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

[ZeroFiveSix]

Mine just died this year too. MY2012

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by tzhu07

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?

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

[tzhu07]

Originally Posted by humfrz

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.

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by tzhu07

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 - )


humfrz

[DarkPira7e]

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.

[tzhu07]

Originally Posted by humfrz

According to their web site:

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

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

humfrz

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.

[Impureclient]

Originally Posted by tzhu07

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.

[tzhu07]

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!

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by tzhu07

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....

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

[PetrolioBenzina]

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

[tzhu07]

Originally Posted by PetrolioBenzina

Some people don't think cheimistry 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:

[tzhu07]

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...

[Hypnocracy]

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

[bcj]

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.