1965: appearance of the first 2CV battery with a voltage of 12 V
When launched in 1948, the famous Citroën incorporated an electrical system operating at a voltage of 6 volts. This was the case for all models equipped with an engine of 375 cc and 425 cc as well as for the first generations of Ami 6 and Dyane. Then, from 1965, the 2CV gradually adopted 12-volt electrical circuits. However, it was not until February 1970 with the appearance of the 2CV 4 and 6 that the Quai de Javel manufacturer permanently switched to a fully electrified 12-volt range, until the end of production of the 2CV in 1990 in its Mangualde factory in Portugal.
The different attributes of a 2CV battery
Several characteristics define the types of car battery:
- its size, which is important on a 2CV, given the specific housing of the latter. The maximum dimensions for a 2CV battery are 21 cm in length x 17.5 cm in width x 19 cm in height.
- its electric charge or capacity, expressed in “Ah”, i.e. in Ampere/hour. For example, a 40Ah model will theoretically power a bulb that consumes 4 Amps for 10 hours (4 x 10 = 40).
- Its power expressed in "A" for Amperes. This is the maximum power that the battery can deliver at an instant T (upon using the
starter for example) given that the larger and more powerful the engine, the more energy it consumes.
- Its voltage, expressed in volts: either 6V or 12V depending on your 2CV model..
2CV 6 V or 12 V battery?
Our online store offers both 6V and 12V references. Today, modern technologies allow you to have considerably more powerful and more efficient batteries than earlier for reduced dimensions. Thus, if the 2CV6 at its launch was equipped with a 25Ah model and then 35Ah thereafter, we now offer models delivering a minimum of 50Ah with a size equivalent to historic models. The dimensions of our 6V model are, for example, very compact with a length of 160 mm, a width of 175 mm and a height of only 165 mm, all for a capacity of 82Ah and 450A of power. The same applies to our 12V battery developed in partnership with the world leading brand YUASA, whose dimensions are perfect in terms of size (207 mm in length x 175 mm in width x 175 mm in height) and which offers remarkable performance with a capacity of 50Ah and a peak amperage of 480A, for a weight of only 12.1 kg. It is a maintenance-free lead/acid battery that has a terminal to the right and a swing handle, a flame arrester, side ventilation, a double anti-flow cover and also has VDA testing certification. These models are very easy to install. Just install them and respect their polarity when you connect the vehicle's power cables to its positive and negative terminals.
You will also find voltage regulators in this section. This accessory is used to supply the battery with the electric current necessary for charging the latter to compensate for the loss of energy suffered when starting the engine. The regulator is usually fixed directly on the battery of the 2CV while it is installed on the body of the vehicles that are derived from it like the Méhari or the Dyane. These two positions correspond to two specific regulator models which are both sold in our online store.
The 2CV battery: function, power supply, charging
The vehicle battery is mainly useful during starting. Then, it is when the engine is running that the current that feeds all the electric functions of the car (
lighting, indicators, meters, spark plugs, cigarette lighter, etc.) is then produced by a dynamo or an alternator, according to the 2CV generations.
When a battery discharges while driving, the current is no longer supplied by the rotation of the engine. This can be explained by a faulty voltage regulator or by many other causes like worn
alternator brushes, burnt out
alternator fuse or an
alternator belt that, being broken or being poorly tensioned, no longer powers the
alternator. However, the charge capacity of the battery may also have deteriorated over time, its aging making it unable to store adequate amount of energy.
In case of insufficient charge level, in cold weather or after a long winter, you may need to recharge your battery before starting your car. In this case, you can either use
jump leads, if you have a second vehicle, by properly plugging in the clamps according to the polarity, or you can use an external charger or a booster like the one we are offering, which is specifically adapted for small vintage Citroëns.
3 models of front wiring harness depending on the vintage of your 2CV
Among our many references for the 2CV electric system that we offer, explore our 3 generations of front wiring looms, to be selected according to the vintage and the voltage of your vehicle. We also offer extremely valuable original connectors for all 2CV owners. They are available in diameters of 3 or 4 mm, which differs depending on the nature and the electric power of each of the different wires in the wiring loom. Our range also includes several models of grommets which make it possible to secure the installation of these looms and to prevent short-circuits.
In any case, if you face an electrical problem on your 2CV vehicle, choose our original parts and our various ranges dedicated to the legendary Citroën.
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