GM started doing that in the 60's
Batteries not Anchored in the Engine Bay
- Thread starter D60
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GM started doing that in the 60's
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- May 31, 2024
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VW has been using this system forever, even when they used to be under the back seat.
In my first car the rusted hold-down broke during a sweeping turn. The battery leaned into the fan.
I heard a buzz and wondered what it was. Then my throat felt scratchy.
Later, when I looked underhood, a corner was neatly removed...a perfect pyramid.
'Twas a 1970 Toyota Corona Mark II....and the fan was plastic.
edit:
a) The encroachment was so subtle, the fan wasn't damaged (huge WIN)
b) Ask me if that experience left me with an appreciation for secured batteries.
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I don't expect any issues if the car doesn't rock significantly. but a small fender bender could cause the battery to shift and short circuit.
yes quite common, that's why we try to rock the battery by hand during inspection. bungee cord won't do.
I bought an H7 for my S4 which was supposed to fit when an H6 was the original size. The H7 was for the 2001.5 and 2002 and I have a 2001. The hold down didn't work. There was no way to fit the screw in. I figured with how the battery is in its own compartment and not an open area, it should be fine. They only place for it to go would be up through the hood. Not sure if there is a different tray. Maybe when I fix the car up and start driving it again, I'll look into it. In hindsight, I probably should have just gotten the H6. I thought the bigger battery would be better but in this case, the difference of 50CCA isn't a big deal since the battery is already so large and I put an AGM in.
My 94 S10 has a similar hold down. Also a lot of Ford and Chrysler products use a similar style
I love the smell if sulfuric acid in the morning.
I have see a longitudinal hack with battery juice and bits of lead and plastic debris everywhere
Today’s cars the fan is more shrouded so some wimpy wire ties and an old bungee should be adequate
Suddenly I envision Chris Farley installing your new Callahan Auto Parts battery....
I remember the Corona Mark II. I wonder if there are any survivors. Like most early Japanese cars, they weren't really made for longevity.
Securing a battery is like an insurance policy. You may never need it, but you cannot predict when you may. And if you don't have it, well, you are just out of luck.
Yeah I've used a ratchet strap and a rag before too. Added a rag because I know sulfuric acid will eat nylon from previous experiences.
A rubber bungee should hold up fine as they used rubber for decades in batteries.
f355spider
$50 Site Donor 2025
That is how most BMWs secure batteries...been that way for decades.
I've had vehicles calling for H6 or H8 batteries. The H8 was "the same size, just longer".
All that was needed was a second hole for the base clip. Pretty slick.
Very slightly better than nothing.
This. Same here. You fail safety Inspection. And right so.
How can the battery stay in Place when you drive a little bit more spirited?
Nah man it's negative reinforcement kinda like speed bumps. The battery shorts on the hood, the vehicle shuts down (with just a blown PCM fuse you hope) and you're trained not to drive like that. See, it's actually safer.
Friday I got an Ariens zero turn pushed in reeking of sulphuric acid and dissimilar metals dissolving. Owner replaced the battery and did not reinstall the pita hold down. Battery slid back and the left hydro cooling fan opened the side of the battery up just above the bottom. Acid everywhere but it was used for some time longer. The hydro drive belt shredded and rapidly removed the wiring to the phone charger ports. What a mess. That machine will never be the same. It is repaired to operable with a new properly secured battery and a new hydro belt but I forsee rust and electrical issues in this machine's future.
