasa, definitely one of the top battery manufacturers out there.
Just check the cold cranking amps on it is at least the same as was originally fitted.
Cold cranking amps is far more important than the ah rating when selecting a car starter battery.

[Benita]

Hi Wheeler
The CCA of the Yuasa is 900amps. I don't know yet the CCA of the Fiamm which is fitted. I was planning to change the battery yesterday but it was too cold and today it is currently -2C . I have the van linked to a trickle charger so no starting problems at present but I will check the CCA when I remove it.
Benita

[wheeler]

Cant imagine the original is as much as 900 cca so you should be fine.

[Benita]

Hi Wheeler
Just a quick update. The Fiamm battery I have removed today is 12V 95AH 680A so as you say, the Yuasa should be much better.
Thnks for your interest.
Benita

[van ordinaire]

Considering the price, it ought to be much better.