Volkswagen ID.7: Checking the 12 V vehicle battery acid level

Introduction

The 12 V vehicle battery is a component of the electrical system and supplies vehicle safety systems with energy if there is high-voltage system malfunction. During maintenance procedures, the 12 V vehicle battery is checked and replaced if necessary.

You may only perform procedures on the electrical system yourself if you are familiar with the necessary activities and the general safety precautions, and if the correct operating equipment and fluids and suitable tools are available.

Work performed incorrectly can result in serious injuries → . Have all work performed by suitably qualified professionals. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Information about warning and indicator lights can be found in the troubleshooting section at the end of the chapter (→ 12-V vehicle battery) .

Battery switch-off in an accident with triggering of the airbag

In vehicles with a 12 V vehicle battery in their vehicle interior or luggage compartment, the electrical connection to the 12 V vehicle battery is pyrotechnically disconnected in an accident with airbag deployment. This prevents a short circuit. For more information on the installation location of the vehicle battery, refer to section (→ 12-V vehicle battery) .

Detailed warnings for the 12 V vehicle battery

Always wear eye protection.

Battery acid is highly corrosive. Always wear protective gloves and eye protection.

A highly explosive mixture of gases forms when charging the 12 V vehicle battery.

Always keep children away from battery acid and the 12 V vehicle battery.

Always heed the Owner's Manual.

WARNING

Performing work on the 12 V vehicle battery and the electrical system can cause serious injuries, fires, or electric shocks. This could result in serious injuries.

• Always read and follow the warning information on the 12 V vehicle battery.
• Before performing any work on the 12 V vehicle battery, switch off the ignition and all electrical equipment and disconnect the 12 V battery negative cable.
• Always keep children away from battery electrolyte and the 12 V vehicle battery.
• When handling 12 V vehicle batteries, always protect your hands, arms, and face from spraying battery acid.
• Always wear eye protection and safety gloves.
• Never short circuit the battery terminals.

WARNING

When work is carried out on the 12 V vehicle battery, a highly explosive, flammable gas mixture builds up. Sparks could form and ignite the flammable gas that is released by the 12 V vehicle battery. This can result in serious injury or death.

• Avoid creating sparks when working with wires and electrical equipment or when discharging static electricity.

WARNING

A drained 12 V vehicle battery can freeze at temperatures around 0 ºC( +32 ºF). Acid may leak out of 12 V vehicle batteries that have frozen and thawed again and cause damage to the vehicle in the long run.

• Never charge a frozen or thawed 12 V vehicle battery.
• Always replace the 12 V vehicle battery if it freezes.

NOTICE

UV rays can damage the battery housing.

• Do not expose the 12 V vehicle battery to direct sunlight for a long period of time.

NOTICE

The 12 V vehicle battery could freeze and be destroyed.

• Protect the 12 V vehicle battery against freezing temperatures if the vehicle is parked for long periods of time.

After establishing the drive-ready mode when the 12 V vehicle battery is severely drained or replaced or after jump-starting it, the system settings (time, date, personal convenience settings, and programming) and user profiles may be changed or deleted. Check and correct the settings after the 12 V vehicle battery is sufficiently recharged.

Checking the 12 V vehicle battery acid level

The 12 V vehicle battery does not require any maintenance.

Check the acid level of the 12 V vehicle battery regularly:

• n vehicles with high mileage.
• In countries with a warm climate.
• On vehicles with an old 12 V vehicle battery.

12 V vehicle battery location

The 12 V vehicle battery is located in the hood space.

Checking the battery acid level

In order to check the battery acid level of a 12 V vehicle battery, you must remove the main fuse box on the 12 V vehicle battery. An additional tool that is not available in the vehicle tool kit is required to do this.

1. Always have the acid level of the 12 V vehicle battery checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.