T4 TDI Battery

[idle79]

Hi Everyone,

I finally after lots of months looking have got a T4 TDI Caravelle (thats made the wife very happy as she hates driving the Patrol)

Am going through things a making sure all is 100%

First step Battery, trying to start cold I think the battery is on its way out, as it has a little struggle to kick over but have not put it on the multi meter before starting but will do that tommorow but its showing 12.16 V now and starting ok.

It's fitted with a CCA 680 RC RC140. Is this the battery that you guys are using?

Any recommendations?

Am going to hunt around for the biggest that will fit in the spot.

Thanks Simon

[Sunny43.5]

Its not the biggest battery you can fit , what you need you need the highest crank hours is what you really need . Diesels need crank power because of compression .

[Seano]

I think mine is a Century DIN65LMF if that is any help

[jets]

First step Battery, trying to start cold I think the battery is on its way out, as it has a little struggle to kick over but have not put it on the multi meter before starting but will do that tommorow but its showing 12.16 V now and starting ok.

The first step, before considering a new battery, is to establish whether the battery is fully charged. My van is fitted with an electronic anti-rust device that draws a fair current when van is not being used. I have to constantly monitor the voltage & many times have seen under 12V. A recharge brings it back to around 12.6V.
I replaced my battery with an Exide or Century,[ made in Asia somewhere].The DIN code is DIN65L[don't know the amp/hours or CCA] I paid $124 in 8/09. At the time I couldn't find a supplier for a better battery but I have since found that Imparts sells both the Bosch & Varta. I replaced a Varta with the VW Audi logo stamp in the top so it maybe the original. At the time my van was 8 years old. I have been told by the supplier of my new battery that I may get 3 years from it.
The larger size of battery is not necessarily going to last any longer & is only needed if the demand on it is higher than normal. I have found the standard capacity is OK for normal use.