When to replace the engine battery?

S

Sim667

Member
VIP Member
T6 Pro
When I had my SOS module sorted they’d said that my engine battery had got too low and that had cause the error, and since then I’ve noticed my stop start hasn’t been working, and I’ve had an engine battery low warning once. So I’ve had a bit of an inkling it’s getting low for a while. Finally found my multimeter and it’s reading 12.27 volts after sitting undriven for a couple of hours.

I’m due to go to VW tomorrow as it needs something looking at with the ad blue, is it worth me asking for a new battery whilst I’m there?
 
  • Like
Reactions: CAB
VW will have you over a barrel for a battery. 12.27V resting is about where it should be. How old is the battery and what make is it?
 
Hold on - I'll just get the forum crystal ball.

Ah yes, you have a grey 1964 T1. Yes, the battery needs changing. o_O

Probably a few more basic details would be helpful.

Also a dodgy battery can start throwing up other random errors so if you are lucky it might not be an adblue problem.
You can go anywhere to get a battery changed - probably a lot cheaper than VW.
 
Sim667 said:
When I had my SOS module sorted they’d said that my engine battery had got too low and that had cause the error, and since then I’ve noticed my stop start hasn’t been working, and I’ve had an engine battery low warning once. So I’ve had a bit of an inkling it’s getting low for a while. Finally found my multimeter and it’s reading 12.27 volts after sitting undriven for a couple of hours.

I’m due to go to VW tomorrow as it needs something looking at with the ad blue, is it worth me asking for a new battery whilst I’m there?
Click to expand...
IMHO only if you are under factory warranty. Otherwise I would just go to a battery specialist and get a good brand one installed for half of VW price. Any decent shop will code it for you.
Personally, where I live I expect starter battery 4 to 5 winters lifespan depending on how it behaves. Never had one for 6.
 
Salty Spuds said:
VW will have you over a barrel for a battery. 12.27V resting is about where it should be. How old is the battery and what make is it?
Click to expand...
Oh sorry, it’s the original one, 2021 van.

I’m under the all in plan.

I was thinking I’d ask VW the cost and then I’ll call my local garage who did all of my work on my T5 and compare before giving anyone the go ahead to do it
 
whodat said:
Hold on - I'll just get the forum crystal ball.

Ah yes, you have a grey 1964 T1. Yes, the battery needs changing. o_O

Probably a few more basic details would be helpful.

Also a dodgy battery can start throwing up other random errors so if you are lucky it might not be an adblue problem.
You can go anywhere to get a battery changed - probably a lot cheaper than VW.
Click to expand...
I’m pretty sure it is an adblue issue, it’s reporting the adblue tank heater element as open circuit.

I was just thinking about this to get ahead of the battery failing, I’ve got a baby coming in the next two weeks and cannot be bothered with a flat battery too.
 
I aim for around 5 years, 6 at a maximum
No point waiting for it to fail and leave you stranded before changing !

I would expect to pay £130-170 at an independent garage/battery shop, if you go to main dealer prob upwards of £250
 
All that money and he wont even get a reacharound!

Mine is 5 years, but kept on a maintainer. Ill replace it next year as a precaution.
 
As an aside, if going after market for a battery, you can go up a size on the T6, not sure about the 6.1. An Exide ex950 fits “snugly” in a T6.
 
Just changed the battery in my 21 Caravelle as I felt it was starting to get a bit shorter on capacity. I just waited for a good offer on Tanya batteries on eBay and changed it before it became an issue.

It's not hard to do yourself.

I do wish I'd tried to put the larger one in (we occasionally camp and as a single battery vehicle every little helps) but I lost my nerve as I have the additional 6.1 top of battery fuse box as well.

Extensive thread of advice and options here:

Grim Reaper

Thread 'Upgrading Starter Battery - how to guide'

My van (April 2017 T28) is fitted with a Moll battery.
I am experiencing some issues with it not starting after a few days sitting on the drive. Now this could be due to the tracker I have fitted draining it but I doubt it, I'll do some drain current tests before taking the plunge.
If I were to change the battery myself, could I replace it with a larger capacity one (eg a 95Ah 850A G14 Varta AGM which should just fit in the battery tray) instead of the standard 70Ah 700A Moll?
Is there anything I need to do to let the van know it has a different battery fitted? (I have VCDS if needed)
 
Pauly said:
I aim for around 5 years, 6 at a maximum
No point waiting for it to fail and leave you stranded before changing !

I would expect to pay £130-170 at an independent garage/battery shop, if you go to main dealer prob upwards of £250
Click to expand...

This is what I do - in my experience, anything over 5 years is borrowed time so I’d rather replace than have a breakdown. I have VCDS so source them from Tayna and fit myself. If it might have lasted another year its cost me £25ish - peace of mind that the battery isnt going to let me down!

(As an aside, years ago, I used to work with someone who provided data analytics at the AA - most breakdowns were battery or tyre related)
 
Did you do it yourself - just like the old days - disconnect battery, put in new one, reconnect - all good. Possibly code it afterwards
Or - is there more to it with these delicate divas.
 
whodat said:
Did you do it yourself - just like the old days - disconnect battery, put in new one, reconnect - all good. Possibly code it afterwards
Or - is there more to it with these delicate divas.
Click to expand...
Swapped mine meself, indeed ‘tis old schooly. One out, one in, and code if you’ve the facility, if not, just carry on regardless and the van will “learn” that it has a new battery in short order.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

K
OBDeleven and SOS restricted “workshop”
Replies
8
Views
1K
Macp
M
A
Fogstar seatbase 230
Replies
5
Views
296
Dellmassive
Dellmassive
M
Charging/battery connection issue
Replies
1
Views
375
mmi
mmi
RichyJ91
Battery replacement costs?
2
Replies
29
Views
4K
Hamster67
Hamster67
B
Leisure battery not charging, and habitation electrics as not cutting out with engine on?
Replies
1
Views
300
kipperman
K
Back
Top