Volkswagen Touran Owners Manual: Charging, replacing, disconnecting and connecting the vehicle battery

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings 

Charging the battery

The vehicle battery should be charged by a qualified workshop only as factory-fitted batteries using special technology have been used and they must be charged in a controlled environment  . Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.

Replacing a vehicle battery

The battery has been developed to suit the conditions of its location and has special safety features. If a vehicle battery has to be replaced, discuss the electromagnetic compatibility, size and necessary servicing, output and safety requirements for the new vehicle battery with a Volkswagen dealer before purchase. Volkswagen recommends that the vehicle battery is changed by a Volkswagen dealership.

Only service-free vehicle batteries compliant with the standards TL 825 06 and VW 7 50 73 should be used. These standards must be dated April 2008 or later.

Vehicles with start/stop system (  ) are fitted with a special vehicle battery. These vehicle batteries may only be replaced using a vehicle battery with the same specifications.

Disconnecting the vehicle battery

Please note the following points if the vehicle battery has to be disconnected from the electrical system in the vehicle:

• Switch off all electrical consumers and the ignition.

• The vehicle must be unlocked before disconnecting the battery as the alarm will otherwise be triggered.

• Disconnect first the negative cable and then the positive cable  .

Connecting the vehicle battery

• Switch off all electrical consumers and the ignition before reconnecting the vehicle battery.

• Reconnect first the positive cable and then the negative cable  .

Various indicator lamps may light up after the vehicle battery has been connected and the ignition is switched on. They will go out if you drive a short distance at a speed of 15–20 km/h (10–12 mph). If the indicator lamps remain lit up, go to a qualified workshop and have the vehicle checked.

If the vehicle battery was disconnected for long periods, the system may not able to calculate or correctly display the time when the next service is due   . Observe the maximum permissible service intervals ⇒ BookletService schedule, .

Automatic switch-off for electrical consumers

The intelligent vehicle electrical system automatically implements a range of measures to prevent the battery discharging when high demands are made on it:

• The idling speed is increased so that the alternator provides more electricity.

• If necessary, large electrical consumers will only have a limited output or will be switched off completely.

• The supply of electricity to the 12-volt sockets and the cigarette lighter is interrupted temporarily while the engine is being started.

The vehicle electrical system cannot always prevent the vehicle battery from discharging. For example when the ignition is switched on for an extended period with the engine off, or when the side or parking lights are on when the vehicle is parked for an extended period.

How can the vehicle battery discharge?

• Extended parking time in which the engine is not running, especially when the ignition is switched on.

• Use of electrical consumers when the engine is switched off.

• When the auxiliary heater is being used   .

WARNING

Incorrect fastening and the use of incorrect vehicle batteries can cause short circuits, fire and serious injuries.

• Always use maintenance-free and leak-proof batteries which have the same properties, specifications and dimensions as the factory-fitted vehicle battery.

WARNING

A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the vehicle battery is being charged.

• Vehicle batteries should be charged in well-ventilated rooms only.

• Never charge a frozen or defrosted vehicle battery. A discharged vehicle battery can even freeze at temperatures around 0 °C (+32 °F).

• A vehicle battery must be replaced if it has been frozen.

• Incorrectly connected cables can cause a short circuit. Reconnect first the positive cable and then the negative cable.

NOTICE

• Never disconnect the battery if the ignition is switched on or if the engine is running. This could damage the electrical system or electronic components.

• Never connect equipment which generates electricity, such as solar panels or battery charging units for charging the vehicle battery, to the 12-volt socket or to the cigarette lighter. The electrical system of the vehicle could otherwise be damaged.

Dispose of the vehicle battery as required by legislation. Batteries may contain toxic substances such as sulphuric acid and lead.

Electrolyte can pollute the environment. Clean up any service fluid leakages and dispose of them properly.