What is the factory battery lifespan of the FR-S?
 

Background: I own a 2014 FR-S that was purchased in Sept 2013. I'm a light driver in the Pacific Northwest.

- Battery died yesterday after leaving it parked for some time.
- Jump started and drove around for 30 minutes at night with headlights and AC on.
- Went home and parked it for the night.
- The next day around noon, I tried to start the car, and it doesn't work.

Seems to me like a 30-minute drive should've gave it enough juice to start again.

Or maybe the battery has just outlived its usefulness in early 2019?

Yep, you need a new battery.

Yeah sounds about right. I got about 5 years worth of life. Mine died in the fall of last year.

They are crap. I got less then 3 years out of my OEM one, and the replacement seems to be on its way out 3-4 years later.

Mine lasted only 2.5 years, they don't last long in the Florida heat lol.

I believe they are 4, maybe 5 year batteries, so you got good life.

Original Aug 2013 battery, still going strong. Never left me stranded. If I feel like I need more power, I will turn off fan, radio, lights, and unplug accessories before cranking.

I bought my FR-S in Sept 2013.

What are your driving habits?

I've read that light drivers like me who do short trips on average are likely to have shorter battery lifespans.

However long it takes for the warranty to run out.

Mine lasted about 5 years

It'll vary based on climate and driving habits.


I'm right above the Pacific Northwest and mine's still going. Purchased in January 2014; August 2013 build date.

Got a little over 3 years out of my OEM battery.

It depends. For me it was 1.5 years.

Yup, mine died at 3 years.

Mine just died this year too. MY2012

Hi ya, tzhu07.

First off, if your battery runs all the way down, driving around for a while will not usually bring it back up to speed. For that to happen, it needs to be put on a charger.

Secondly, if your older battery would not start the car, after only the car had not being driven for a while. it's most likely time for a new battery.

The battery in my 2013 FR-S is starting to slow down. I'm also a light driver in the PNW (many short drips a week).

So, enjoy your new battery - :)


humfrz

I should also note that in addition to not driving the car in a while, I also have a Metromile Pulse device that is always plugged into the OBD-II port. I believe this gradually saps the battery even when the car is off.

Technically, I'm not allowed to unplug this device unless the port needs to be used for something else, like diagnostics.

I'll look into some standalone battery chargers and see if those work.

According to their web site:


"6. Will the Pulse drain my car’s battery power?
The Pulse device should have little to no effect on a healthy car battery. Even if your car isn’t being driven, the pulse will not drain a healthy battery for several months."


I would suggest that you give your fresh battery a go first.

OR you could hook up your car to a "battery tender".

Personally, I don't like to leave things plugged into my car's OBD-II port.

(I never know when some jealous husband from my past may be tracking me - :eyebulge:)


humfrz

Mine was getting pretty weak this year so I replaced it. Still started decent in temperatures above 50 degrees. 6 years is good life for any battery that's not sealed in a trunk.

I just went out and purchased a standalone battery charger for $60+tax at my local auto shop. I'm going to give this a shot first.

If it doesn't work, I'll just get a new battery.

Yep like Humfrz said up there, you can't just jump it, drive it and you're good to go. After it gets drained like that it needs to be slow charged for like 12 hours.
It will never be 100% but that is the proper way to do it. I've already ran mine dead 3 times from the trunk light being left on and did an overnight slow charge
and I'm still going. You already got the charger which is good to have anyway to trickle charge every now and then for maintenance.

Now comes the physical part, where I have to detach the battery from my car, and haul it several floors up to my apartment. :(

We don't have wall outlets in the underground garage.

I hear these things weigh like 40 pounds!

The higher up you carry it, the heavier it gets....:D

If have to just grab hold of it to carry it, don't wipe your hands on your pants.

While you have it in the light, you might as well check the electrolytic level. Add distilled or deionized water ONLY, if necessary.

If the battery is grubby, clean it up with water and baking soda.

Clean the battery posts and cable ends prior to re-installation.

Let's hope it gets revived.


humfrz

Some people don't think chimistry be like it is, but it do.

Battery Tender's can do a good job of getting some extra use out of a battery.

Battery Tender

Yeah, that's the brand I ended up buying:

https://i.imgur.com/Zvk1nr3.jpg

Battery is out of the car, moved into my 3rd floor apartment unit, and is being charged right now.

Thoughts and prayers...

Thoughts and prayers...

Thoughts and prayers...

https://i.imgur.com/Rqbmsel.jpg

Mine was replaced when I brought it second hand...a buddy that was a early adopter (2013 BRZ) bought new just replaced his at six plus years

March '13.
Still with the original Panasonic.
When it goes, it goes. Time enough for another then.
Cranking right over at 42deg the other day.
We haven't got into freezing temps yet this year.

i have a 2015 on a stock battery. it's not my DD and I noticed the past couple weeks its taking an extra second or 2 to start. I figured the batt is on the way out and have started looking at braille batteries

If it's not a DD it would be a good idea to get a battery tender.
Both my motorcycles get plugged in for the winter.

i would love to but living in an apartment it's not an option:(

My Monogram is still on the original battery. Almost 5 years now. I'm pretty impressed.

The biggest factor IMO is parking my car indoors, especially overnight.

UPDATE:

Waited 24-30 hours for the Battery Tender to fully charge the battery.

Reinstalled battery into FR-S.

Started up just fine. No stuttering before it fires up.

Then I made a short trip to the grocery store, another short trip to the car wash, and then a longer trip to another grocery store. Each time I started the car, it was fine.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

Thanks to those in this thread who made great suggestions!
:thanks:

Mine lasted for almost 4 years. I used battery charger almost everyday in the winter when it was on its last leg.

Still on my original battery from 2012. Noticed degraded performance last year, but still works fine. Waiting for this one to bite the dust so I can replace it with a nice lightweight one.

The 2 things that reduce battery life is high temperature and sitting in a discharged state. If you car sits on the lot a long time and the battery sits dead. The dealer will charge it back up but it will not last as long. Cold does not hurt a battery (unless it is discharged and freezes) but it will let you know that you have a weak battery.

My mazdaspeed 6 battery was replaced last year and was ~7 years old

VW jetta replaced at a year.

I think the time you got out of yours is good/on target.

My 2013, manufacture date 07/12, just got its valve spring recall notice a few days ago, but the original battery is still doing its job... so I guess the battery is tougher than the springs. Go figure.


Northeast US, lots of winter driving, alternately garaged and parked outside, very varied usage including being parked for several days and short trips, then occasional very long trips.Never needed to charge battery, but it does turn over slower after sitting more than two days.

My FRS was originally bought in Oct 2013. Replaced the battery last month with an Autozone Duralast battery. Mine hadn't given me any trouble yet, but I had Autozone test it anyway and it was done