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How to retro-fit a bigger capacity battery to a Mk7 Golf

golfdave

Autocross Champion
Location
Scotland (U.K.)
Car(s)
Mk7 Golf GT Estate
Disclaimer:- This info is for community usage. I am NOT affiliated to, or sponsored by, any company/individual to promote them or their products. Companies/individuals may NOT use my name, photos, or threads/technical guides, for financial or personal gain (fraudulent misrepresentation).

Part 1 of 1

WARNING:- If you have the "Start/Stop” eco engine shut off (BlueMotion II) feature (look for the BCM wire on the battery “-“ terminal), or have a BCM (Battery Control Module) which shows up in VCDS, then Adaption channels in the CAN Gateway 19 module need to be changed & VCDS (or similar) is required for this. The "Start/Stop” eco engine shut off (BlueMotion II) feature is the middle button in the row of three on the left side of the gearstick, which is marked with an "A" in a circle & the word "OFF" underneath this. The above feature is totally different to having a round button marked "Start/Engine/Stop" on the upper left surround near the gearstick, which is the KESSY, or keyless ignition feature.

Vehicle used in this guide

UK spec, 2014yr model, Mk7 Golf Estate (GSW), GT (Highline) trim, 1.4lt TSI (140PS) CHPA petrol engine, MQ250 6speed manual gearbox, multilink rear suspension.

Vehicles that this guide is applicable to
Any VAG (Audi/Seat/Skoda/VW) “MQB” platform cars (not Hybrids or Electrics).

Special thanks to
The technical dept. at Varta for answering my detailed questions. Also to forum member "rawrmcrawrrar" in April 2021 for informing me of the confirmed info (since circa December 2019) on the correct setting for AGM under "Battery technology", as when this thread was originally written in February 2015, nobody, not even Ross-Tech knew what the correct setting was!!

Introduction
The MQB platform battery tray has three different slots/positions for the battery clamp to accommodate 3 different sizes of battery case (H4, H5, H6). My car has the following electrical loads:- "Start/Stop” eco engine shut off (BlueMotion II), Heated front seats, Heated front windscreen (Climate), Discovery Satnav, Dynaudio sound system, Bi-Xenon headlights with LED DRL’s, 2Zone climate control, & a 230v socket in the boot. Considering the amount of electrical load, VW decided to fit the biggest alternator (180A) available for my car. However, they then decided to save money by fitting the middle sized H5 (027) case, 59Ah, 320A (DIN), 640A (EN/SAE), EFB type battery, & not the biggest case size available, this explaining some of the problems I have been having with the electrics!

Research
According to the VAG ERWIN Self-study guide, No.517, "The Golf 2013 Electrical System – Design & Function", the Mk7 Golf has the following factory fit battery & alternator options:-

For cars WITHOUT "Start/Stop” eco engine shut off (BlueMotion II):-
44Ah/220A (DIN), H4 size, Lead acid type
51Ah/280A (DIN), H4 size, Lead acid type
60Ah/280A (DIN), H5 size, Lead acid type
61Ah/330A (DIN), H5 size, Lead acid type
72Ah/380A (DIN), H6 size, Lead acid type

For cars WITH "Start/Stop” eco engine shut off (BlueMotion II):-
59Ah/320A (DIN), H5 size, EFB type
69Ah/360A (DIN), H6 size, EFB type
68Ah/380A (DIN), H6 size, AGM type

(Do not confuse "Start/Stop” eco engine shut off (BlueMotion II) with the “Start/Stop” button (instead of ignition key), which is part of the “Keyless Entry” system, otherwise known as “KESSY”)

For cars with “Thermo Top Evo” auxiliary coolant heater -J364-:-
68Ah/380A (DIN), H6 size, AGM type

Size of alternators available at the factory for Mk7 Golfs:-
110A, 140A, 180A

Numerous battery manufacturers & motor parts suppliers that I contacted, stated that my car should have the bigger H6 (096) size, AGM type of battery fitted according to their information from VW!! Varta who make some of the batteries for VAG confirmed that standard battery case sizes are used to make the VW factory batteries, but that the Ah capacities are “special” to VW for those case sizes. Basically, VW are confusing us to make sure we end up buying a direct replacement battery from them when in fact a standard battery which is available from any auto parts supplier will fit & do the job!!

Varta specifications (sizes are industry norms, capacities are standard):-
Battery case size H5/027/Group 47:- 242mm long, 175mm wide, 190mm high
Black Dynamic (Lead acid type) = 56Ah, 480A CCA (EN/SAE), 13.7Kgs (30.2lbs)
Blue Dynamic EFB (E.F.B. type) = 60Ah, 640A CCA (EN/SAE), 16.9Kgs (37.3lbs)
Silver Dynamic AGM (A.G.M. type) = 60Ah, 680A CCA (EN/SAE), 17.7Kgs (39lbs)

Battery case size H6/096/Group 48:- 278mm long, 175mm wide, 190mm high
Black Dynamic (Lead acid type) = 70Ah, 640A CCA (EN/SAE), 16.6Kgs (36.6lbs)
Blue Dynamic EFB (E.F.B. type) = 70Ah, 760A CCA (EN/SAE), 19.5Kgs (43lbs)
Silver Dynamic AGM (A.G.M. type) = 70Ah, 760A CCA (EN/SAE), 20.4Kgs (45lbs)

If you have the "Start/Stop” eco engine shut off (BlueMotion II) feature on your car, you must have either an EFB or an AGM battery installed, due to the cyclic nature of this feature, which will kill a standard lead acid battery! If your current battery says EFB on it you can fit either an EFB or AGM. However, if your battery says AGM on it, you must replace with an AGM type!

E.F.B. (Enhanced Flooded Battery):- These usually have two times (x2) the cycle starts compared to a standard battery. They are still a standard lead acid battery (hybrid version), so cannot be held upside down & will leak if the case is broken. Basically, the car industry wanted a cheaper version of the AGM battery for the Stop-Start engine technology. EFB is the result!

A.G.M. (Absorbent Glass Mat) batteries:- These were fitted to the early Stop/Start (BlueMotion) systems, & usually have three times (x3) the cycle starts compared to a standard lead acid battery. In these the liquids have been absorbed by a framework of glass fibre mats. There is no liquid to move around, so they can be held upside down, & are leakproof if the case is broken! These are the safest in a crash which is why they have been used in racing/rallying for years! Unfortunately, they can be more prone to heat damage (see below on heat shield) than the other types of battery, & they are more expensive! These batteries require specific battery chargers/conditions that will work with AGM batteries.

(I have a CTEK MXS 10, 12V battery charger which does trickle, AGM batteries, & acts as a 12V supply, which stops the ECU’s losing their settings when disconnecting the battery & provides power when doing VCDS coding to prevent battery drain).

Lithium-Ion batteries:- These are actually lithium ferro-phosphate batteries "LiFePO4" batteries, & are used in racing, motorcycles, Porsche RS, etc., The main advantage being they are at least half the weight for the same case size compared to all the above battery types! However, they are more expensive than an AGM for the same case size! Also choosing the correct Ah capacity is critical because they have more cranking amps (CA as cold temperature rating CCA doesn't apply to LiFePO4) to start the engine than the other types of battery, but have far less Ah capacity to run stereos, satnav, heated seats, etc. when the engine is shut off. They also don't like being directly exposed to sub -7C (20F) temperatures for weeks on end, therefore, it is best to contact the battery manufacture with your cars details, usage patterns, etc. to get the best advice! These batteries require specific battery chargers/conditions that will work with lithium (LiFePO4) batteries.

Below are the biggest case size (H6/096/Group 48) batteries, with the highest Ah/CCA, that you can currently fit to the Mk7 Golf:-
Bosch or Varta AGM, with 70Ah, 760A CCA, weight of 20.4Kgs (45lbs), cost circa £140
Antigravity LiFePO4, with 60Ah, 1800A CA, weight of 8.2Kgs (18.15lbs), cost circa £950

For reference the Mk7 Golf GTI Clubsport (CCS) is factory fitted with the smaller H5/027 case size, 59Ah/320A (DIN), EFB type battery (weight 16.9Kgs (37.3lbs)). The biggest Ah capacity Antigravity LiFePO4 battery in the same H5/027 case size has 40Ah,1500A CA, & weighs only 6.9Kgs (15.2lbs)!!

Battery Heat Shield
According to the VAG ERWIN Self-study guide, guide No.504 “Vehicle Batteries- Design & Function”, the engine bay is considered a high temperature place for the battery. This can adversely affect the durability of the battery due to:- “Corrosion of the positive grid, water consumption, & self-discharge increase.”. They also state that AGM batteries must retain the heat shields they have been installed with as they are more susceptible to heat damage. Conversely if your car wasn’t fitted with an AGM battery there is a chance that it won’t have the required heat shields & you will have to retro-fit them.

The heat shields for the battery in the Mk7 Golf is Item No.12, the black fabric type cover around the battery (actually a fiberglass sleeve), & Item No.13, the dark grey polystyrene slab fitted to the underside of the battery tray. These two items are not the best low-emissivity materials, i.e. shiny metal foils, & will absorb heat compared to them. However, they will provide a physical barrier to heat from the engine affecting the battery in summer & will insulate the battery in winter to stop cold temperatures affecting it. I added extra heat shielding to my battery, see below in "Further considerations on fitting".

Parts required
VAG ETKA illustration for VW Golf Mk7/Electrics/No.915-000

Parts list & approx. costs in UK £
Item No.3:- 7N0 915 429A,
Black plastic cover for + terminal clamp/cable join, £?.?? (x1)
Item No.4:- 5Q0 971 813A, Black plastic cover flap for battery “+”, £1.58 (x1)
Item No.5:- 5Q0 971 813, Black plastic cover flap for battery “-“ , £?.?? (x1)
Item No.12:- 5Q0 915 411H, Protective battery casing with flap for battery 69Ah/360A, 68Ah/380A, 72Ah/380A (H6/096 case size) for vehicles with, or without stop start, £23.02 (x1)
Item No. 13:- 5Q0 915 325 C, Heat insulation, underside of battery tray, £??? (x1)

I only had to order Item No.4 & Item No.12, as my car already came with Item No. 3, Item No.5, & Item No.13

Varta make the batteries for Bosch, & they bought the old Delco Remy Freedom battery brand! As I can get Bosch easier than Varta, I opted for the top end Bosch S5 AGM, H6/096 case size, 70Ah, 760A CCA.

Fitting
To remove the old battery:-
Using a 13mm hex socket I removed the battery clamp bolt & the clamping plate. I then removed the black plastic flap over the “-“ (Item No.5) & the black plastic cover over the “+” cable terminal (Item No.3). Then using a deep 10mm socket I loosened (but did not remove) the clamping bolts on both the battery cable terminals. I then connected my 12V supply to the battery cable terminal + & then to the car body - “Bayonet” & switched on the 12V supply. Now I prefer to wear thick rubber gauntlets just in case! Carefully slide the battery forward to the front of the tray, then remove the – cable first & the + cable from the battery last. I also have other rubber gloves to wrap the terminal of the cables in (taking care not to dislodge the 12V supply connections).

To fit the new battery:- Hopefully, you will have pre-bent/creased the folds correctly in the new fabric battery insulation cover, & have it fitted over the new bigger battery. You will have realised these batteries are heavy, so carefully place the battery in the front part of the tray. Now connect the + first & then the – cables to the battery & partly tighten the clamps up (enough to hold in place). Now slide the battery back into the rear right hand corner (nearest the suspension turret top). This is because there is a hold down lip in the rear & right hand side of the battery tray which helps to hold the battery in place! Now refit the battery clamping plate & the clamping plate bolt, & use a torque setting of 15Nm (11lbft). Then for the battery terminal clamp nuts a torque setting of 6Nm (4.4lbft). Now remove the 12V supply & replace the black plastic cover for the + cable terminal (Item No.3), & black plastic flap over the “-“ (Item No.5).

VCDS coding required
From the Main screen:-
Select Control Module [Select]
[19-CAN Gateway]
Advanced Functions screen:-
[Adaptions-10]
New value choice screen:-
Change the following four channels, inputting the relevant data about the new battery.
IDE03256-MAS06105-Battery adaptation-Rated battery capacity
IDE03256-MAS06106-Battery adaptation-Battery technology
IDE03256-MAS06107-Battery adaptation-Battery manufacturer
IDE03256-MAS06108-Battery adaptation-Battery Serial Number

When you click on "Battery technology" (using VCDS 21.3.0) a drop down list appears with the following options (= actual meaning):-
Wet = Standard Lead Acid
Fleece = Standard A.G.M.
Wickel6V
Wickel12V
Ultracap
Gel = Standard Gel Lead Acid
Lithium ions = Standard LiFePO4
EFB = Standard E.F.B.
Binary - AGM = "Bipolar" A.G.M. type
EFB+ = E.F.B. "Plus" type
Not_assigned_10
Not_assigned_11
Not_assigned_12
Not_assigned_13
Not_assigned_14
Unknown

According to various sources of information, including numerous car scans & threads on Ross-Tech, "Fleece" is for standard AGM batteries, "EFB" is for standard EFB batteries, & "Wet" is for standard lead acid batteries, as these settings are used at the factory. The setting of "Binary - AGM" is apparently for specialist "Bipolar AGM" batteries! Also the drop down list is from VCDS & not generated by your car's BCM, therefore, your car may not support all the options on the list, & the BCM will reject the value when you tell it to accept it!

Battery BEM codes are now redundant with the above separate channels. The most important channels are:- Rated battery capacity, Battery technology, & Battery Serial Number. For the Battery Serial Number, just change one digit of the old one. This channel tells the BCM that a new battery has been installed & to relearn the new battery & forget any “learnt values” for the old battery!

Further considerations on fitting
Currently there is no “hard” plastic case made for the battery & the Mk6 one will not fit without major modifications & requiring the Mk6 base tray! All the Mk7 Golf’s that I have seen only have the black plastic flap over the “–“ terminal (to stop you jump starting from that point due to the "Start/Stop” eco engine shut off function). I always prefer a solid cover over the “+” of the battery as this is safer! So, I retro-fitted the black plastic flap over the + terminal (Item No.4).

I also fitted some extra heat shielding (Zircoflex self-adhesive foil) to the sides of the battery which face the engine bay, & fitted the VW fabric cover over this. More info in post 5 of this thread here:-
EA211 engine:- heat shielding & how to sort the design flaws in the coil pack wiring | GOLFMK7 - VW GTI MKVII Forum / VW Golf R Forum / VW Golf MKVII Forum

Results
Much better starting, more “instant” even if the car has been left for a week!

Conclusions
Considering that the tray will take a much bigger battery case size, & that cars with the original Stop/Start (BlueMotion) technology came with AGM batteries, this is yet again, another perfect example of penny pinching from the bean counters at VAG!!

Big Battery ETKA.jpg


Big battery mod.jpg
 
Last edited:

tomcat2

New member
Location
Singapore
Thanks Dave. Would you know if it is a direct swap of a MK V Golf GTi plastic battery housing with the cloth cover enclosure of the MK 7 ?

TIA
 

golfdave

Autocross Champion
Location
Scotland (U.K.)
Car(s)
Mk7 Golf GT Estate
Thanks Dave. Would you know if it is a direct swap of a MK V Golf GTi plastic battery housing with the cloth cover enclosure of the MK 7 ?

TIA

Don't think so as the base tray is different & the plastic sides need to lock into the base tray.
 

Kaze

New member
Location
San Jose, CA
Just tried out the new 15.7 VCDS version, & you can now change the serial numbers & Manufacturer details & basically input any alphanumeric values. The manufacturers name however it shortens to the first three characters after accepting the value.

Hi Dave,

Thank you for all the information, appreciate it.
Looking to upgrade my battery too!

Do you think this will fit in my US GTI MK7:
http://www.autozone.com/batteries-s...battery/duralast-platinum-battery/319460_0_0/

It has the same dimensions but has a CA of 875A. Is that too high?

Thanks!
 

golfdave

Autocross Champion
Location
Scotland (U.K.)
Car(s)
Mk7 Golf GT Estate
Hi Dave,

Thank you for all the information, appreciate it.
Looking to upgrade my battery too!

Do you think this will fit in my US GTI MK7:
http://www.autozone.com/batteries-s...battery/duralast-platinum-battery/319460_0_0/

It has the same dimensions but has a CA of 875A. Is that too high?

Thanks!

That looks all OK, having a high cold crank will not affect the car. Remember if you have the wires connected to the minus "-" battery terminal you have a BCM & need to recode it to input the new correct data using VCDS. :cool:

Thanks a lot for the very informative post. We really appreciate it! :)

Thanks!.............;)
 

mevlutunlu

New member
Location
Turkey
I have a situation. I installed a new battery and it is 62Ah 600A. The original one was 59Ah 300A (maybe 350A can't remember). Can this be a problem in long term? I haven't done any coding.
 

golfdave

Autocross Champion
Location
Scotland (U.K.)
Car(s)
Mk7 Golf GT Estate
I have a situation. I installed a new battery and it is 62Ah 600A. The original one was 59Ah 300A (maybe 350A can't remember). Can this be a problem in long term? I haven't done any coding.

As in my OP do you have stop/start feature on your car? Do you have a BCM for the battery control visible in VCDS? If so then you need to do coding. & in the long term the control modules will not be able to monitor the battery correctly as it requires to be told what the type & capacity of the battery is to correctly control various functions.
 

golfdave

Autocross Champion
Location
Scotland (U.K.)
Car(s)
Mk7 Golf GT Estate
That's this "How to" guide cleaned up a bit with re-done pics, more upto date VCDS info & text layout.
 

TecklenburgVW

Go Kart Champion
Location
Saint Cloud, FL
What about Lithium-Ion batteries?:- Firstly they are VERY expensive & make AGM look cheap! Although they are used in racing, motorcycles, Porsche RS, etc., they could be used, but case size would have to be the same as the smallest battery VW make for the Golf Mk7. I wouldn't recommend due to high cost/ low benefits unless you are stripping everything out of your MK7 to go racing & are looking for the perfect set-up!!!


VCDS coding required:-
From the Main screen:-
Select Control Module [Select]
[19-CAN Gateway]
Advanced Functions screen:-
[Adaptions-10]
New value choice screen:-
Change the following four channels, inputting the relevant data about the new battery.
IDE03256-MAS06105-Battery adaptation-Rated battery capacity,
IDE03256-MAS06106-Battery adaptation-Battery technology,
IDE03256-MAS06107-Battery adaptation-Battery manufacturer,
IDE03256-MAS06108-Battery adaptation-Battery Serial Number,

Battery BEM codes are now redundant with the above separate channels. The most important channels are, Rated battery capacity, Battery technology, & Battery Serial Number. For the Battery Serial Number, just change one digit of the old one. This channel tells the BCM that a new battery has been installed & to relearn the new battery & forget any “learnt values” for the old battery!

Golf Dave,

Thank you for the information; I recently purchased a Braille Battery GU1R because my OEM battery died. I assume I need to do the above VAGcom coding using my Ross-Tech cable, but I'm curious if I can do the coding with the engine on, off or either?

 

golfdave

Autocross Champion
Location
Scotland (U.K.)
Car(s)
Mk7 Golf GT Estate
Golf Dave,

Thank you for the information; I recently purchased a Braille Battery GU1R because my OEM battery died. I assume I need to do the above VAGcom coding using my Ross-Tech cable, but I'm curious if I can do the coding with the engine on, off or either?


Correct you need to do the above

engine off but ignition on as always with VCDS when doing coding...only time engine on & running with VCDS is logging..;)
 

TecklenburgVW

Go Kart Champion
Location
Saint Cloud, FL
Correct you need to do the above

engine off but ignition on as always with VCDS when doing coding...only time engine on & running with VCDS is logging..;)
Are you familiar with the Mk. 6 CAN? I was told that in the Mk.6 platform you can drop in the GU1R and the vehicle self learns the new battery so no coding is required. I had hoped that the Mk.7 platform would react the same.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
 
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