2007 Honda Fit: Original battery dead at two years
Sibyl, I was a professional automobile mechanic for 10 years. My own '08 Fit lives outside, ungaraged, in a harsher climate than yours. Plus I have multiple vehicles from which to choose, so the Fit regularly sits for more than a weekend without being run. This past December it has done so in temperatures that never rose above 32F. It has never failed to turn over, and it has never failed to start.
At this point in time, given all of the evidence in front of me, I have to conclude that you have something uniquely (or maybe not-so uniquely?) wrong with your car. Apologies for not having the wherewithal to convince Honda America of same.
Your continuing vigilance and contribution to this thread is, if perhaps not to you, at the very least quite reassuring to me, and perhaps other owners of these interesting and enjoyable little vehicles. Thank you very, very much for doing so. I am in your debt. Please don't hesitate to reach out for repayment.
Happy New Year!
At this point in time, given all of the evidence in front of me, I have to conclude that you have something uniquely (or maybe not-so uniquely?) wrong with your car. Apologies for not having the wherewithal to convince Honda America of same.
Your continuing vigilance and contribution to this thread is, if perhaps not to you, at the very least quite reassuring to me, and perhaps other owners of these interesting and enjoyable little vehicles. Thank you very, very much for doing so. I am in your debt. Please don't hesitate to reach out for repayment.
Happy New Year!
Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 35
From: Duncan, SC
Good luck to y'all with the larger battery. I'll stick with OEM.
New Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 13
From: Indianapolis, IN
Honda Fit
As the originator of this thread, I figured it was time for an update...
In three months, my car will be 4 years old. Now that cold weather is descending upon my hometown, it is time again for a new battery. The first time it wouldn't start, it sat for two days and the temperatures got down to ... 55F. (?!?) I know, right? Those are some seriously Arctic conditions.
Thankful that I bought a portable jump starter two years prior, I hauled it out of the basement and got the car started. I drove it all week without issue.
The car sat again over the weekend and... time to get out the portable jump starter. Sigh.
My car's current draw while asleep is 60 milliamps. Honda assures me that this is within the range of "normal". Honda also assures me that it's my own stupid fault for not driving the car every single day of my life. I love how my dealership loves to blame me for the fact that they put a toy battery into my vehicle.
So, yeah, I gave Honda America a call and (calmly) let them know that I think their batteries are a bit underwhelming. I expect any vehicle I own to be able to sit outside in the freezing cold for a week without the battery self-destructing. I do go on vacation sometimes, you know. I explained that I was not the only Honda Fit owner who had this issue and hoped they would look into it.
(Thanks to everyone who suggested a battery tender... I wish I could use one. I park on the street. I do not have access to an electrical outlet. My car's 12V outlet isn't powered when the car is off, so a solar trickle charger also does me no good.)
I'm out of warranty, so this next battery won't be free. Since I'm paying out of pocket, I'm giving the finger to Honda OEM batteries and dropping an Optima Yellow Top (D51R) in. With it, I might be able to leave my car unattended for a whole weekend without needing to jump start my vehicle every Monday in the winter. I'm crossing my fingers!
In three months, my car will be 4 years old. Now that cold weather is descending upon my hometown, it is time again for a new battery. The first time it wouldn't start, it sat for two days and the temperatures got down to ... 55F. (?!?) I know, right? Those are some seriously Arctic conditions.
Thankful that I bought a portable jump starter two years prior, I hauled it out of the basement and got the car started. I drove it all week without issue.
The car sat again over the weekend and... time to get out the portable jump starter. Sigh.
My car's current draw while asleep is 60 milliamps. Honda assures me that this is within the range of "normal". Honda also assures me that it's my own stupid fault for not driving the car every single day of my life. I love how my dealership loves to blame me for the fact that they put a toy battery into my vehicle.
So, yeah, I gave Honda America a call and (calmly) let them know that I think their batteries are a bit underwhelming. I expect any vehicle I own to be able to sit outside in the freezing cold for a week without the battery self-destructing. I do go on vacation sometimes, you know. I explained that I was not the only Honda Fit owner who had this issue and hoped they would look into it.
(Thanks to everyone who suggested a battery tender... I wish I could use one. I park on the street. I do not have access to an electrical outlet. My car's 12V outlet isn't powered when the car is off, so a solar trickle charger also does me no good.)
I'm out of warranty, so this next battery won't be free. Since I'm paying out of pocket, I'm giving the finger to Honda OEM batteries and dropping an Optima Yellow Top (D51R) in. With it, I might be able to leave my car unattended for a whole weekend without needing to jump start my vehicle every Monday in the winter. I'm crossing my fingers!
An interesting thread about batteries. I have deduced from reading all 6 pages of posts that Sybil has something that is draining her battery, and her suspicions of the dealer installed accessories are in the right direction. A consistent small current drain will effectively reduce the service life of any battery even the high dollar Optima. The dealer installed accessory wouldn't be a problem if she were driving every day, as the dealer says. On the other hand, since she does only take a couple of short trips every week, it's no wonder the battery goes dead. The only difference I can see between her car and the other's who have posted good battery life is the dealer installed accessory. That is also the only difference I see between her Fit and the previously owned 93 Sentra. Sibyl didn't say if she had a remote start on that vehicle.
For what it's worth, Motor Trend Magazine has rated the Honda Fit as one of the 10 best cars in the world every year since it's introduction. We own two of them in my family. With gas prices soon to hit $3.50 a gallon (this summer is my prediction), and even higher, everyone will want to own a Honda Fit. The SUV market is collapsing once again. Who wants to spend $75 to fill up?? -NO ONE. Just be glad you didn't buy that Hummer or a Jeep Commander!
We love our Honda Fits and you will lose less money on a Honda than any other brand. I've owned two Preludes, an S-2000, one Element, one Civic Hybrid, several regular Civics, and numerous Accords. I'm just waiting for the Fit Hybrid to be introduced in 2012!
New Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 19
From: RUSSIA, Moscou
The main causes of battery failure:
1. Chronic discharge the battery;
2. Improper operation of lead starter batteries;
Worth a few years of trains in operation:
1. Short trips;
2. Parking enabled consumers of electricity (radio, nevyklyuchennye lamps, power options).
And the failure of the battery is guaranteed.
At least once a year to recharge the battery, check the amount of leakage current and is not limited to short trips.
Ride every day for a distance of no less than 15 miles and you will be happy!
Laws of physics are the same in Russia as in America.
Problems with the battery are the same.
1. Chronic discharge the battery;
2. Improper operation of lead starter batteries;
Worth a few years of trains in operation:
1. Short trips;
2. Parking enabled consumers of electricity (radio, nevyklyuchennye lamps, power options).
And the failure of the battery is guaranteed.
At least once a year to recharge the battery, check the amount of leakage current and is not limited to short trips.
Ride every day for a distance of no less than 15 miles and you will be happy!
Laws of physics are the same in Russia as in America.
Problems with the battery are the same.
New Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 19
From: RUSSIA, Moscou
optima yellowtop differ only increased the maximum value of starting current.
In our cars the same value of starting current of the battery is sufficient.
The problem in low-capacity battery and discharge.
Put a higher capacity battery and do not let them chronic discharge.
Incidentally, the value of the maximum starting current characterizes only the ability to work with such a magnitude of current without damaging the battery itself (buckling of plates, shedding of active mass).
In our cars the same value of starting current of the battery is sufficient.
The problem in low-capacity battery and discharge.
Put a higher capacity battery and do not let them chronic discharge.
Incidentally, the value of the maximum starting current characterizes only the ability to work with such a magnitude of current without damaging the battery itself (buckling of plates, shedding of active mass).
Last edited by alexpan; Jan 19, 2011 at 10:27 AM.
Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28
From: Netherlands
optima yellowtop differ only increased the maximum value of starting current.
In our cars the same value of starting current of the battery is sufficient.
The problem in low-capacity battery and discharge.
Put a higher capacity battery and do not let them chronic discharge.
Incidentally, the value of the maximum starting current characterizes only the ability to work with such a magnitude of current without damaging the battery itself (buckling of plates, shedding of active mass).
In our cars the same value of starting current of the battery is sufficient.
The problem in low-capacity battery and discharge.
Put a higher capacity battery and do not let them chronic discharge.
Incidentally, the value of the maximum starting current characterizes only the ability to work with such a magnitude of current without damaging the battery itself (buckling of plates, shedding of active mass).
You can't compare a 45A lead battery with a 45A Optima yellowtop.. The yellowtop wil outperform the lead battery on every aspect ( except price )
i ALWAYS have troubles with EVERY lead battery i've came across..
The dealership installed a NEW lead battery in my girls fit.. It failed to start after just playing 30min of radio when washing the car..
My 40A optima yellowtop can play about 60-90 minutes of AMPLIFIED radio in my S2K when washing her and still having at least 10,5 Volts...
After this, drive the car 2! miles, shut off engine and voila it has 12.x volts again! They charge QUICK!
Each his own but i really recommend getting a yellowtop. it will last longer than you will probably own the car..
Last edited by Nyther; Jan 19, 2011 at 11:56 AM.
New Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 13
From: Indianapolis, IN
The main causes of battery failure:
1. Chronic discharge the battery;
2. Improper operation of lead starter batteries;
Worth a few years of trains in operation:
1. Short trips;
2. Parking enabled consumers of electricity (radio, nevyklyuchennye lamps, power options).
And the failure of the battery is guaranteed.
At least once a year to recharge the battery, check the amount of leakage current and is not limited to short trips.
Ride every day for a distance of no less than 15 miles and you will be happy!
Laws of physics are the same in Russia as in America.
Problems with the battery are the same.
1. Chronic discharge the battery;
2. Improper operation of lead starter batteries;
Worth a few years of trains in operation:
1. Short trips;
2. Parking enabled consumers of electricity (radio, nevyklyuchennye lamps, power options).
And the failure of the battery is guaranteed.
At least once a year to recharge the battery, check the amount of leakage current and is not limited to short trips.
Ride every day for a distance of no less than 15 miles and you will be happy!
Laws of physics are the same in Russia as in America.
Problems with the battery are the same.
My 2010 Fit Sport:
SDC11942.jpg?t=1295467745
New Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 19
From: RUSSIA, Moscou
Why I can not compare a normal battery with gel? Even if the manufacturer of gel batteries does it?
I do not argue good-Optima battery.
If there is a lack of charge, then he too could not start the engine.
usmcdad,
Excellent decision!
In this case, the battery will last longer.
By the way,
I am considering buying Honda Fit 2009 model year from the U.S. instead of their Honda Jazz 2007.
I do not argue good-Optima battery.
If there is a lack of charge, then he too could not start the engine.
usmcdad,
Excellent decision!
In this case, the battery will last longer.
By the way,
I am considering buying Honda Fit 2009 model year from the U.S. instead of their Honda Jazz 2007.
Last edited by alexpan; Jan 19, 2011 at 03:23 PM.
Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28
From: Netherlands
Why I can not compare a normal battery with gel? Even if the manufacturer of gel batteries does it?
I do not argue good-Optima battery.
If there is a lack of charge, then he too could not start the engine.
usmcdad,
Excellent decision!
In this case, the battery will last longer.
By the way,
I am considering buying Honda Fit 2009 model year from the U.S. instead of their Honda Jazz 2007.
I do not argue good-Optima battery.
If there is a lack of charge, then he too could not start the engine.
usmcdad,
Excellent decision!
In this case, the battery will last longer.
By the way,
I am considering buying Honda Fit 2009 model year from the U.S. instead of their Honda Jazz 2007.
I'm just saying that the yellowtop can and will take much more load and lasts longer with its capacity before it dies on charge... Because the fact that it charges up so fast, the problem mentioned above should never happen. Unleas you leave the lights or stereo on for a very long period..
New Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 19
From: RUSSIA, Moscou
How much is a 2009 BLACK Fit?
What's his run, got a car accident?
Automatic or manual transmission?
Nyther, Every human on the.
Russian proverb that clear?
Last edited by alexpan; Jan 21, 2011 at 06:03 PM.
New Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 11
From: denver,colorado
i have a 2008 fit that i bought new right off the truck. it's been 3 years and 2 1/2 months and i've been through 2 batterys now and i'm on my 3rd. i drive my car every day and charge the battery when needed. the honda factory batterys suck something bad. don't waste your money on them buy aftermarket. and fyi don't buy optima's they're not that good. half the optima's my friend wyane ordered while he carried them he had to send back they were that bad. i went shoping around for batteries lately and every place i went to said they won't carry them anymore.
New Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 13
From: Indianapolis, IN
I would recommend getting a DEKA Group 51R battery when your stock battery bites the dust. That's an exact fit replacement for the 2006 up Civic. It's a little bigger than the Fit battery, but it's very easy to modify the stock FIT battery box. If you can cut plastic you can make the Civic battery fit your FIT. More CCA (475 CCA vs 300 CCA for stock), and DEKA is an AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) battery that never needs water. I've used them with excellent results for many years.
EAST PENN manufacturing co., inc.: Lead-Acid Batteries; Battery Manufacturers; Thousands of Different Types of Batteries, Cable & Wire Product
New Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 19
From: RUSSIA, Moscou
Today she came by car Jazz.
Once the battery is ruined ....
New battery for it cost $ 100.
Want to buy a steering wheel with cruise control buttons on the steering wheel, but forum rules do not allow you to create messages in the "buy".
Have to write the message ...
Once the battery is ruined ....
New battery for it cost $ 100.
Want to buy a steering wheel with cruise control buttons on the steering wheel, but forum rules do not allow you to create messages in the "buy".
Have to write the message ...
Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 37
From: Sacramento, CA
My 07 fit battery bit it nov last yr. I bought it salvaged so outta warranty, I tried to shop around no shops carried a replacement battery & online suppliers would take some shipping time so I eventually went to the dealer. At the time there was a 10% promo thru honda's website that the attendant got for me (pleasantly surprised) so I think it ended up being like $90. I dont exactly know the history of my car other than it was in NY then salvaged from damage to the tranny plug in some minor accident, probably sat for a bit, but it ended up needing a new battery after like 2.5yrs.
I would recommend getting a DEKA Group 51R battery when your stock battery bites the dust. That's an exact fit replacement for the 2006 up Civic. It's a little bigger than the Fit battery, but it's very easy to modify the stock FIT battery box. If you can cut plastic you can make the Civic battery fit your FIT.
- Have you actually put one of these (Deka 51R) in a Fit?
- If so, did it rub anywhere? (There are posts here describing problems when fitting larger batteries.)
- What year was the Fit?
Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 475
From: Dallas, Texas
I guess I'm kinda lucky right now. I will have owned my fit for 3 years to the day tomorrow, and I still have the original battery. I have over 40,600 miles on the clock.
I'm hoping it will last a while longer. Of course, my car labored to start when we had that cold weather a couple of days ago, as well as last week, when we were below freezing for several days. Despite cranking slower than normal, my car still fired up.
Anybody else's battery last them over 3 years??
I'm hoping it will last a while longer. Of course, my car labored to start when we had that cold weather a couple of days ago, as well as last week, when we were below freezing for several days. Despite cranking slower than normal, my car still fired up.
Anybody else's battery last them over 3 years??
3 and a half
I guess I'm kinda lucky right now. I will have owned my fit for 3 years to the day tomorrow, and I still have the original battery. I have over 40,600 miles on the clock.
I'm hoping it will last a while longer. Of course, my car labored to start when we had that cold weather a couple of days ago, as well as last week, when we were below freezing for several days. Despite cranking slower than normal, my car still fired up.
Anybody else's battery last them over 3 years??
I'm hoping it will last a while longer. Of course, my car labored to start when we had that cold weather a couple of days ago, as well as last week, when we were below freezing for several days. Despite cranking slower than normal, my car still fired up.
Anybody else's battery last them over 3 years??
Last edited by feddup; Feb 13, 2011 at 09:53 AM. Reason: spelling
