Today I went to the dealership to fix a CEL in Van Nuys, CA. They recommended I change the battery on my 2008.5 MS3 because it was below levels. I'm wondering if I got jipped since my battery shoudl be less than 2 years old.

Here are the facts -

1) They said the battery level was 290 and it was meant to be 360 or something. I'm not sure what units it's meant to be. If someone could answer this that'd be great.
2) They told me in a month if I didn't change the battery it would start cranking and I'd notice it.
3) The paperwork after I looked at it later said "Customer states the engine cranks slowly. Check and advise". I never mentioned anything about the engine as I went in for the CEL
4) This is the interesting part and I was hoping someone could clarify what this part does. When I left, I found a 9V battery plugged into my 12V cigarette lighter. It wasn't a charger, as the battery was not rechargable. Can someone tell me what this does and would it affect my battery reading? I still have it in my possession.

I ended up paying $87 for a new battery which should've been under warranty. They said $87 is 25% of the total price because I'm still under warranty... but does that mean abattery is $320+ ?!!

Thanks a bunch, your advice is really appreciated.

 

The 9v battery plugged into the cigarette lighter is to save radio settings and clock along with other things as well. So you don't loose them when unhooking the battery. I would've thought the battery would've been covered under warranty also, being a 2008.5

 

Thanks a bunch. That helps clarify things. Now I'm up a free tool!

 

the batt. number they r talkingabout are probably cold cranking amps or CCA but any auto parts store should be able to test your battery for free i know advance does (i Work there lol)