OK, fixed the headlights, put in new yellow fogs, changed a few side marker and directional bulbs...played with the switches too many times and didn't start her up like an idiot...click, buzzz....actually it flashed the headlights first...kinda weird....

It has an original Jaguar battery in it, but I doubt it's the original from '03...but it only has 46k, so it might be. Anyway...I need a replacement. I won't go and ask about who makes the best (I'm a big Diehard fan anyway), but I do want to make sure I'm getting the right group size. They list the group as H6/48 for the '03 4.2. Is this the right one? Also, I've never had a battery in the trunk - is there anything else I should need to know? I'm not much of a battery guy, so any input on vented/non vented would be appreciated.

 

Since the vehicle history is not known, the battery should be replaced so you're not left stranded somewhere at an inconvenient time.

When choosing a battery, consider the type of driving the vehicle is used for; the climate it's being operated in and the load being placed on it with additional accessories such as uprated stereos, etc.

Two things in particular to pay attention to are the physical construction with the correct dimensions and placement of the terminals along with the cold-cranking amps (CCA) rating, which is important in colder climates..

A reputable retailer will be able to supply the correct battery that meets Jaguar specification.

NBCat

 

Aside from which battery size to buy, it *must* be a vented battery, and the vent *must* be installed properly. Make sure you check that personally after install. Some installers throw the vent over the shoulder to save time.

But are you sure the battery is toast? You need a 24 hour trickle charge and a load test to determine that.

 

Performing a load-test when the battery is fully charged is a good idea to confirm the battery's condition, but if the previous owner installed a 'Jaguar' battery, you may want to also check to see if there is any remaining warranty, pro-rata or otherwise, should the battery need to be replaced.

In addition to the battery's condition, be sure to also check the terminals for corrosion and correct fit as high resistance in the circuit can also lead to a discharged battery.

NBCat

 

Walmart has the exact & correct one. PepBoys carries the Bosch version for around $100 when I did mine over a year ago. Don't screw around with an adapted battery.

They're listed and not hard to find. Cheap insurance against the electrical gremlins. Well most of them ... LOL

 

With regard to the battery vent, what should I be looking for? I've seen vented caps, but never a vent. I understand that it needs to vent the battery gases outside, so should I be looking for a small hose of some sort? I haven't pulled the original battery yet, so I'm not sure what to look for. With regard to potentially trickle charging it in the future (I don't drive it much), are there any cautions I should be aware of? I remember hearing about some warnings on where to and not to hook up charging leads on other cars. I don't want to fry out anything. Running the battery down without starting it has already filled my idiot quota for the month - I don't want to pull a second knucklehead move.

 

on my car the vent hose (about the thickness of a straw) connects to a (nipple) on the side end of the battary near the + tremanal and goes out the boot (trunk) somewhere behind the bumper.

I always remove battries from the car before charging them, others don't.

 

Look at this thread, post # 15 specifically, in that post there are pictures of the battery you are looking for. Top right corner of the battery pictures show a white 90 degree elbow coming out of the battery and connects to the black vent tube.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...e-stuck-32699/

 

Heres a better shot:

 

The vented batteries are supposed to come with the vent nipple attached to the battery somewhere. They sometimes get lost. So, even if the part number is correct, examine the battery to make sure it is still there. It is that little white nipple in the picture above and will not be pre-installed.

BTW, in addition to the primary reason of avoiding explosions, the other reason for venting to the exterior is that the gases are corrosive.

 

I can't see why not to charge on-car (engine off and key out of ignition!) but ensure good ventilation and I would attach the charger cables before powering it on. Power off before detach, that way avoiding the worst spikes and sparks.

You'll likely have a water/acid etc battery so check electrolyte level before charging.

Key out of ignition because it's not an old-fashioned type of ignition (listen as you insert key). Key in means many things have power....

 

If the battery is removed from the vehicle for charging, be sure it's placed on a block of wood or other insulated surface and not directly on a cement/concrete floor. It's also a good idea to clean the top of the battery between the terminals as dirt can also cause a slow discharge of the battery when the vehicle is not being driven.

NBCat

 

Thank you for the advice and the visuals on vented batteries gentlemen. Despite being a big Diehard battery fan, I've decided to head over to AutoZone and pick up a Duralast Gold. They want $170 for the Diehard and they have to order it. AutoZone, on the other hand, wants $125 and they have it in stock. I even briefly thought about getting an Interstate, but they also want around $170 and at least a week on an order. Warranties are roughly the same and CCA are in the same neighborhood, so I'll give the Duralast a shot. The $50 I saved will be spent on a OBDII reader I've been meaning to pick up. Thanks again!!