Batteries not Anchored in the Engine Bay

[clinebarger]

Just to confirm - I had not seen these until we bought our Toyota - a lot of cars use clamps on the bottom now. If you don't see anything on top take a look.

View attachment 294255

GM started doing that in the 60's

 

[oil pan 4]

Does anyone else see this frequently? I'd say 7/10 vehicles I touch have no battery hold-down or it's improperly installed or missing pieces or the battery is the wrong size and they give up.

I've always believed it's important for both safety and battery life to have it snugged to the battery tray. If I install a different battery (mostly older trucks) I build a hold-down system.

I should stop being surprised but every time I see it I get annoyed. We're not in the rust belt so that's less of an excuse here.

Yeah when I made a group 31 fit in place of group 27 in my truck (the group 31 is taller) I had to fire up the bolt stretcher.
The group 31 is pretty close to the underside of the hood. Don't need it making contact with the hood, starting a fire, ect.

 

[Mechanician]

Just to confirm - I had not seen these until we bought our Toyota - a lot of cars use clamps on the bottom now. If you don't see anything on top take a look.

View attachment 294255

VW has been using this system forever, even when they used to be under the back seat.

 

[Kira]

Ever seen a battery hit metal fan blade?

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.

 

[Jetronic]

My dad never secured his. Never had an issue that I recall.

Fort Knox levels of tie down for me.

I also like to put a piece of dense silicone rubber gasket material underneath - I believe it helps absorb the vibration.

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.

 

[Jetronic]

Just to confirm - I had not seen these until we bought our Toyota - a lot of cars use clamps on the bottom now. If you don't see anything on top take a look.

View attachment 294255

yes quite common, that's why we try to rock the battery by hand during inspection. bungee cord won't do.

 

[Wheel366]

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.

 

[Auto tech]

Just to confirm - I had not seen these until we bought our Toyota - a lot of cars use clamps on the bottom now. If you don't see anything on top take a look.

View attachment 294255

My 94 S10 has a similar hold down. Also a lot of Ford and Chrysler products use a similar style

 

[PontiacHO]

Does anyone else see this frequently? I'd say 7/10 vehicles I touch have no battery hold-down or it's improperly installed or missing pieces or the battery is the wrong size and they give up.

I've always believed it's important for both safety and battery life to have it snugged to the battery tray. If I install a different battery (mostly older trucks) I build a hold-down system.

I should stop being surprised but every time I see it I get annoyed. We're not in the rust belt so that's less of an excuse here.

You can give all the credit to parts stores sending big Tommy out to change your battery with vice grips and a claw hammer!

 

[oil pan 4]

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.

I love the smell if sulfuric acid in the morning.

 

[Pablo]

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

 

[D60]

You can give all the credit to parts stores sending big Tommy out to change your battery with vice grips and a claw hammer!

Suddenly I envision Chris Farley installing your new Callahan Auto Parts battery....

 

[BHopkins]

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.

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.

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.

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.

 

[oil pan 4]

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

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]

Just to confirm - I had not seen these until we bought our Toyota - a lot of cars use clamps on the bottom now. If you don't see anything on top take a look.

That is how most BMWs secure batteries...been that way for decades.