Battery management issues VW New California T7

[hckz]

Hi everyone,
As an owner of a VW New California Beach Camper eHybrid, i have been experiencing some battery management issues that other owners have been similarly complaining about (both hybrid and non-hybrid models).
Concretely: it seems that once parked (whether or not in camping mode), the vehicle primarily depletes the vehicle’s 12v battery, instead of the auxiliary camping battery. This has led some owners to wake up to a fully depleted 12v vehicle battery and having to call assistance to jump start the vehicle.
My question is if anyone here has had the same issue and had it resolved?
My best regards

 

[WelshGas]

Hi everyone,
As an owner of a VW New California Beach Camper eHybrid, i have been experiencing some battery management issues that other owners have been similarly complaining about (both hybrid and non-hybrid models).
Concretely: it seems that once parked (whether or not in camping mode), the vehicle primarily depletes the vehicle’s 12v battery, instead of the auxiliary camping battery. This has led some owners to wake up to a fully depleted 12v vehicle battery and having to call assistance to jump start the vehicle.
My question is if anyone here has had the same issue and had it resolved?
My best regards

Repeated use of the Infotainment System, the 12v and USBc sockets in the dashboard , interior lights by the rear view mirror and frequent opening of the Drivers door can rapidly drain the 12v engine battery as on opening many electronic systems are woken up and fuel system pressurised ready to drive away and stay activated for 30 or so minutes. These could be possible causes.
I cannot see how running the fridge/heater or habitation lights would cause this problem unless there was a faulty split charge relay that was not isolating the engine and leisure batteries in which case all 3 batteries would be connected in parallel and All drained simultaneously.

 

[hckz]

Repeated use of the Infotainment System, the 12v and USBc sockets in the dashboard , interior lights by the rear view mirror and frequent opening of the Drivers door can rapidly drain the 12v engine battery as on opening many electronic systems are woken up and fuel system pressurised ready to drive away and stay activated for 30 or so minutes. These could be possible causes.
I cannot see how running the fridge/heater or habitation lights would cause this problem unless there was a faulty split charge relay that was not isolating the engine and leisure batteries in which case all 3 batteries would be connected in parallel and All drained simultaneously.

This issue has been reported on users that have left their car parked for 5-7days (thus, with no active car usage).

 

[WelshGas]

This issue has been reported on users that have left their car parked for 5-7days (thus, with no active car usage).

OK. That fact wasn't mentioned in your original post.
Leaving the indicator stalk in the On position L or R leaves sidelights On that side.
Also a failed Over the Air software updates can cause the Infotainment System to remain live and flatten the battery. This was reported recently on the forum but on a T6.1.

 

[Mads-P]

We just went on our first "real" trip this weekend. After the first night the 12V battery was completely dead, and we needed to call assistance to start the van. After second night the same (we even slept without heat or anything) and we had to get it towed to the dealer.

I noticed a few things:
- The leisure battery was not charing neither when charging the car (it is the hybrid version) nor when we pushed the button that should ensure the batteries are charging then driving. I know that is not a 12V thing but something seemed to be not working.
- On the second night I woke at 2am and noticed the screen turning on and off and on and off. I was not turning completely on but lighting up and the turning off (I can't seem to attach a video but the se photo for how it was lighting up). I then knew the battery would be drained in the morning.
- The 12V battery now seem to be collapsed and cannot be charged

All in all very frustrating and I am now waiting talk to the dealer tomorrow. All help, advice or similar experiences is appreciated.

 

[cn70]

First trip in our new VW Cali T7 hybrid. Love everything about it so far except that i had the same issue, starter battery draining fast. So i did a bit of investigation while plugged into auxillary power on the campsite im currently on in Poland.

On the info screen (on the pillar next to the backseat) you can actually monitor the power usage in the "campsite power supply" section. You can see the amp usage from either Vehicle battery (12 v engine bat) or 2nd bat (camping bat running fridge, usb-c's in the cabin etc). I noticed that even if the car is in camp mode opening the driver door starts up all the systems and the usage is around 350 watts from the 12 V vehicle battery when it fires up all the system as mentioned. Open the front passanger door and the usage is around 120 watts, as the infotainmentsystem, air con etc turns on. It takes a minute or 2 for the systems to shut down, even when the displays are turned of.

Bluetooth, wifi, keyless access and other systems are also active constantly when you're camping and in close proximity around the vehicle in camp mode. My key would blink constantly like crazy when i was inside or around the car. I'd guess it would be the exact same scenario if you're home in the garage, house, garden etc, even when its locked. Even when I lock into the car trough the vw app's on your phone, it activate some systems in the car and uses power.

My solution was to stop using the front doors unless really needed and too turn of bt, wifi, keyless access and stopped checking out my VW app's less frequent and now my usage in camp mode with the fridge on 3 is iddling along at around 10-30 watts and the 12 V vehicle battery is doing fine so far.

 

[cn70]

Sorry for the typos, its getting late

I also forgot too mention Apple Carplay Wireless, i only use it wired now

 

[WelshGas]

Sorry for the typos, its getting late

I also forgot too mention Apple Carplay Wireless, i only use it wired now

Yes, many functions are related to the base vehicle which when parked normally shut down . However in Camping mode many functions can inadvertently cause a significant draw on the Engine battery even on the previous Californias, but the T7 has 2 sliding doors and the keyless entry , which can be switched off fortunately, increasing the chance of a significant battery draw.
It’s a new base vehicle, with new electronics and software and it’s little foibles will have to be re-learnt anew.

 

[Melyn]

We just went on our first "real" trip this weekend. After the first night the 12V battery was completely dead, and we needed to call assistance to start the van. After second night the same (we even slept without heat or anything) and we had to get it towed to the dealer.

I noticed a few things:
- The leisure battery was not charing neither when charging the car (it is the hybrid version) nor when we pushed the button that should ensure the batteries are charging then driving. I know that is not a 12V thing but something seemed to be not working.
- On the second night I woke at 2am and noticed the screen turning on and off and on and off. I was not turning completely on but lighting up and the turning off (I can't seem to attach a video but the se photo for how it was lighting up). I then knew the battery would be drained in the morning.
- The 12V battery now seem to be collapsed and cannot be charged

All in all very frustrating and I am now waiting talk to the dealer tomorrow. All help, advice or similar experiences is appreciated.

View attachment 135062

When you say not charging. What % was the leisure battery at when you pressed the quick charge button?
If it’s below 15% you can only charge via the mains plug

If you open or close the front two doors the car stays in ignition ready mode - your key fobs will also flash if you move them. This destroys the battery life

If you park up. Exit via the front door and back in the sliding doors. Then goto the console and set camping mode. If you do not do this you will have your battery die in about 8-12 hours (less if you use the heater)

 

[Mads-P]

Thanks for the reply - that is helpful.

The leisure was on 70% and it did not charge. And as the car was plugged in over night I guess it should have been at 100% when we drove off?

So ALWAYS camping mode I guess. Are there any devises that can save the battery if it is about to run critically low?


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[Melyn]

Thanks for the reply - that is helpful.

The leisure was on 70% and it did not charge. And as the car was plugged in over night I guess it should have been at 100% when we drove off?

So ALWAYS camping mode I guess. Are there any devises that can save the battery if it is about to run critically low?


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I bought a 3 pin to charger cable so can hook it up if needed at a house / friends / random location.

But if it’s not 100% after being overnight suggests something isn’t right - either fuse or the charging point wasn’t working?

Even with the fridge on full the draw from the charger should be more than used while on camping mode

 

[Mads-P]

On this note: can anyone explain how/when which batteries are charged on the t7 hubrid? Is this correct:

Hybrid battery: only when charging the car
12V battery: only when driving
Leisure: When driving and when connected to shore power (230V)

Is that correct or is the 12V battery also charged through shore power/230V? Meaning that if connected to 230V at a camping site etc. then there is no risk of battery drainage?


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[WelshGas]

On this note: can anyone explain how/when which batteries are charged on the t7 hubrid? Is this correct:

Hybrid battery: only when charging the car
12V battery: only when driving
Leisure: When driving and when connected to shore power (230V)

Is that correct or is the 12V battery also charged through shore power/230V? Meaning that if connected to 230V at a camping site etc. then there is no risk of battery drainage?


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On my Hybrid Multivan the 12v engine battery is charged when charging the EV battery. You could check if it is charging when connected to campsite EHU by measuring the voltage across the terminals in the engine bay used to charge the 12v battery. See Handbook.

 

[Mads-P]

One more thing on this frustrating topic

The extra/leisure battery is still not charging when driving the car - when connecting via the app. it also seem there is an error regarding the “energy from engine” (the red dot on the picture). Also, I am not even sure the 12V battery is charging.

Does any of you having battery issues notice the same? Do you think it has to do with the software issue or is this a separate challenge?

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[cn70]

I haven't experienced any errors regarding charging from the engine as you mention, I hope you find the cause

However i can confirm that the drainage of my car battery while camping has stopped after disabling keyless access, wireless carplay, wifi sharing and bluetooth in the infotainment system and deleting the VW apps from my phone.

 

[Lebuha]

Our brand new California T7 Ocean hybrid was towed to the dealer this weekend because the battery was completely dead. Very frustrating experience on a 1 month old car.
(Mads-P and cn70, if possible I would like to write to you directly to hear how you have dealt with the dealer and what measures you have taken to prevent this from happening again? However, I am completely new to this forum and can't figure out how to write private messages? I am also from Denmark, the car was purchased from VW Amager).

 

[Mads-P]

Our brand new California T7 Ocean hybrid was towed to the dealer this weekend because the battery was completely dead. Very frustrating experience on a 1 month old car.
(Mads-P and cn70, if possible I would like to write to you directly to hear how you have dealt with the dealer and what measures you have taken to prevent this from happening again? However, I am completely new to this forum and can't figure out how to write private messages? I am also from Denmark, the car was purchased from VW Amager).

Hi Lebuha,

Feel free to send me a text or give me a call on 20320880.

/Mads


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[Californication69]

Our brand new California T7 Ocean hybrid was towed to the dealer this weekend because the battery was completely dead. Very frustrating experience on a 1 month old car.
(Mads-P and cn70, if possible I would like to write to you directly to hear how you have dealt with the dealer and what measures you have taken to prevent this from happening again? However, I am completely new to this forum and can't figure out how to write private messages? I am also from Denmark, the car was purchased from VW Amager).

You have to be a paying vip member to send PM.
Interesting to hear what the outcome was , root cause & fix for your issues. Tak!

 

[Mourat]

Our brand new California T7 Ocean hybrid was towed to the dealer this weekend because the battery was completely dead. Very frustrating experience on a 1 month old car.
(Mads-P and cn70, if possible I would like to write to you directly to hear how you have dealt with the dealer and what measures you have taken to prevent this from happening again? However, I am completely new to this forum and can't figure out how to write private messages? I am also from Denmark, the car was purchased from VW Amager).

Hello Lebuha
Any news on your van? We bought ours 5 weeks ago in Germany and imported to France. Last week after not being driven for 10 days it failed to start, ended up being jump started by tow guy and driven to nearest VW approved garage. Needed a replacement battery and told we’d need to bring it back in June/July for a software upgrade. Bill all picked up by VW but not being either fluent German or fluent French speakers we are a little hazy on the details. Had put it all down to bad luck until I read your message so would be great to know what you’ve been told. Was it a simple flat battery or something more?
This time we’ll leave it with the infotainment system switched off and the app deleted, as suggested above, just in case.

 

[Lebuha]

Hello Lebuha
Any news on your van? We bought ours 5 weeks ago in Germany and imported to France. Last week after not being driven for 10 days it failed to start, ended up being jump started by tow guy and driven to nearest VW approved garage. Needed a replacement battery and told we’d need to bring it back in June/July for a software upgrade. Bill all picked up by VW but not being either fluent German or fluent French speakers we are a little hazy on the details. Had put it all down to bad luck until I read your message so would be great to know what you’ve been told. Was it a simple flat battery or something more?
This time we’ll leave it with the infotainment system switched off and the app deleted, as suggested above, just in case.

Our car was towed to the dealer the 16. of May. In the weekend I wrote a long email telling them what happened and asked them what to do now. Monday the 19. I received a text message telling that they received the car and they have put it in the “fast track queue”. And that’s all I have heard from them. A text message telling that they received the car!!! I paid 120.000 € for the car a month before. Ridiculous service. So I don’t know anything
But I spoke to Mads-P who had the same issues. He’s car was also stocked at the dealer. Don’t know if he has some news…

 

[Mads-P]

I can confirm that electric hook up does not charge the engine battery on any variant, we tried it this weekend on a hybrid, TSI and TDI. Once the leisure battery gets to 100% it is maintained by EHU but no trickle charge to the engine battery happens, so the key is to make sure you are not draining it when camping as you have no way to recover the situation if it gets too low.

That is strange. When reading the online manual it specifically says it should charge the 12V battery.

I know the screenshot is in danish but is says that connecting to 230V will allow for:

- Charging the 12V battery
- Charging the leisure battery
- Using the 230V power socket

My car is BTW still at the dealer (week 4) but they apparently figured out why is was not charging when driving so hoping to get it back soon.

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[WelshGas]

I can confirm that electric hook up does not charge the engine battery on any variant, we tried it this weekend on a hybrid, TSI and TDI. Once the leisure battery gets to 100% it is maintained by EHU but no trickle charge to the engine battery happens, so the key is to make sure you are not draining it when camping as you have no way to recover the situation if it gets too low.

Strange, because on my Hybrid Multivan when plugged in to charge the EV battery it definitely does charge the 12v battery.

 

[Dodge1311]

I think you can scratch my earlier comment. I did it overnight last night and the battery does indeed charge but does not show as charging when it is happening and because the displays are only recording in 10% intervals you don’t see it over a short period of time but I did go from 90% to 100% overnight. The app still showed 90% until I actually got in the vehicle.

 

[Californication69]

I think you can scratch my earlier comment. I did it overnight last night and the battery does indeed charge but does not show as charging when it is happening and because the displays are only recording in 10% intervals you don’t see it over a short period of time but I did go from 90% to 100% overnight. The app still showed 90% until I actually got in the vehicle.

Did you use a multimeter across the starter battery to see if it gets to 14.1v whilst plugged into the EV charger ?
I’m guessing there must be some sort of intelligent charging system.
If lower than xx.xx volts then charge lesuire and if starter is lower than xx.xx volts then charge starter battery via the split charger ?

I get the EHU charges lesuire and starter, unless your split charger has broken.
But I’m specifically interested in the EV side.

 

[Dodge1311]

Did you use a multimeter across the starter battery to see if it gets to 14.1v whilst plugged into the EV charger ?
I’m guessing there must be some sort of intelligent charging system.
If lower than xx.xx volts then charge lesuire and if starter is lower than xx.xx volts then charge starter battery via the split charger ?

I get the EHU charges lesuire and starter, unless your split charger has broken.
But I’m specifically interested in the EV side.

No we were not quite so structured we just happened to be parked next to each other on EHU so it was all done via the app screens. As I don’t have the hybrid I can’t explore further sorry. On my petrol the starter battery doesn’t get above 13.8V on EHU and fluctuates between 13.5-13.8V when it’s sitting on my drive plugged into the house.