3SMF Battery Life Span

[trackers888]

Hello guys, Last day, my wife told me that the adv wont start. Mukhang na discharge na yun battery dahil sa multiple starting. Pwedeng cause is busted glow plugs or weak battery. She replaced the battery (Motolite Maintenance Free, 3SMF) as per my instruction. The next day, back to normal na ulit and starting. My question is, battery nga kaya ang culprit? I'm not sure kung due na ang battery (I bought it in 2nd hand, 02 Model). Ilang taon ang battery life span kung maintenance free or maaari kayang may busted sa 4 na glow plugs? Your input is highly appreciated. Mabuhay!

[eurie]

Hello guys, Last day, my wife told me that the adv wont start. Mukhang na discharge na yun battery dahil sa multiple starting. Pwedeng cause is busted glow plugs or weak battery. She replaced the battery (Motolite Maintenance Free, 3SMF) as per my instruction. The next day, back to normal na ulit and starting. My question is, battery nga kaya ang culprit? I'm not sure kung due na ang battery (I bought it in 2nd hand, 02 Model). Ilang taon ang battery life span kung maintenance free or maaari kayang may busted sa 4 na glow plugs? Your input is highly appreciated. Mabuhay!

sa akin pag bagong battery bago mag 1 year sinisira ko na kaya kuha ko pa warranty. buy 1 take 1 ika nila.. then sa pangalawang batt aalagaan ko na sya. mahal na kasi batt ngayon. sa maintenance free ok na 1 kalahating taon... in every day use ha!...

[AlbertB]

Hello guys, Last day, my wife told me that the adv wont start. Mukhang na discharge na yun battery dahil sa multiple starting. Pwedeng cause is busted glow plugs or weak battery. She replaced the battery (Motolite Maintenance Free, 3SMF) as per my instruction. The next day, back to normal na ulit and starting. My question is, battery nga kaya ang culprit? I'm not sure kung due na ang battery (I bought it in 2nd hand, 02 Model). Ilang taon ang battery life span kung maintenance free or maaari kayang may busted sa 4 na glow plugs? Your input is highly appreciated. Mabuhay!

Hello Trackers888,

Ah, the maintenance-free battery myth. The myth is the battery will last longer than its expected life span without maintaining proper fluid levels of the battery cells. Fact: there is no such thing as maintenance-free. Motolite warrants a certain number of months for its batteries. Take note, in "maintenance-free" batteries, this warranty period is the life expectancy of the battery.

A Motolite Gold (the mid-priced 3SMF variant) installed in Adventures has a warranty coverage of 15 months. Of course, since it is claimed to be maintenance-free, we will not tamper with the sticker and fill the cells up with battery fluid for the entire warranty period. This is the catch!

I did not figure out so until my second Adventure. Even as early as the 6th month, I topped up the battery fluid and all 6 cells gobbled up almost an entire liter of distilled water! Imagine not topping it up over the entire warranty period, talagang mamamatay ang battery after a year and a half.

By just topping up regularly (every two months, in my case), I was able to extend the battery life to 2 years and 4 months of everyday use. My average kilometreage is ~1,700 kms a month.

On cold starts, battery power consumption is heavy, the glow plugs contribute to this. If the battery is relatively new (within warranty period), and yet cranks longer, it could be the glow plugs.

Also, the tell tale sign is a longer wait time for the glow plug instrumentation light to go off before cranking. With good battery power and glow plugs, at a cold December MetroManila day, the wait at times is just within 1 - 2 seconds. Glow plugs only work during cold starts so it is likely that it can outlast the lifespan of a battery.

I hope it is not the glow plugs, Trackers. Last time I asked about three years ago, each plug is ~PhP2,000!

Cheers!

[Dieseler]

Tama si AlbertB regarding the batteries. Naloko rin ako dyan lolz! But then, if you are the type that does not like to play around inside the engine bay, then maintenance free is the best for you. Just be sure to change it immediately after the warranty period, kahit gumagana pa. Bibigay lang yan ng bigla.

Ang nakakainis lang sa regular battery is that there will be some leaks with the fluid, at ayan corrode na kaagad ng metal areas near the battery grrr...

And when you need to change the glow plugs, don't get replacement / cheap ones. They will last around 6 months lang!

[arvic]

naku poh!!! additional gastos nnman hehehe.... saktong two years na c advenven pero wala pa po ako nakikita sign ng low bat sa car ko.. hehehe??!!?? should i replace it already? or wait for further signal na maglolowbat na sya... parang cellphone.. hahaha

[Dieseler]

naku poh!!! additional gastos nnman hehehe.... saktong two years na c advenven pero wala pa po ako nakikita sign ng low bat sa car ko.. hehehe??!!?? should i replace it already? or wait for further signal na maglolowbat na sya... parang cellphone.. hahaha

Bigla lang mamamatay yan. One day your ride would suddenly not start. Better safe than sorry. What if nangyari yan like in the middle of nowhere?

[Bogeyman]

Worse, bigla na lang magliliyab yan. I have an officemate who drives a secondhand Daihatsu Feroza. One time pinarada niya sa harap ng building namin. Bandang hapon, nagkakagulo na yung mga guards kasi napansin nila, bigla na lang nasusunog yung buong sasakyan! Akala daw nila, terrorist attack. Nung inimbestigahan, the fire came from the engine bay.

My officemate admitted that he hadn't changed the battery since he bought the car mga 2-3 years ago.

[alsosing]

Worse, bigla na lang magliliyab yan. I have an officemate who drives a secondhand Daihatsu Feroza. One time pinarada niya sa harap ng building namin. Bandang hapon, nagkakagulo na yung mga guards kasi napansin nila, bigla na lang nasusunog yung buong sasakyan! Akala daw nila, terrorist attack. Nung inimbestigahan, the fire came from the engine bay.

My officemate admitted that he hadn't changed the battery since he bought the car mga 2-3 years ago.

the reason why battery explosions occur when starting an engine: one or more cells had a high concentration of hydrogen gas (above4.1%) because the vent cap was clogged or a defective valve did not release the gas. The electrolyte levels fell below the top of the plates due to high under hood temperatures, overcharging, or poor maintenance. a low resistive bridge or "treeing" formed between the top of the plates such that when the current started to flow, it caused an arc or spark in one of the cells. that combination of events ignites the gas blows the battery case cover off and spatters electrolyte all over the engine compartment. the larger number of battery explosions while starting an engine occurs in hot climates.

WHEN EXPLOSION HAPPENS, thoroughly rinse the engine compartment w/ water, and then wash it w/ a solution of 1pound detergent to one gallon of warm water to neutralize the risidual battery acid. then rewash thoroughly the engine compartment. Periodic preventive maintenance will reduce possibility of battery explosions.

[Bogeyman]

the reason why battery explosions occur when starting an engine: one or more cells had a high concentration of hydrogen gas (above4.1%) because the vent cap was clogged or a defective valve did not release the gas. The electrolyte levels fell below the top of the plates due to high under hood temperatures, overcharging, or poor maintenance. a low resistive bridge or "treeing" formed between the top of the plates such that when the current started to flow, it caused an arc or spark in one of the cells. that combination of events ignites the gas blows the battery case cover off and spatters electrolyte all over the engine compartment. the larger number of battery explosions while starting an engine occurs in hot climates.

WHEN EXPLOSION HAPPENS, thoroughly rinse the engine compartment w/ water, and then wash it w/ a solution of 1pound detergent to one gallon of warm water to neutralize the risidual battery acid. then rewash thoroughly the engine compartment. Periodic preventive maintenance will reduce possibility of battery explosions.

That's very logical and all, but take note, the fire occured while the car was simply parked by itself, with no one behind the wheel attempting to start the engine in any way.

After the fire, around 70-80% of the vehicle was scorched. It was a miracle that the owner still managed to have it restored to its original condition.

[atongk]

ngek, sa akin din saktong 2 years, motolite maintenance free, white ang color, akala ko defective starter . . . battery pala

[AlbertB]

ngek, sa akin din saktong 2 years, motolite maintenance free, white ang color, akala ko defective starter . . . battery pala

atongK,

You might have figured out already. White transluscent casings are an advantage. Kita mo agad fluid level. There were batches of Adventures (2002 models down) that used these Motolite battery casings. Since two years na battery mo, it is near end of its serviceable life. If you still are scheduling its replacement, top up to prolong just a little longer the serviceable life. Taglamig pa naman nowadays. Batteries konk out faster during cold weather.

A more accurate way of knowing the battery power level is investing in a battery hydrometer (~P80.00 sa mga DIY shops). Proper fluid levels though do not increase the power of the battery. It merely maintains good electrode levels in a cell (on premises that electical components are functioning alright). But low fluid levels increase chances that the cells will go dead faster.

Or instead of a hydrometer, when you are canvassing for a replacement, ask the Motolite dealer if they have a casing that has a visual reader of battery power level at the top side of the casing. I was able to get one 2 years ago. The casing also is better with a fold-in type handle integrated to the case. This casing design is cleaner to look at (none of the plastic rope handles that are an eyesore).

Cheers!

[trackers888]

Thanks to Arvic, RafRaf, Albert, Bogeyman, eurie, boybi, atongk, dieseler at sa lahat na hindi nabangit sa mga inputs nyo. Just made some repairs DYI mode kay adv and guess what? Ang salrain ay apat (4) na glow plugs! Imagine having four defective glow plugs! mag lo-low batt ka nga talaga. After basic testing ng mga glow plugs and confirmed na busted na sila, I decided to use temporary replacement muna (Japan made), start the engine easily using old battery ha?! Naks naman! nag ka spare batt tuloy ako!

Arvic thanks sa mga pic, just went home last December 2 and plan to travel to Manila from Iloilo next week Monday. Hope maka attend sa small EB kung meron wihtin that week.

Advance Merry Christmas!!!

[jake1210]

Thanks to Arvic, RafRaf, Albert, Bogeyman, eurie, boybi, atongk, dieseler at sa lahat na hindi nabangit sa mga inputs nyo. Just made some repairs DYI mode kay adv and guess what? Ang salrain ay apat (4) na glow plugs! Imagine having four defective glow plugs! mag lo-low batt ka nga talaga. After basic testing ng mga glow plugs and confirmed na busted na sila, I decided to use temporary replacement muna (Japan made), start the engine easily using old battery ha?! Naks naman! nag ka spare batt tuloy ako!

Arvic thanks sa mga pic, just went home last December 2 and plan to travel to Manila from Iloilo next week Monday. Hope maka attend sa small EB kung meron wihtin that week.

Advance Merry Christmas!!!

Kumusta ang Pinas Sir? Mabuti ka pa nasa Pinas na. ENJOY ika nga?

OK lang me d2 sa kazakhstan, grabe layo sa kabihasnan (sa Caspean Sea) yung project ko Gas exploration. Sa next year na ako uuwi ng PInas.

GTG, GOD BLESS.

[arvic]

Thanks to Arvic, RafRaf, Albert, Bogeyman, eurie, boybi, atongk, dieseler at sa lahat na hindi nabangit sa mga inputs nyo. Just made some repairs DYI mode kay adv and guess what? Ang salrain ay apat (4) na glow plugs! Imagine having four defective glow plugs! mag lo-low batt ka nga talaga. After basic testing ng mga glow plugs and confirmed na busted na sila, I decided to use temporary replacement muna (Japan made), start the engine easily using old battery ha?! Naks naman! nag ka spare batt tuloy ako!

Arvic thanks sa mga pic, just went home last December 2 and plan to travel to Manila from Iloilo next week Monday. Hope maka attend sa small EB kung meron wihtin that week.

Advance Merry Christmas!!!

WELCOME BACK TO OUR COUNTRY!!!!

no problem sir.... hope you enjoy your stay here'''

[trackers888]

WELCOME BACK TO OUR COUNTRY!!!!

no problem sir.... hope you enjoy your stay here'''

Im hoping too na sana everything will be fine. Thanks sa "WELCOME" kahit na minsan hindi maganda ang news about "OUR" country, parang 1 year old battery, low batt na!.

Jake, ok parin ang Pinas, same as usual, hindi nababawasan ang kurakot, lalu pang dumarami at nagiging legal! ngayon nga naging pahirap pa ang EVAT! 10% dagdag agad sa mga gusto mo i-purchased!

Hey Guys, paano nyo pala dadagdagan ng solution ang maintenance free batt, naka seal yung butas, nag try ako mag bukas pero 8mm na butas lang available. Nasubukan nyo na ba gamitan ng syringe ang pag karga ng solutions? Mababa na kasi sa water level.

Thanks again.

[boybi]

hindi naman actually biglang namamatay na wala man lang signs, nagiging slightly harder to start ang engine during the mornings muna, tapos after a few days, ayaw ng magstart.

[eurie]

nangyari sa akin yun biglang hindi umistart 5 month'S pa lang yung oto ko nun kala ko sira agad si adventure. aminado naman yung dealer nang batt kasi mga old batt daw or na-istock ang nilalagay sa mga new unit na oto. kaya pag biglang namatay, START D2LAK ang kailangan...makauwi lang. hehehe!!!!

[laklak]

Nung pinaricharge ko yung motolite maintenance free batt ko dati, tinanggal lang nya yung sticker sa ibabaw tapos mukhang regular battery din siya, binuksan niya yung mga takip using a coin tapos nilagyan na niya ng electrolyte

[frankosiz]

Gusto kong idagdag na ang maintenance free na battery may tendency na mamaga or lumolobo at pumuputtok ang sides kapag mga 2 years na. Kapag pumutok,sumasabog yung electrolyte sa engine bay area mahirap linisin. Ngayon ko lang nalaman na ang diesel pala mas malaki ang required na battery power para ma-crank and start yung engine. Kaya pala nung january of this year nagtaka na lang ako kung bakit naging hard starting siya eh may busina naman at ilaw nung pina-check ko sa mechanic ayun mahina na pala yung battery. Napagastos tuloy ako ng Php3996 dun sa motolite express delivery.

[trackers888]

Nung pinaricharge ko yung motolite maintenance free batt ko dati, tinanggal lang nya yung sticker sa ibabaw tapos mukhang regular battery din siya, binuksan niya yung mga takip using a coin tapos nilagyan na niya ng electrolyte

Thanks Bro, pero yung batt ko is Outlast na color white, meron syang 2 rectagular blue cover, after ko maalis yun, makikita mo na yung 6 8mm na butas maybe use as breather ng chemicals lang, BTW, try ko add solutions using syringe technic. Sayang eh, nakakapag start pa. For precuationary measures, dala ko parin ang new batt ko just in case madedo na talaga yun old one.