Correct battery for Xantia HDI

[isisalar]

Hi chaps,
Need to replace the battery on a '99 Xantia HDI, Going on Eurocarparts recommendation I've ended up with a 62AH one which I'm thinking is not powerful enough, checking their website again it seems they've ignored the car being a diesel, manually putting in a diesel throws up other more powerful ones. GSF shows various ones up to 77AH. I'll exchange the 62AH as it's not fitted yet, can anyone please say what the 'official' rating is. I've been recommended Exide but the Duracell ones seem attractive, 5yr warranty, anyone tried them?
Thanks
Paul

[myglaren]

Have a look at The Battery Guys site.
Their recommendations are generally quite accurate.

[civvie]

Hi chaps,
I've been recommended Exide but the Duracell ones seem attractive, 5yr warranty, anyone tried them?
Thanks
Paul

Paul, although a bit off track, wifey needed a new battery for her laptop, first we got one of those cheap one off the Bay, didn't last long, next got a Duracell one, a bit dearer but it has lasted. Happy with it so far it has lasted a couple of years.

[old-un77]

powerguider.com are good for laptop batteries

[wurlycorner]

Service.citroen lists various options for that model (probably as they changed oem supplier every year). Can only see two different ratings though - 50AH and 60AH.

Yes - that's not a typo... It says you could use a 50AH!

[Stickyfinger]

Well I have a 55ah battery on my V6 ....works fine but I can confirm the C5x7 2ltrD does not like it

[myglaren]

I wanted a 75Ah Varta as that was what was originally fitted.
Got a 75 Ah Bosch (£53+VAT) and found that it comes from the same production line as the Varta, just different labels stuck on them.

[rory_perrett]

Unless you are going to leave the lights on then the Ah rating is less important than the cold crank amps (CCA). A diesel needs more short term oomph to turn the engine and get it started than a petrol. So a 50Ah battery with a high CCA would be more suitable for a diesel than a 75Ah battery with low CCA.

Also remember that "old" charging systems, like what is on the Xantia, may not be suitable for new technology silver calcium batteries where a higher voltage is required to properly charge them.

[isisalar]

If service Citroen, Battery guys and ECP all say 60AH is ok I'll stick with the one I've got. Thanks all for your feedback.
Cheers
Paul

[white exec]

Sorry, Paul, but 60Ah is only half the story. A capacity of 60-80Ah is fine, BUT you must - for a diesel - go for one with a high CCA (cold cranking amperage). Just look on the battery itself, it is always marked. For diesel, you should aim at a CCA of 600A minimum; 800A would be more than adequate.
You ought to get this right, or you'll be let down before long.

[Xantidote]

My Xantia TD has an Exide Premium 60Ah, 600 CCA, fitted 4 years ago. Has performed well, and without hiccup. Guaranteed 4 yrs, I suspect it is now not quite as good as when new. I'd fit the same again.

I think what you fit should to some degree be influenced by how long you intend keeping the car.

[RichardW]

I've got a 'Starting Bull' (yes, really!) on the C4 - was a bit sceptical but it's 700CCA and certainly spins it over well. Net research shows it's made by banner who are a reputable Austrian outfit. IIRC it was only about £60 a couple of years ago. Will probably get one for the 307 - it's starting to show signs of being reluctant on cold mornings if it's been stood over the weekend.

[harryp]

Go with "white exec" and get a high CCA battery. That's the only figure you want. Once engine is started, the actual capacity is immaterial - thats what the alternator is for; especially the 150 amps or so!!

[superloopy]

Got a 77AH Bosch Silver 5 in my V6. Goes flat every couple of weeks cos the car's not running so something must be eating juice at a fair rate while she's idle? Otherwise fine.

Sent from my LG-D855 using Tapatalk

[Stickyfinger]

It is why god invented the Lidl battery charger