Thermal runaway occurs in situations where an increase in temperature changes the conditions in a way that causes a further increase in temperature, often leading to a destructive result. It is a kind of uncontrolled positive feedback.This sounded worrisome enough to disconnect the charger and replace the battery myself. It is an Interstate Batteries Megatron with a 6-year warranty, but whatever mechanic installed it failed to knock out the dots that show month and year installed, so I knew there was no hope of making an effective warranty claim. So I went on Internet to find out what I needed. As usual Jaguar Forums had the answer: Type 94R, at least 720 CCA. O'Reilly auto parts had one. I've not bought and installed a battery since Nixon was President, so the almost $200 was a little breathtaking, but after only 30 minutes working in a 30 degree telescope garage, I had it installed, and the X-type started right up. One of the bolts that holds the retention strap in place disappeared during removal. It seems to be a 4" long M6 or even M4 bolt (1/4"-28 is too thick). Next time I go to the hardware store, I will buy one.
Thursday, December 1, 2016
Fun With Batteries
I tried to recharge the Jaguar X-type battery, and the charger displayed a code that the manual said indicated "THERMAL RUNAWAY." Doesn't that sound like something that might happen with the Terminator? Not really:
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Did you have the battery disconnected from the car while charging? On some newer vehicles you have to do this. Not sure why.
ReplyDeleteNO ONE EVER punches out those dots on a new battery. You have to show the original purchase papers for warrantee. The papers seem to react to bad batteries by vaporizing, no matter where they are kept. I may try laminating them next time!
You could have still called the toll free number for Interstate Batteries and talked with someone in Consumer Services. They would have been able to let you know if the battery was under a warranty, as long as you have the receipt.....ALWAYS keep the receipt.
ReplyDeleteThey also would have been able you direct you to an Interstate All-Battery Center for helping with the replacement and installationot, as the help with installation is free of chargeach.
I hope you have better luck next time!!
Save the receipt? That's why mechanics are supposed to punch out the date dots.
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