Greetings,

What battery brand/model #/cranking amps/ for battery replacement in 2002 XK8/non-super-charged, would you recommend? What is the battery cables disconnect procedure/sequence and/or any other recommendations to insure safe battery replacement? Also, non adaptive shocks on this vehicle.

Thank you,

ER

 

I have had good success with the Bosch vented batteries that I have purchased from Pep Boys. You can usually find a battery coupon good for $20 or $30 off if you check their website. Be sure to turn in your old battery to them so you do not have to pay a core charge....

 

I replaced my battery within a month of purchase of the car. No difference than any other car. I simply installed it and reset the window function.

 

I have this:

Sears.com

 

+ 1 on the AGM batteries. I have similar from Advance Auto, 3yr full replacement warranty ~$150 after using $50 off coupon code.

 

Thank you for your reply,

ER

 

Does the Bocsh battery have a vent tube?

 

Yes. Both sides of the battery have a vent pipe. You use the appropriate vent side and keep the plug in the other side's non-used vent....

The Bosch battery in my wife's 2006 XK8 is a Bosch 49/850B series. 850 cold cranking amps, free replacement during the first three years, and a pro-rated replacement for eight years. The most recent one I purchased was back in April. After the previous battery's pro-rated warranty combined with a $25 Pep Boys gift certificate I had, I paid a grand total of $85 for the new one. My experience in this car is that they typically last four to five years if you keep the cells properly topped up with water. In my opinion that is a fairly good bang-for-the-buck....

 

Main idea is to imagine worst case e.g. a metal tool (spanner in this case) slips and bridges the post you were using it on and the car body.

So, as car body is "-" (not "+") you want to disconnect "-" first.

And re-connect "+" first.

 

It may help to know that once "-" is disconnected it would not matter if you bridged "+" to the body (because no circuit is made).

Similar thinking for reconnecting.

 

That's all very clear to me, thank you much.

ER

 

Very good, thank you...

ER

 

That's clear to me. Thank much...

ER

 

Are you not seeing my vehicle data in my signature? I entered it a long time ago, please let me know if your not seeing it so I can fix it?

 

Are you posting via phone? If so signature is omitted.

 

I'm concerned the radio may become de-programmed upon battery change? I have the radio code, but what do you do in the event you require to reprogram the radio?

 

Posting with lap top... ???

 

Radio code reprogram should not be an issue in your left-hand-drive XK8. I've disconnected the battery several times for extended periods and it's never asked me for the code. Having said that, IF for some reason it is needed, the radio will ask you for the code when you turn the ignition on (and then the radio). Just punch in the 4 digit code and it should boot up ok.

If that doesn't work, try this:

Simultaneously press ">>" "PTY" "A.MEM"

If that doesn't work, try this:

Enter any code 3 times so that the display shows "PLEASE WAIT"

Simultaneously press ">>" "PTY" "A.MEM"

With any luck, it should only take 2 or 3 seconds and the radio turns on ok. (This is rumored to work for our brethern across the pond; your mileage may vary...)

 

I saw a tip on a you tube video a couple months ago. It showed connecting a battery tender/maintainer to battery cables before disconnecting cables from battery. The "theory" is that radio and other settings will not get lost. I say theory because I have not yet tried it. I wonder if anyone has tried it and if it really works. Window "teach-in" is simple enough that I would do that anyway.

 

That will not work with a modern smart charger or tender as they only put out a charge if they detect a voltage. In fact a smart charger will not even charge a dead flat battery without resorting to a trick or two.
An older charger or simple power supply would work but l am not sure the benefit is worth the risk of mishap.