Frequently asked questions about your AUX14 battery

aux14-batteryToday’s technologically advanced vehicles offer a number of onboard accessories. While the main battery source serves as the starting battery, an auxiliary battery – often referred to as an AUX14 battery – provides long-lasting back up power for anything from lighting and navigation to the latest state-of-the-art stereo systems without running the vehicle’s motor.

If your vehicle has an AUX14 battery for auxiliary power, it is important to understand some basic information about that battery. Below you’ll find some frequently asked questions we often hear related to auxiliary batteries.

What is an auxiliary battery?

Cars or light trucks use auxiliary batteries – typically small 12-volt batteries – for additional power when the engine is not running. Cars equipped with start-stop features typically use auxiliary batteries, as their engines usually shut off when the vehicle is sitting idle.

How do I know if my auxiliary battery is bad?

Most cars sophisticated enough to have an auxiliary battery also have a computer system that can alert you of issues with the battery or if it’s starting to fail. An error on the dashboard is usually the first indication that something isn’t right.

Can an auxiliary battery stop my car from starting?

The main battery primarily helps start the vehicle’s engine, while an auxiliary battery helps run other systems in the car that can be adversely affected if the starting battery does not function properly. In some cases, it can assist if your main power source fails, but may not actually provide any “starting” duties itself.

Do all cars have an auxiliary battery?

No, not all cars have auxiliary batteries. It all depends on the vehicle size and model as well as the location, design and number of onboard accessories. Always replace your auxiliary battery with the proper size and type of battery for your application. Just because a battery may look similar to another battery, it is not wise to assume that they are interchangeable. When in doubt, defer to your vehicle manufacturer for more information.

How do you charge an auxiliary battery?

Typically, the vehicle’s normal charging system charges the auxiliary battery. If a vehicle sits idle for a long time, especially in extreme temperatures, it might be necessary at some point not only to charge the main battery, but also the auxiliary battery. Since both sources of power are 12-volt batteries, they would be charged in a similar manner. Please refer to the original manufacturer for proper battery charging guidelines.

What makes an ODYSSEY®battery from EnerSys better suited for an auxiliary application than other products on the market?

ODYSSEY® batteries are made from pure lead. This construction allows the battery a unique ability to deep-cycle (deeply discharge, and recharge). The proprietary Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) technology found within ODYSSEY® batteries helps enable them to recover faster and minimize damage by extended discharges.

The ODYSSEY® Extreme ODS-AUX14 battery model has the proper vent designed into the battery, making it compatible with the factory venting system. Some models require this when mounting the battery inside the vehicle. It is an excellent option if you’re looking to take your technologically advanced vehicle to the next level of performance.

Remember to keep these points in mind when you are looking to maintain or replace your AUX14 battery.