From www.boschautoparts.co.uk/pcBatt12.asp?c=2&d=1
In a recent Technical Service Bulletin from Ford (who have been using Calcium Silver since 1997 as OE), they have stated that due to the Smart Changing System (SCS) fitted to its vehicles ONLY Calcium Silver batteries can be used.
Fitting anything other than Calcium Silver could result in a severely shortened service life, increased warranty claims and could even cause explosions.
The following Ford models must ONLY be fitted with Calcium Silver batteries as stipulated by Ford Motor Company Ltd.
Model..... From
Mondeo.. June '98
Cougar.. June '98
Puma.... January '99
Transit. January '99
Escort.. January '99
Fiesta.. January '99
Ka....... January '99
Foc...... January '99
Fusion.. September '02
If I had not read the above, I would just buy a regular off the shelf battery to replace my existing one.
I guess I might need a new battery charger too.
Can anyone expand of the above info?
I called several motor factors and was not impressed with the replies to " Do you stock or can you get a Calcium Silver battery?"
I guess I will call GSF as they stock Bosch.
Today I am in the market for a Yaris battery as it just died with no warning. Halfords list only one battery for ALL models, all years of Yaris. My Toyota dealer was far from brilliant when I asked how much I was asked for the registration. I got a vague ...about £xx. I was not impressed. Do they have a variety of possible batteries?
Oh for a simple life!
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A google search turned up this:
www.autowired.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=10007
The charge/voltage characteristics of the battery differs somewhat from the previous car batteries and the car's charge control will have been adapted to suit it.
Thus fitting an old style battery could lead to it not being properly charged, or, perhaps,(?) even being over-charged.
However, I have yet to see some reference curves showing voltage against charge for the two types of battery. These would provide much more useful information.
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Thanks for the info:
I have now tracked down a Varta agent in my area.
I will compare their prices with my local Ford dealers re my Mondeo battery. I do not know how old the battery is but I prefer to be ready in case of an instant failure.
Re Yaris battery. There seems to be very little choice, a "standard battery" is all that is usually listed if any.
The only brands, I know, that I have found so far are Lucas from a well known secondary chain and Varta. So I will get a Varta.
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Bosch Silbers are Varta Silvers with a different label.
(Bosch don't make much these days - they're just a brand)
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This definately true as I tried to order the Bosch battery via my staff sales route and I was told that they rebadge Varta batteries. I was also told that they couldn't send me one as they were classified as too hazardous by their courier. Got told to buy a Varta battery as they are the same thing and cheaper than Bosch!
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306 2.0 SE Cabriolet
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Don't know where you live, but in the Midlands CAS factors sell Bosch Silver batteries at a very good price. I bought one last year for a Merc C-class and it was £32 inc.
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Don't know where you live, but in the Midlands CAS factors sell Bosch Silver batteries at a very good price. I bought one last year for a Merc C-class and it was £32 inc.
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I live in HJs neck of the woods. I had two prices quoted for Varta at the only outlet I could locate, £41 & £56 and that is for a small Yaris battery. I assume the specs are different. I want a trusted brand for my daughters Yaris, especially as she works shifts and drives alone.
I will tell her that is a good buy and it is free fitting too (by dad).
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Have you tried Costco - They sell the Bosch batteries at very good prices
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306 2.0 SE Cabriolet
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Aprilia,
Would you tell me where in the Midlands are CAS factors.
Couldn't find them on Google.
alvin
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Aprilia, Would you tell me where in the Midlands are CAS factors. Couldn't find them on Google. alvin
They have about 15+ branches across the East and West Midlands. Their website is:
www.central-auto.co.uk
They also stock adl-blueprint parts for Japanese cars.
Always double-check their prices though - like many of these places it depends who you get on the end of the phone. About a year ago I ordered a Nissan clutch cable from them and they tried to charge me more than the dealer! Told 'em what to do with it. They are cheap on most parts though, and stock Bosch Silver batteries at very good prices.
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Aprilia, Thanks for that..will make a note of them for when the wifes battery gives up the ghost. Its now over ten years old but surely won't last much longer.
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A bit more info. on Calcium-silver batteries: Ford put up the charging voltage from 14.4 volts to 14.8 volts for this type of battery. So an old type battery is unsuitable, as we suspected. Secondly chemists say there is a bit less than 1/3rd the amount of gassing on charge, so less water loss. Thirdly, one article alleged calcium-silver is/was a Bosch patent. If true it presents other manufacturers with a problem.
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