URGENT-599 Battery empty-NEED HELP!!!

The positive pole is always larger in diameter.

 

Keep these for reference.

Taz
Terry Phillips
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If you have a voltmeter it would be easy to tell.

 

Most battery chargers will not charge if the polarity is reversed,

Negative pole lead goes to master disconnect switch.

 

If the L3-80+ is describing the battery size, then the 599 uses the same size battery as the 355, which in North America is designated as a Group 34R. (the R designates reverse terminals). In most 348s and 355s you can actually fit a standard Group 34, as the battery cables are long enough to reach the terminals even if they are on the "wrong" side. Using a Group 34 opens up a lot more choices, as the 34R is an uncommon battery.

 

For us Yanks, here are the replacements for the 599's L3 80+:

Mondial/TR/512 TR/F512M/355/456/456M/550/575M/599 Battery

MTP-91 Interstate (More Power, Cheaper, Lighter, than MTP-H6)

Product ID: MTP-91(Automotive Truck)
Amps: 875
Cranking Amps: 875
Cold Cranking Amps: 700
Voltage: 12
Termination: A
Pro-rata Warranty: 85
Weight: 36.9 lbs
Width: 6.88” (175 mm)
Length: 11.38” (289 mm)
Height: 6.88” (175 mm)
Retail Price: $124.95

MTP-H6 (Alternative)

Product ID: MTP-H6 (Automotive Truck)
Amps: 800
Cranking Amps: 800
Cold Cranking Amps: 640
Voltage: 12
Termination: A
Pro-rata Warranty: 85
Weight: 40.8 lbs
Width: 6.89” (175 mm)
Length: 10.94” (278 mm)
Height: 7.48” (190 mm)
Retail Price: $163.95



Delco 48-6Yr (substitute for MTP-91)


48-6YR 12 Volt Automotive 110 700 875 11.5 6.8 6.8 35.5

Retail Price: $112.44

Taz
Terry Phillips
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Assuming you can get a Group 34 to fit (terminals opposite side from the 34R that comes with the car), I would recommend the Sears Platinum battery. It is of absorbed glass mat construction, so it never needs water, and even if the case becomes cracked, it will not spill electrolyte. 880 Cold Cranking Amps (versus 700 of the Interstate 91) and has a four year free replacement warranty. It was also top rated by Consumer Reports in their two last tests of batteries.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02850034000P

Only downside is it is a bit heavier, around 49 lbs.


This battery appears to actually be manufactured by Odyssey:
http://www.odysseybatteries.com/battery/pc1500t.htm
All the specs are identical. But Sears sells it for considerably less.

 

He lives in Germany. Not a whole lot of Sears stores there.

Also the battery is a full inch taller than the FIAMM and Interstates, might not fit in some Ferraris.

Taz
Terry Phillips

 

Thanks Taz, you are correct. I was responding to your post #10. You are right, the height might be an issue in some cars, but so far, has not been reported to be an issue in 355's or 348s. I am uncertain if anyone has tried in a 550/575. Being a Group 34 standard, it should still be within spec, even if it is taller than the Interstate.

 

Yup, you are correct. I forgot I even put those charts in there. Would probably be a very tight fit in a Maranello, not sure about a 599. Looks like a pretty heavy duty battery. If fitting one, Odyssey does make a 34R, which is a bit more expensive than the Diehard, but would probably fit better.

Taz
Terry Phillips

 

Please, Please, Please do not mention the autobahn...it makes us all jealous...Have fun!

 

Just changed my 599 battery, which was more than dead (could not even recharge it past 9V). What a nightmare.

First off, the trunk won't open when the battery is dead. There is a "secret" mechanical release though. It's in-between the seats, there is a two compartment flattish tray, pull that up by picking it up by the middle divider. Underneath there is a black release cable, pull on it to open the trunk.

Then you have to remove the right side trunk lining. There are two 4mm Allen screws hidden behind the leather holder for the manuals.

Then you have to remove the + terminal. There is a red safety pin/plate hidden inside the positive junction box/tray sitting atop the battery that will prevent you from doing that (how do they come up with that stuff?). You have to open the lid of the junction box by pressing two hard to see tabs, then unscrew the red pin inside.

Then the plus side terminal connection and nut is all the way at the back, you can't access it to loosen it. So you have to remove the minus side, unscrew the upper and lower attachements to the battery, pivot it 90 degrees so you can access the round positive terminal and loosen the nut from there.

And when you are all done the regular 34 won't work. You need the 34R with the reverse terminals, or the junction tray won't fit.

My battery said L3 680 74 Ah 680A EN, FIAMM Genuine Ferrari

I guess the engineers were thinking we owners are a little too lucky, they wanted to get back at us by making battery changes real difficult. They might have overdone it a bit ;-). Great car it is.

 

Glad you're up and running.