I've just passed my 3 year ownership anniversary and I'm starting to see the "Low battery - Please start engine" warning more frequently. As I recall, when new I could leave it parked for 4 days before getting a warning. It seems now it's often 2 days without driving it when that message pops up. I'm used to having batteries last 5 years. What is your experience with the Defender?

Secondly, if I'm reaching the age limit of the battery what are your thoughts on replacing it yourself or using an independent shop. Of course, the manual warns of all kinds of trouble if not performed by a JLR dealership.

 

I got about 3 1/2 years from my 12v battery. The dealer replaced it under warranty when it couldn't keep enough charge to perform a software update.

 

I just had my second 12 vt battery replaced under warranty again. 2022 Defender 90, 30k miles.
I kept getting please start engine low battery warning even though I just did a hour fwy drive and have never had a start issue.

 

Have you had the alternator tested to see if you're getting adequate charge? How about checking the cable ends for corrosion? Do your driving habits include short trips frequently ( < 15 minutes) ?

 

Mine lasted nearly 4 years. I replaced it myself with a premium battery from a box store. Everything works great, no issues at all besides the battery being in the most inconvenient place. I lost some knuckle skin on that job!

 

Almost 3 years, but I think I killed it by leaving the Defender in a garage for 3 mos without a battery tender. I think this electricity consuming vampire does best with a frequent trickle charge / tune up.

 

Has anyone tried the Odyssey Group 49 AGM in the Defendah? I've had great experiences with Odyssey batteries - the one in my FJ is 10 years old and still cranks the engine when its 10'F outside.

 

Ha! I am investigating this and had the same question.

 

Dude ???

 

Meanwhile somehow my battery is original. My car hit the street January of 2021 so right at 4 years old next month. Still working just fine. No idea how this is possible. No issues. I put it on the tender only intermittently when I'm out of town, doing Gaptool coding, etc.