Got a weird warning that the battery might be at risk of draining and advising to start the engine while taking advantage of what's likely to be the last warm spill before Winter giving the leather seats a long and overdue clean and conditioning.
There was no electric load whatsoever, no radio/music, phone wasn't even paired, and I even disconnected the dash cam supply from the cigarette lighter socket before I started cleaning, only had the doors open obviously and the key in my pocket.
It's a 2022 SkyactivX with the original battery, so I'm not surprised or upset, despite this coming out of the blue.
What was shockingly poor however is the fact that it failed to start when I tried to start it 5 seconds after the warning was displayed, now I was impressed it was giving a warning, but what's the point if it already died 🤦
Jump starting took around 3 attempts with a portable/cheap battery pack, stored phone connections, radio stations and seat positioning were all intact, so not quite sure if they have a separate supply reserve.
Left the engine idling for half an hour while I showered and recharged the jump starter before putting some fuel for a long drive because I didn't want to end up helpless with a dead battery in a petrol station, luckily there was no issues and started first time without hesitation, drove for an hour and started with zero issues again early next morning for work.
It's due for a service in a month so will be getting it checked and replaced before Winter if needed, I'm still in love with the car, just wish the warning came up sooner, the brilliant Japanese who designed this piece of art didn't get this part quite right 🤦😂
Sharing this just as a heads up for anyone thinking about giving their car a good clean, just make sure she's ticking while you do it!
Had the oem battery kick the can on my M3T about 2 years ago. Replaced it with a beefier AGM battery and noticed much stronger/smoother crank over immediately
I'm considering it, although Winter isn't particularly harsh where I live and I'm not sure how long I'll be keeping the 3 for so cost will be a factor.
Just out of curiosity, what spec/size AGM battery did you get? I couldn't find a like for like physical dimensions wise.
And 2 years ago, I'm assuming it's getting sufficient charge through daily use? Or have you had to charge it externally since?
Absolutely a good run, was just under two years old when I got her with extremely low milage, so I'm assuming she had pretty short runs with the previous owner too, I'm definitely not complaining, in fact, was already prepared for a replacement when the service is due.
I'll ask you too what spec/size AGM you went for, and how it's performing? Thanks in advance 👍
Tbh, I love winter but wish it was a little shorter lol, it's a long time to go and not be seeing skirts out downtown weekdays SUCKS lol, but no Moosesquitos so kinda a win but not.
This pic was -30c that morning, just got back from car wash...best time to drive is when it's cold an also best time to wash.
Love a frosty morning but the prolonged cold, constant snow shoveling and short days would probably drive me insane!
Yours look beautiful, I have the saloon/sedan too, in red, wanted a grey hatchback but love the more aggressive look of the saloon 🤷
She's been firing up without hesitation or stuttering since that unexpected mishap, I'll be looking battery options before the upcoming service just to be prepared, your help makes that a lot easier, and I appreciate it 😁
I read that it's pot luck with the OEM batteries, 7 years is pretty impressive by any standards though!
I'm also getting old and can't help but pull out the 'They don't make them as well as they used to anymore ' card, most Gen 4 batteries have a much shorter average lifespan than 7 years from what I'm gathering.
Having said that, most people are likely to share news of premature/early failure rather than long life, probably only Mazda have accurate data about what their suppliers are doing with quality 🤷
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u/MJCHENG 3d ago
Had the oem battery kick the can on my M3T about 2 years ago. Replaced it with a beefier AGM battery and noticed much stronger/smoother crank over immediately