[124Scottish Abarth]

If the bicarbonate of soda doesn't work on the battery, go bake some cakes!

 

[Johnthehess]

Hello party people,

Which type of battery is fitted to the Spider by default?

I’m assuming it’s lead acid but is it gel/AGM/maintenance free etc?

I checked the voltage today and it was 12.1v so I’ve took it out for a spin and it’s now 13.3v

It is below 0 at the moment and pretty cold. I’m just wondering if the battery is getting close to its end of life or is it the current cold snap? It’s also been parked in garage for 3 weeks with no driving.

Mines a 2018 Spider with 31k miles.

thanks,

Michael

I just put my 2017 Fiat into temporary storage but there is no electricity. So no battery tender. Any idea how long the batteries last in winter months?

 

[slowindown]

If you leave the battery connected there will be a small parasitic drain so I would unhook it. Also, start the engine every 3weeks or so to prevent losing oil from the multi air unit and oil pressure and having to go through the infamous start up procedure.

 

[Johnthehess]

Thanks slowindown, for the reply. that's about waht I figured, based on past experiences. I didn't know about the infamous startup procedure, and i am not sure I want to know.

 

[slowindown]

Thanks slowindown, for the reply. that's about waht I figured, based on past experiences. I didn't know about the infamous startup procedure, and i am not sure I want to know.

It won’t have any compression without the necessary oil pressure from oil in the multi air unit - valve(s) will be open. There are several methods to prime it back up - involves a lot of cranking. One is to pull fuel pump fuse so you don’t flood it while cranking - I believe holding the accelerator to floor will also keep it from flooding. I would search some on the forum to learn more.

one guy recently was unaware and had his towed to a mechanic who told him he needed a new engine.

 

[ucmband]

The factory battery is lead/acid. The size is group 35. I replaced the battery in my ‘18 with the one in the link below. I decided to go with AGM. It fits perfectly.

http://goto.walmart.com/c/404739/56...-Size-35-12-Volt-650-CCA/1377056785?classType=REGULAR&athbdg=L1102&from=/search

View attachment 107220

I put this same battery in my 2018 124 about a year ago, and it does a great job.

 

[Walshy6677]

My Abarth is a 2018 model and so I thought it wise to change the battery. I went for the Yuasa 9000, largely due a) to good reviews and b) a good deal from GSF in the UK. The fit is snug (to say the least) and like @Arthur I had to trim down the corrugated trim by about 15mm (that was easier with a Stanley knife than scissors as you can easily follow the corrugated lines).

 

[RichH]

Clean engine bay of the week!

 

[Arthur]

Beat this !!!!....

 

[124Scottish Abarth]

Beat this !!!!....

View attachment 107614

Yeah, filters and Photoshop.....or it never leave your garage! 😂

 

[Arthur]

Yeah, filters and Photoshop.....or it never leave your garage! 😂

What !!!!...... it's genuine

 

[Steele]

 

[Steele]

Arthur did it so I did too

 

[Walshy6677]

Considering the mileage Arthur gets through, I think the prize is his, though I will happily have the runners-up rosette this week! 😂

 

[124Scottish Abarth]

@Steele Can't see your engine for stickers!

 

[Walshy6677]

Can't see your engine for stickers!

I am assuming that is directed at @Steele ?

 

[124Scottish Abarth]

I am assuming that is directed at @Steele ?

Yeah, sorry, must have deleted the quote! 😃

 

[Arthur]

For the avoidance of any doubt, and to dispel the nay-sayers, this video shows Arthur's engine bay. No, it is not Photoshopped !!!!

Filmed and uploaded today, Thursday 13th February 2025.....

 

[Steele]

@Steele Can't see your engine for stickers!

it’s a decal of everything I’ve put on my vehicle besides every one of them adds 10 hp one of them has yellow in it so it’s even more horsepower

 

[RichH]

Apologies to everyone. Everyone. For the derail of this thread. Perhaps we need a 'Clean engine bay of the week' thread. Arthur can win the first week, and then we shall award the 'Arthur Welshman Perpetual Trophy' so he has his name in it but can't keep winning every time.