02 xc70 battery replacement

mitchellbd · Post by **mitchellbd** » 18 Feb 2010, 16:31

Hi Guys
I'm stuck down in Mexico with a bad battery on my 02 xc70.
What size is the best fit and how important is the vent line.
Also what is a radio code and how do I find it.
Thanks
mitchell

Georgeandkira · Post by **Georgeandkira** » 18 Feb 2010, 17:34

Hello, The batteries are called H6 and H7. The H stands for handle; I was told. H7 is ~40% longer than H6. There were two threaded holes for the battery hold down-one for each of the two sizes-simple. When my battery died the store had only the smaller size. The 02s don't have a radio code. People have posted something about the correct positioning of the ignition switch when installing a battery. I can't remember. I just threw my battery in and had no problems; thank goodness. What brands of batteries are available south of the border? Kira

mitchellbd · Post by **mitchellbd** » 18 Feb 2010, 18:10

Thanks George,
Most brands of auto stuff down here I never heard of.
I think all brands of car battery are available but not where I am living.
I just finished measuring the old one and have compaired it with a battery size chart. It gave me a few opitions.
How important is the vent?
thanks again
mitchell

Georgeandkira · Post by **Georgeandkira** » 19 Feb 2010, 06:54

Hello, The vent is for hydrogen gas so I suppose it's quite important. Some batteries have vent ports which accept a tube and some don't. I do not remember how my car and battery were equipt. I'll look when I get my car back. Is there a tube in your battery well which leads to the outside? Does your existing battery have a vent? Aside from what fits; do the H6-H7 batteries in Mexico have vent ports? There is a body plug for trailer wiring which you could open slightly. Perhaps turn it into a flap. Sounds like you're going to buy whatever you can in order to get home. Good luck, Kira

mitchellbd · Post by **mitchellbd** » 19 Feb 2010, 08:03

Down where I am they never heard of an H6-H7 or any thing close.
I can only go shopping with a tape measure.
Yes my battery has a hose and so do many of the new batterys I recall.
I just was not looking to buy one at the time.
It looks like a group 47 and even a group 48 will squeeze in.
thanks for your help.
mitchell

billr99 · Post by **billr99** » 20 Feb 2010, 05:54

If you look in the Interstate Battery site (http://www.interstatebatteries.com/cs_e ... tate_f.asp) it states that an H6 is equivalent to a size 48. That is, with dimensions 10-15/16 L x 6-7/8 W x 7-1/5 H.

Good luck,

Bill

Georgeandkira · Post by **Georgeandkira** » 20 Feb 2010, 15:35

Hello, For our information: I was in an Autozone today and their H6 did not have a vent nipple for a hose. Kira

Checksix · Post by **Checksix** » 21 Feb 2010, 00:04

Pretty easy decision: If all you want is to get home put in the cheapest thing you can find. If you are thinking replacement, the the biggest battery that will fit WITH A VENT TUBE. The tube allows hydrocloric acid fumes to escape and a battery without this will allow corrosion of all kinds of things in the area if it is not vented properly. You can do a red top Optima battery without a vent since it is a sealed battery (generally a more expensive option).

Jerry

Post by **seggs** » 21 Feb 2010, 06:05

I dont know if they exist down there but I just bought a battery from Sam's Club which fit(very tight) and does have a vent hose. They carry Energizer brand and have an excellent warranty.
Good luck

mitchellbd · Post by **mitchellbd** » 21 Feb 2010, 06:54

Thanks everyone.
There is both a Sams and a Costco about 80 miles from me.
Going there today to check it out. I am going for a good battery with a vent.
Thanks again
mitchell