Battery Upgrade?

[Cottonmouth]

I was wondering if anyone here has upgraded to an Optima style battery in their Q7?

In my experience the Q7 has a weak battery and susceptible to failure if you have it die and need a boost. Lately with the temps dropping below freezing I am finding that it is struggling to start. This is after the battery was replaced a little over a year ago so I am looking for a more reliable battery than OEM.

I was told the last time I was there that when replacing the battery, the computer has to be adjusted to the new battery for some reason. Is this really necessary?

I am also aware that the seat will need to be removed to do the work but this doesn't scare me.

[CanadianLurker]

I was wondering if anyone here has upgraded to an Optima style battery in their Q7?

In my experience the Q7 has a weak battery and susceptible to failure if you have it die and need a boost. Lately with the temps dropping below freezing I am finding that it is struggling to start. This is after the battery was replaced a little over a year ago so I am looking for a more reliable battery than OEM.

I was told the last time I was there that when replacing the battery, the computer has to be adjusted to the new battery for some reason. Is this really necessary?

I am also aware that the seat will need to be removed to do the work but this doesn't scare me.

I understand that the battery should be coded when changed. The system will charge a newer battery less/differently than an older battery. It's apparently easy to do with a VCDS cable, but I've not done it myself. Basically, you update the serial number of the battery which has a date code embedded in it and the electrical system the adapts from there.

Some say it doesn't matter, but others swear it should always be done. I've seen comments made in situations like this where the battery is acting up and it's relatively new is due to not being recoded, and so the electrical system treats it like an old battery instead of a new one.

I can give you a hand with the coding if you tackle the battery yourself.

[aluthman]

I've read that if you use a non-oem battery, you can just change your serial number by 1 digit to trick the ecu.

[henri12]

If you didn't reprogram the ecu, the system will overcharge the new battery, resulting to shorter life. Take it to a dealer or you can use a VAG com.

[Cottonmouth]

I would like to get a Red Top Optima battery as a replacement. I'm hoping to get one with better CCA since the Q7 is a bit of a power hog.

Any suggestions?

Sent from my OnePlus2