As above, when key is put in seems to activate unlock slowly, always works fine but has recently become slow, noticed more on cold mornings, checked battery with IID tool and shows 11.9 volt, put voltmeter across battery after being stood overnight and reading 12.1 volt, always starts o/k but should I be looking for new battery before winter kicks in (and battery prices rise) I have found a Varta I1 Silver Dynamic 12V 110Ah Car Battery for £95.98 next day delivery, from searching this seems a decent price, my MY2007 does not have explosive battery connection so should fit o/k, can anyone confirm this for me ?

Last edited by Robgosty on 9th Oct 2015 9:41pm. Edited 1 time in total

Could be a faulty alternator, faulty battery or both.
Can you check the battery voltage with the engine running at about 2000Rpm?

Hi forgot to mention, voltage with engine running is 13.7ish at 2000 rising to 14.5ish at higher revs so presuming alt is o/k

In that case it does sound like your battery.

Sounds like Battery to me too sir

o/k, thanks for all replies, so new battery required, can someone confirm the Varta one will fit without any dramas

Send Dan @ Duckworths a PM with your VIN and ask him for a price for a LR Battery sir... You maybe surprised how close they may be?

I only ever fit LR batteries to my FF's

Hi Craig, I was thinking Varta one would be better as 110 amp, is this not right ? think L/R original is only 95 or 100, sent pm to Dan for price

My understanding is... JLR made the car, JLR ordered the battery to be made to exacting standards. For a car we all know has critical battery needs... Why run them on anything else???

Would a slightly smaller or larger battery put more or less strain on the already proven weak alternator system?

Forgive my mindset, but i work with these things on a daily basis! And my cars prove me right time & time again! Many customers come in and ask me to fit this Bosch S5/6 which is the “new thing” on the forum... All but a few have failed at least once if not twice before all of those customers have gone back to a Gen JLR battery...

Best of a bad bunch me thinks sir

Just as a matter of interest who manufactures the JLR original battery ? i had looked at the Bosch one but searching seemed to find many reports of failure

I think Varta at present sir... Certainly making their glass mat batteries

Bosch and Varta batteries are both made in the same factory. As CTC says LR seem to have used Varta batteries for years in Range Rovers.
Whilst you can buy a Bosch / Varta from most Motor Factors it doesn't mean it has been built to the same spec as Varta batteries bought as genuine LR from Main Dealers even though they look the same. Possibly the reason genuine batteries seem to last longer. Having said that my 110Ah Varta battery from Eurocarparts has lasted 4 years to date without any issues.

I replaced mine with a Varta unit, but with the same specs (Size, amps, etc.) as the original LR.

Mind you, don't let it run out as then it's a massive issue getting the car moving if you get stranded on the side of the road. Everything packs up, the key doesn't turn, the screen doesn't activate, you can't get the parking brake out, can't release the gear lever....