[Rob22304]

My car is going on 4 years and sometimes doesn’t ‘start’. I suspect the 12v battery needs to be replaced. Are there any hints or special procedures I need to use in doing the swap?

Are there any after market batteries that work well or fit well as a replacement?

TIA R22315

 

[Yinzer]

Any auto parts shop should be able to look up the replacement for it (it is the same battery as a gas Smart 451?). Bring the old battery since you will need to properly dispose of it anyway (the store actually makes money off the old batteries - but don't expect to get core money back from them). If the store does not have an exact match, they can visually match the battery with one close enough in size and positive/negative terminal arrangement.

The big pain I found in accessing the battery is getting the carpet pulled up in the passenger side foot well far enough to get they big foam block with the tire repair kit that sits over the battery out. You may need to remove the cup holder.

 

[sokoloff]

Last I checked, both NAPA and Advanced Auto gave you five bucks or so credit for old batteries. You can also have your battery tested to see if it is in fact the issue. Batteries last me a whole lot more than four years, but that's on non-Smarts.

Len
2014 EV Coupe 14,500 miles
2014 Cabriolet EV 4,500 miles

 

[OliverB]

As well as Auto Zone, NAPA and Car Quest - in our area.

 

[DealMeIn]

I personally prefer Honda batteries - 8 year warranty, and at least 7 years of actual life in my experience (my Insight is 18 years old, on my second purchased battery). All the aftermarket batteries barely seem to last 4. Well worth the ~$105 the dealer charges.

 

[Rob22304]

Terrific guys, thanks for the tips. ThereÂ’s a Honda dealer within walking distance of my place so IÂ’ll go there once I figure out the size.

 

[Foolios]

EDIT: Would an AGM Battery be a better choice? Or is the Smart 12v Battery already an AGM?

 

[Pinan]

Would a Sealed Lead Acid Battery be a better choice? Or is the Smart 12v Battery already a SLA?

Not sure, but here is what I learned last week:
http://www.smartcarofamerica.com/forums/f170/12v-battery-replacement-help-149746/