GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: Brenbo on 28 October 2019, 08:34
-
I got in my car yesterday and it is starting to struggle to start. I suspect it is the Battery getting a bit low as the car is just on 3 years old. It was a cold morning start, but besides that it is the first time I have seen it struggle. Do I need to replace the battery and if so is it something I can do, or is it best to take it in to the dealership incase there are error codes on ECU or MIB unit etc, when the battery is replaced?
-
lots info here:
http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=285795.0
-
I’d definitely hope it was a warranty claim at that age. One to argue for sure as the batteries aren’t cheap!
Pretty sure mine won’t last 3 years as it’s 2.5 years old now and stop start rarely activates which is often a sign of lowish battery charge.
-
Have seen on youtube there is way of seeing the current percentage of charge for the battery on the Centre Dash Display (between the dials) by holding down the trip reset button for several seconds. May give it a go later. But from I have also read it can be a little inaccurate on ocassions.
-
Yes, mine shows state of charge as ok on the DIS but I suspect otherwise!
-
The trick to see State of Charge screen on MFD diplay on my 66 plate Golf R does not work. I can only get the time screen to show then after that it goes back to the default screen. Is there another way to see the State Of Charge screen on my Golf?
I have to take my car in for the Haldex Oil Change by end of October, but I may see if I can take it in earlier and get the battery looked over as well.
-
When I've done it previously, it's been hit or miss on it working or not. Don't know if that's anything to do with it being keyless (or me being thick).
-
Hit and miss for me too as to whether it works. I have a vague memory I had to enable it via VCDS on mine. I don’t use the car regularly so SOC important to me.
-
The SOC display isn't on newer models and probably not on any petrol models either. The first mk7s had this and on my gtd it had an extra attachment on the battery terminal. Newer models don't seem to have the little attachment which I assume is for SOC.
-
It's a bit of a shame SOC is not on newer petrol models as like Exonian I do mainly short journeys and do not use it regular at present.
-
SOC isn't to be relied on. Mine showed 80% and the next day it was dead. £130 later a new AMG battery fixed it. Not used SOC since.
-
Am also thinking about purchasing a Battery Charger to charge the battery in my Golf R over winter months as I also do few miles in my Golf and even then the time period of the miles I do are irregular and not often enough to charge the battery as much as i would like.
I was thinking of purchasing a CTEK MXS 5.0, would you recommend this charger or is there something else which is more suitable for the type of battery in the Golf R?
Also what is the best method to connect the charger to the battery in my Golf R? The reason i ask is because I have seen while browsing that someone on another forum mentioned that the charger should not be connected directly to the negative terminal , instead it should be connected to the head on a terminal monitor connected to the negative terminal? Could someone clarify the best practice of connecting the battery charger to the battery in a Golf R so I don't cause any errors or incorrect readings for the monitor.
-
Connect the positive lead directly to the battery + terminal and the negative lead of the charger to the negative metal plate mounted behind the battery. This way the charging current goes through the battery monitor installed of the battery negative terminal.
My GTI is past 3 years old and sometimes the battery shows signs of age also but I also have a hardwired dash cam which records while parked as well. When I don't use the car for more than 2 days I usually plug it into a trickle charger to keep the battery topped up.
-
Connect the positive lead directly to the battery + terminal and the negative lead of the charger to the negative metal plate mounted behind the battery. This way the charging current goes through the battery monitor installed of the battery negative terminal.
My GTI is past 3 years old and sometimes the battery shows signs of age also but I also have a hardwired dash cam which records while parked as well. When I don't use the car for more than 2 days I usually plug it into a trickle charger to keep the battery topped up.
Excellent choice of charger there Bren, may I recommend you also buy the cigarette lighter socket lead https://www.ctek.com/products/vehicle/connect-cig-plug (https://www.ctek.com/products/vehicle/connect-cig-plug) and then make your sockets permanently live by moving this fuse slightly. Makes life much easier to put the battery on charge without having to open the bonnet.
(https://i.postimg.cc/P5DsPdbm/fuse.jpg)
-
Am also thinking about purchasing a Battery Charger to charge the battery in my Golf R over winter months as I also do few miles in my Golf and even then the time period of the miles I do are irregular and not often enough to charge the battery as much as i would like.
I was thinking of purchasing a CTEK MXS 5.0, would you recommend this charger or is there something else which is more suitable for the type of battery in the Golf R?
Also what is the best method to connect the charger to the battery in my Golf R? The reason i ask is because I have seen while browsing that someone on another forum mentioned that the charger should not be connected directly to the negative terminal , instead it should be connected to the head on a terminal monitor connected to the negative terminal? Could someone clarify the best practice of connecting the battery charger to the battery in a Golf R so I don't cause any errors or incorrect readings for the monitor.
I have had the CTEK for along time now. Really beneficial especially if you leave you car for long periods without use. Mine packed up earlier this year and it was replaced FOC within its 5 year guarantee - very impressed.
-
Thanks for the info guys. I took my car to VW yesterday and apparently the battery test showed my battery was defective, so I now have a new battery fitted. It wasn't on warranty so I also had to pay for it. On the Ctek Charger subject, I found out if you want to buy one don't order through amazon as it cause issues with warranty claims. Instead from reviews on amazon it states to order it through anywhere else except amazon to get full benefit of warranty
-
Mine's on charge now... :smiley:
(https://i.postimg.cc/WzFWbq1R/ctek-mxs-5-0.jpg)
-
Hi
Halfords do AGM stop/start battery replacement, and update the software to register the new battery.
I'm not sure how this would be viewed if the car is under warranty, but for £185 all in it sounds much cheaper than getting VW to do it. They have other sizes of battery in their range.
https://www.halfords.com/motoring/bulbs-blades-batteries/car-batteries/halfords--096agm-start-stop-agm-12v-car-battery-5-year-guarantee (https://www.halfords.com/motoring/bulbs-blades-batteries/car-batteries/halfords--096agm-start-stop-agm-12v-car-battery-5-year-guarantee)
Martin
-
I've just replaced mine, May 2016.
Got a Bosch S5A 08 AGM from Battery Megastore for £126.52 inc delivery on a Discount Code.
Battery removed is a SeBang - Korean EFB type dated 12-16 so end of March.
I think the OEM battery is definitely spec'd on price, as long as it lasts 3 years VW are in the clear. :angry:
Changing battery took about 30 mins, including the coding with OBD11.
No adverse effects from change without piggy back power.
Dash was like a christmas tree on power up, but all cleared no issues and error codes cleared.
Only lost the trip mileage all other settings, codings etc intack.
-
Hi
Halfords do AGM stop/start battery replacement, and update the software to register the new battery.
I'm not sure how this would be viewed if the car is under warranty, but for £185 all in it sounds much cheaper than getting VW to do it. They have other sizes of battery in their range.
https://www.halfords.com/motoring/bulbs-blades-batteries/car-batteries/halfords--096agm-start-stop-agm-12v-car-battery-5-year-guarantee (https://www.halfords.com/motoring/bulbs-blades-batteries/car-batteries/halfords--096agm-start-stop-agm-12v-car-battery-5-year-guarantee)
Martin
£125.60 if you know anyone with a trade card. :wink:
-
spud, "Dash was like a christmas tree on power up, but all cleared no issues and error codes cleared."
That's decided it for me, thanks. What error codes? My nerves couldn't stand seeing that! :smiley:
It's going to the dealer on Thursday for a new battery.
Mine is the same as yours i.e. SeBang - Korean EFB type dated ? (must check that tomorrow).
Car is MY16 built April 2016
I've told the dealer I want a warranty claim putting in even thought its over 3 years old now.
It let me down for the second time in a month on Monday -it had been standing for three days in the garage following a fast 80 mile motorway round-trip on previous Wednesday, then 3 miles to town and back into the garage on Thursday.
It's helpful isn't it when it won't start and you get the error message "12V battery very low. Drive car to charge" But of course, you can't drive it!
Does the dealer need to know the radio code after the battery is replaced or are they able to save that with the other codes before they disconnect the original battery?
Peter_S
I've just replaced mine, May 2016.
Got a Bosch S5A 08 AGM from Battery Megastore for £126.52 inc delivery on a Discount Code.
Battery removed is a SeBang - Korean EFB type dated 12-16 so end of March.
I think the OEM battery is definitely spec'd on price, as long as it lasts 3 years VW are in the clear. :angry:
Changing battery took about 30 mins, including the coding with OBD11.
No adverse effects from change without piggy back power.
Dash was like a christmas tree on power up, but all cleared no issues and error codes cleared.
Only lost the trip mileage all other settings, codings etc intack.
-
I definitely would have thought it valid to expect at least a sizeable partial goodwill gesture from VW at such a young age.
-
If it’s the original radio unit, it is paired with the car ECU, so doesn’t need to be coded.
Push hard for a decent contribution Peter - this is not a reasonable failure in a decent car that has been looked after.
-
To be honest it was a little disconcerting on power up to start with. :smiley:
I checked error codes before removing battery, none.
Changed battery, ignition on, plenty of lights and warnings, including parking sensors disabled, ACC disabled etc.
Sort out coding changes for new battery.
Short drive all lights go out, power off and restart, all clear.
Check for codes and clear them all, no issues since.
Wish you well with getting a VW contribution, to be honest i couldn't be bothered in trying.
Eurocarparts have the bosch at £334 before any discounts, so i figured VW would be at least that, plus fitting cost, so even if they did decide to pay 50% it was still going to be £200.
spud, "Dash was like a christmas tree on power up, but all cleared no issues and error codes cleared."
That's decided it for me, thanks. What error codes? My nerves couldn't stand seeing that! :smiley:
It's going to the dealer on Thursday for a new battery.
Mine is the same as yours i.e. SeBang - Korean EFB type dated ? (must check that tomorrow).
Car is MY16 built April 2016
I've told the dealer I want a warranty claim putting in even thought its over 3 years old now.
It let me down for the second time in a month on Monday -it had been standing for three days in the garage following a fast 80 mile motorway round-trip on previous Wednesday, then 3 miles to town and back into the garage on Thursday.
It's helpful isn't it when it won't start and you get the error message "12V battery very low. Drive car to charge" But of course, you can't drive it!
Does the dealer need to know the radio code after the battery is replaced or are they able to save that with the other codes before they disconnect the original battery?
Peter_S
I've just replaced mine, May 2016.
Got a Bosch S5A 08 AGM from Battery Megastore for £126.52 inc delivery on a Discount Code.
Battery removed is a SeBang - Korean EFB type dated 12-16 so end of March.
I think the OEM battery is definitely spec'd on price, as long as it lasts 3 years VW are in the clear. :angry:
Changing battery took about 30 mins, including the coding with OBD11.
No adverse effects from change without piggy back power.
Dash was like a christmas tree on power up, but all cleared no issues and error codes cleared.
Only lost the trip mileage all other settings, codings etc intack.
-
Exonian, thanks for that reassurance.
I'll post back here to let you and the others know how I get on tomorrow.
Peter_S
I definitely would have thought it valid to expect at least a sizeable partial goodwill gesture from VW at such a young age.
-
Talk-torque, phew! Thanks, that's a relief as I thought I'd have to go ferreting around looking for a radio code! I have the original radio unit Discover Media Generation 2
Yes, I like to think I look after it. It's only done 26k and is always garaged.
Peter_S
If it’s the original radio unit, it is paired with the car ECU, so doesn’t need to be coded.
Push hard for a decent contribution Peter - this is not a reasonable failure in a decent car that has been looked after.
-
spud122, I'm sweating even more reading your excellent description of the procedure you went through :huh:
The dealer says the battery (they did not say/know what make) would be about £225 incl VAT, so that probably stacks up with the Eurocarparts one after discounts, right?
Peter_S
To be honest it was a little disconcerting on power up to start with. :smiley:
I checked error codes before removing battery, none.
Changed battery, ignition on, plenty of lights and warnings, including parking sensors disabled, ACC disabled etc.
Sort out coding changes for new battery.
Short drive all lights go out, power off and restart, all clear.
Check for codes and clear them all, no issues since.
Wish you well with getting a VW contribution, to be honest i couldn't be bothered in trying.
Eurocarparts have the bosch at £334 before any discounts, so i figured VW would be at least that, plus fitting cost, so even if they did decide to pay 50% it was still going to be £200.
spud, "Dash was like a christmas tree on power up, but all cleared no issues and error codes cleared."
That's decided it for me, thanks. What error codes? My nerves couldn't stand seeing that! :smiley:
It's going to the dealer on Thursday for a new battery.
Mine is the same as yours i.e. SeBang - Korean EFB type dated ? (must check that tomorrow).
Car is MY16 built April 2016
I've told the dealer I want a warranty claim putting in even thought its over 3 years old now.
It let me down for the second time in a month on Monday -it had been standing for three days in the garage following a fast 80 mile motorway round-trip on previous Wednesday, then 3 miles to town and back into the garage on Thursday.
It's helpful isn't it when it won't start and you get the error message "12V battery very low. Drive car to charge" But of course, you can't drive it!
Does the dealer need to know the radio code after the battery is replaced or are they able to save that with the other codes before they disconnect the original battery?
Peter_S
I've just replaced mine, May 2016.
Got a Bosch S5A 08 AGM from Battery Megastore for £126.52 inc delivery on a Discount Code.
Battery removed is a SeBang - Korean EFB type dated 12-16 so end of March.
I think the OEM battery is definitely spec'd on price, as long as it lasts 3 years VW are in the clear. :angry:
Changing battery took about 30 mins, including the coding with OBD11.
No adverse effects from change without piggy back power.
Dash was like a christmas tree on power up, but all cleared no issues and error codes cleared.
Only lost the trip mileage all other settings, codings etc intack.
-
Well, I got the battery changed today.
Long story shortened is that they would not entertain a warranty claim or offer a goodwill contribution.
I expressed my disappointment.
They said that the Golf R battery problems related to a specific batch and mine was not one of them - they would say that wouldn't they?
However, they knocked £50 off the quote £290 so I paid £242 inclusive fitted, a Varta VAO 669 627 RA 12V 70Ah 420A DIN "Made in Germany" with a two year warranty apparently.
That's better than a Sebang from Korea isn't it?
I was originally quoted £329 and the Halfords offer was £182, Yuasa five year warranty.
So the dealer has come down £87 which I suppose is something. They also gave me a complimentary Up courtesy car. Quite impressed with the little critter actually, surprisingly sporty exhaust note. Are they 3-cylinders?
A noticeable difference when starting up now. Instant.
My confidence in the battery is back - let it snow! :smiley:
I was worried about what Spud122 reported on powering-up the new battery.
Everything seems be ok, which is important to me: Radio, CD player, iPhone charging, Infotainment - satnav; Apple CarPlay incl Deezer; SD card in slot 2 (music); WeConnect and Huawei E8372 Wingle, DCC, ACC, mirrors, windows, heated seats, aircon, parking sensors and stop-start.
The only thing I noticed like Spud122 I think, was that the "CAR/Driving Data" stats had been wiped. You know the day's fuel consumption; long-term consumption and consumption since fill-up. That does not bother me as I know I can always get 40+ on a motorway run.
Thanks again to everyone for their inputs to help inform my decision.
Peter_S
-
Glad it all got sorted for you without any hassle.
Stewart
-
Stewart, yes thanks, it is a relief. Peter_S
-
Notch up another GTi with a dead OEM battery. No warning, just >click< and nothing else. A fully charged jump-pack failed to do the trick and another running vehicle was drafted in to achieve a start. I went straight for a replacement owing to an urgent need for a reliable car - £200 from a local garage for an Exide 70Ah AGM battery so not as bad as dealer prices. Mine is on a 2016 plate.
My "dash as Christmas tree" experience was a little different as after all the usual lights went out, following a short drive, the traction control light came on, followed by an exclamation mark symbol. It only went away after I'd disabled and re-enabled traction control via the menus. All ok eventually but as others have remarked, seeing all those warning lights would have been a bit of a shock had I not been prewarned by this thread.
And yes, that means I'd been reading this thread and wondering about the state of my own battery, even though it hadn't given me any trouble - and then bam; next day it failed... Gotta be a word for this form of fate ;-)
Cheers
Andy