Citroen c5 x7 importance of good battery.

[10mbc]

I do have some weird issues with my 2003 first gen C5. I am thinking about getting a new battery but I don't like wasting money. My main issue is flickering lights and Economy mode appears pretty quickly.

[wheeler]

On a mk1 C5 economy mode activating has nothing to do with battery condition. A poor battery can cause flickering lights issue, the lights normally flicker a bit when the suspension pump kicks in, if the battery is weal it can be much more noticable.

[GiveMeABreak]

My MK II Exclusive battery gave out with no real warning at all. Went to start it one evening after finishing work and the dashboard instrument dials and lights lit up like a Christmas tree and my directional Xenon headlamps went schizoid, clicking and whirring.

Got a jump start from a colleague, stuck it on charge when i got home and replaced the battery the next day. So a weak battery can cause some worrying visual effects

[white exec]

For a few years now, have noticed that batteries die very suddenly and dramatically, rather than go into slow decline.
This has even showed up on cars which are not hyper-sensitive about reduced battery voltage (amonst other things).

Having said that, Yuasa YBX3096's have had a life of 5-6 years on our diesels, so can't grumble.

[10mbc]

I just found out my battery is 4 years old (found the date code under the handle) - it's a basic Bosch 74Ah. I got this car in September so it's only 2 months in my possession. Alongside the Economy mode that I would say kicks in well to early and the lights flickering, I cannot say I have issues. I did have one time and airbag error 4 days after I got the car but I turned the engine off and on again and it went away for good. Not 100% set on getting a new battery and I am not sure. What you reckon?

Options for battery around here are Exide, Macht, Banner and Bosch / Varta.

[GiveMeABreak]

The battery on these is probably only good for 5 years. I'd go for a YUASA battery - they are recommended by a lot of members here.

[10mbc]

Unfortunately, because of the high cost of Yuasa (about double compared to what I got) I bought an Exide 77Ah battery. No more flickering headlights for me Also, Economy mode does not shuts down everything after 5 minutes. Now it's the usual 30 minutes deal. Thanks all for the info!

[Gregor]

Don't pay too much for a battery. They all go "flat" after 3-4 years on C5X7. Bosch S5 series didn't last any longer than 3,5 years (2 in a row).

[vodnasol]

Hi all,
I will be changing my battery soon and was wondering if I need to tell the car there is a new battery with Lexia.

[Stickyfinger]

The "old" battery on my C5x7 is now on my XM 2.1td.....it is 10 years old and still in fine fettle.

Weekly trickle charging is the key when it was on the C5.

The battery on my Activa is of similar age, it spent one summer (Covid) being used in a field to power horse retaining electric fencing ! but is still OK.

[GiveMeABreak]

Hi all,
I will be changing my battery soon and was wondering if I need to tell the car there is a new battery with Lexia.

Not if you are keeping the same specification. Be aware that there are generally 3 levels of battery on the X7, each with a different specification and the Battery Charge Status Unit adjusts electrical management according to type.

If this is for your DW10BTED4 138 X7 then your original battery was a L3D 720/70A (Level 3)

[vodnasol]

Hi all,
I will be changing my battery soon and was wondering if I need to tell the car there is a new battery with Lexia.

Not if you are keeping the same specification. Be aware that there are generally 3 levels of battery on the X7, each with a different specification and the Battery Charge Status Unit adjusts electrical management according to type.

If this is for your DW10BTED4 138 X7 then your original battery was a L3D 720/70A (Level 3)

Hi, I checked and it is indeed set to 70Ah, but the previous owner had installed VARTA E44 77Ah and I also bought the same battery. Should I change it to L3 500 VARTA 75 Amp hours?

Currently with engine running the battery voltage is 14.2V.

[GiveMeABreak]

There are only about 3 possibilities for the type of battery - Level 1 to 3 if I remember correctly, and I think each option is pre-set - but I'm not 100% sure - though if that's the case, as long as you have the BCSU set to L3 you should be fine.