Acceptable age for a brand new battery

Ting Tong · Jul 3, 2023

Hi: I've just bought a new Varta LA80 engine battery to replace the original VW one which no longer reliably holds charge at 5 years.

The battery didn't have a BEM code on it for coding into the vehicle with VCDS. In the course of trying to calculate the code (which includes 5 digits corresponding to the year, month and day of manufacture), I disclovered that the battery was made in January 2022, so is already 18 months old.

This seems unacceptable to me but, before I complain, I wonder what thoughts others have about this?

Thanks

Alied · Jul 3, 2023

Ting Tong said:
Hi: I've just bought a new Varta LA80 engine battery to replace the original VW one which no longer reliably holds charge at 5 years.

The battery didn't have a BEM code on it for coding into the vehicle with VCDS. In the course of trying to calculate the code (which includes 5 digits corresponding to the year, month and day of manufacture), I disclovered that the battery was made in January 2022, so is already 18 months old.

This seems unacceptable to me but, before I complain, I wonder what thoughts others have about this?

Thanks

Shouldn't the engine battery be a F21. LA80 is the leisure battery.

Ting Tong · Jul 3, 2023

Alied said:
Shouldn't the engine battery be a F21. LA80 is the leisure battery.

I hope I'm right that all 3 batteries are the same and the LA80 and the F21 are apparently the same battery with identical spec, and equivalent to Bosch S5A11 AGM.

If not, I'll definitely complain and return it!

yossarian · Jul 3, 2023

Ting Tong said:
Hi: I've just bought a new Varta LA80 engine battery to replace the original VW one which no longer reliably holds charge at 5 years.

The battery didn't have a BEM code on it for coding into the vehicle with VCDS. In the course of trying to calculate the code (which includes 5 digits corresponding to the year, month and day of manufacture), I disclovered that the battery was made in January 2022, so is already 18 months old.

This seems unacceptable to me but, before I complain, I wonder what thoughts others have about this?

Thanks

Back in there 'olden days' batteries and electrolyte were stored separately and combined only at sale. Batteries distributed like this were not generally age sensitive.

Once VRLA types appeared things became more complicated. Stored open circuit these can last a year or two without damage but benefit if periodically maintenance charged.

One important metric is the initial voltage. If below 12 reject out of hand as long term storage in a discharged state will result in 'hard' sulphation.

The most definitive test is cold cranking amps (mostly tests the active material surface area). I'm not where one could get this done in the UK. Quite possibly a battery place with a computerized load tester or similar.

yossarian · Jul 3, 2023

https://www.yuasabatteries.com/resources/guides/how-to-activate-an-agm-battery/

I'm pretty sure LA80s are 'factory activated' but who knows?

BristolCali · Jul 3, 2023

Ting Tong said:
Hi: I've just bought a new Varta LA80 engine battery to replace the original VW one which no longer reliably holds charge at 5 years.

The battery didn't have a BEM code on it for coding into the vehicle with VCDS. In the course of trying to calculate the code (which includes 5 digits corresponding to the year, month and day of manufacture), I disclovered that the battery was made in January 2022, so is already 18 months old.

This seems unacceptable to me but, before I complain, I wonder what thoughts others have about this?

Thanks

It’s not unacceptable if the supply chain have charged the batteries occasionally. I understand distributors only receive them close to the time of shipping and the manufacturers are diligent at keeping the batteries topped up with charge. I always buy from big suppliers who are doing volume.

BristolCali · Jul 3, 2023

Also the only Varta batteries I could see were a rip off. I bought a slightly larger Yuasa battery for less which has been great. I did have to slightly modify the battery insulator to make it fit.

BristolCali · Jul 3, 2023

Alied said:
Shouldn't the engine battery be a F21. LA80 is the leisure battery.

All three original batteries in my T6 Ocean were the LA80.

Ting Tong · Jul 4, 2023

Thanks all: I’ve emailed Varta technical support and have asked them the question. I’ll post their reply if any.

Ting Tong · Jul 6, 2023

Still no news from Varta but I found this meanwhile, which says:

1. Installation
For maximum product life and performance, install the battery within 15 months of the date of manufacture

On that basis, I shall be taking it up with the supplier!

http://d26maze4pb6to3.cloudfront.net/varta-automotive/6814/1881/2808/Battery_maintenance_and_care.pdf

Noeleen · Jul 8, 2023

I will probably soon have to change leisure batteries in my 2015 California as fridge not working off them for a week while off EHU like it used to.

Unable to source Varta here in Ireland so am glad of above recommendation and advice re Yuasa which are available. I have a question - what is weight of these batteries - and are they all the same weight?

yossarian · Jul 8, 2023

If your van originally came with AGMs I'd be happy fitting the same size Yuasa batteries. Yuasa has had a good reputation for many decades. YBX9115 looks like the correct form factor but do your own research.

YBX9115 Yuasa AGM Start Stop Car Battery 12V 80Ah

YBX9115 Yuasa AGM Start Stop Car Battery 12V Advanced Engineering, Premium Quality, Unmatched Reliability GS Yuasa located in Japan, all started in 1895 and is one of the biggest battery manufacturers in the world. Manufacturing batteries for the automotive, commercial and infrastructure...

www.tayna.co.uk

Californication69 · Jul 8, 2023

For info. I was told week / year of manufacture is stamped on the negative terminal

Corradobrit · Jul 8, 2023

yossarian said:
If your van originally came with AGMs I'd be happy fitting the same size Yuasa batteries. Yuasa has had a good reputation for many decades. YBX9115 looks like the correct form factor but do your own research.

YBX9115 Yuasa AGM Start Stop Car Battery 12V 80Ah

YBX9115 Yuasa AGM Start Stop Car Battery 12V Advanced Engineering, Premium Quality, Unmatched Reliability GS Yuasa located in Japan, all started in 1895 and is one of the biggest battery manufacturers in the world. Manufacturing batteries for the automotive, commercial and infrastructure...

www.tayna.co.uk

True. Battery of choice for twin cylinder motorcycles with massive cranking amp requirements.

Ting Tong · Jul 27, 2023

Californication69 said:
For info. I was told week / year of manufacture is stamped on the negative terminal

It isn't on an LA80!

I didn't hear from Varta but the supplier has tried to fob me off with this:

Good morning! Further to the above email, the manufacturer has advised that all batteries that come out of the suppliers warehouse undergo stringent testing and quality control and are supported by a manufacturing warranty

It is very difficult to start internet searching for identifying a manufacturing age of a battery - they have personally just attempted to identify an age of a battery and have come up with a number of different tables of which all give different ages.

As long as the resting voltage is within the limits for this particular battery then any other potential issues would be covered by the manufacturers warranty. If you are experiencing any issues with the function of the battery please don't hesitate to send this information over and I will investigate further for you.

Hope this clarifies! Any further questions please don't hesitate to contact us.

It's fitted now and I'll monitor how it goes.

altvic · Jul 27, 2023

Two days ago bought a new battery for sit on mower. I had to put on a charger for 24 hours to full charge despite the retailer insist it’s full charge level!

Corradobrit · Jul 27, 2023

Yuasa motorcycle batteries came delivered with the electrolyte and lead cells separate. At time of use the solution was poured into the battery, sealed and fully charged. Then it was good to go and you knew the battery was 'fresh'.

yossarian · Jul 27, 2023

Ting Tong said:
I shall be taking it up with the supplier!

It's time to name and shame since they've had their say and been found wanting.

Ting Tong · Jul 28, 2023

yossarian said:
It's time to name and shame since they've had their say and been found wanting.

It’s ML Performance, who were a Google shopping suggestion for an LA80 after Tanya were out of stock.

Varta LA80 AGM Dual Purpose Leisure Battery 12V 95Ah 840080080

Get Varta LA80 Dual Purpose AGM Leisure Battery and other Varta for your car from ML Performance Car Parts at the lowest price with FREE UK shipping & next day delivery on in stock items. Very cheap prices & good service.

www.mlperformance.co.uk