Battery management issues VW New California T7

[kaifetzer]

Well we were beginning to think we were one of the Lucky Few.
NAH
Went out to the van this morning both batteries flats as pancakes.
Going by Vin no: our vehicle 'shouldn't' be affected

I think that if you drive the van regularly, you don’t really notice the issue because the batteries keep recharging.

But once you pay closer attention — or if you actually go camping without shore power — you will inevitably notice the problem.

I believe that many people are not even aware of this issue yet.

 

[Sacha1dog]

Our camper first had a software update, but then was the subject of another recall. They are apparently replacing 3 components, and it seems to focus on the “gateway” that manages the batteries.

Maybe ask your service partner about this gateway, there was another poster somewhere in this thread they seem to suggest his issue was solved by this too

 

[kaifetzer]

Our camper first had a software update, but then was the subject of another recall. They are apparently replacing 3 components, and it seems to focus on the “gateway” that manages the batteries.

Maybe ask your service partner about this gateway, there was another poster somewhere in this thread they seem to suggest his issue was solved by this too

Hi, thanks for your tip. I couldn’t find any detailed information about the gateway.

Could you please provide a bit more information, so I can explain the technical background to my service partner and know what exactly needs to be done?

 

[Sacha1dog]

That’s all I know I’m afraid. A google suggests as follows:

An automotive gateway is a central electronic module that acts as a router and security firewall for all data communication within a vehicle, connecting different electronic control unit (ECU) networks that use varying communication protocols like CAN, LIN, and Ethernet. It translates data between these diverse systems, filters and processes information in real-time, and securely manages communication between the vehicle's internal networks and external networks for features like over-the-air (OTA) updates and diagnostics

 

[HelenL]

We had the same issue, but since it discharged leisure and 12V batteries in its maiden trip it has not restarted even with a replacement 12v engine battery. We were lucky (?) only had the van for 12 days so rejected the vehicle and have our old T6 back and a full refund.

 

[kaifetzer]

That’s all I know I’m afraid. A google suggests as follows:

An automotive gateway is a central electronic module that acts as a router and security firewall for all data communication within a vehicle, connecting different electronic control unit (ECU) networks that use varying communication protocols like CAN, LIN, and Ethernet. It translates data between these diverse systems, filters and processes information in real-time, and securely manages communication between the vehicle's internal networks and external networks for features like over-the-air (OTA) updates and diagnostics

I spoke with the service department again, and they told me that my vehicle was apparently not affected by the Scaleways recall. It seems that only a few specific models were impacted.

 

[Jeanette E]

I had about a 20-minute conversation today with the VW service technician who is currently working on my vehicle.

He actually made a very competent impression and seemed well-informed, especially regarding the new battery management system of the T7.
I explained to him in detail everything I had already tested, tried, and checked myself. They are now trying to reproduce these exact steps in the workshop to better understand the issue.

The situation is actually quite simple:
Last weekend, I started my trip with 100% vehicle battery and 100% camper battery.

• After 24 hours of off-grid use at the campsite, both batteries were down to just 20%.
• During this time, the fridge was running on level 3, and of course, the doors were opened and closed occasionally — but nothing else was in use.

They are now trying to replicate this scenario in the workshop.
At the moment, there is no software update that I haven’t already installed. The workshop is at a loss and is being bounced around between different VW departments:

• Some recommend checking the software again.
• Others suggest re-measuring certain components.

That said, I do have the impression that the technicians know what they’re doing and are taking the problem seriously.
To come back to your original question: No, I do not have any written statement — this was what the service technician told me verbally during our discussion.
However, this statement is absolutely incomprehensible to me.
If it were really true that the vehicle is not suitable for off-grid use beyond 24 hours, then the vehicle would be a complete design failure.
It would be understandable if the camper battery eventually drained — one could possibly live with that.
But the fact that the starter battery also discharges to the point where you can barely start the vehicle and drive back from a camping trip is completely unacceptable and definitely not normal.

Additionally, there’s another serious issue:
Even when the vehicle is parked at home and not in use, both batteries still discharge — more slowly, yes, but after about five days, they are again in a critical range.

This is absolutely unacceptable for a vehicle of this class and price point.

Hi there,
I’m in the same situation as you. T7 hybrid Ocean totally dead after 4.5 days without use, it had to be towed back to the garage on Saturday and I think it could be a while before I see it again judging by Sacha’s experience.

Your comment about it not being suitable for off grid use longer than 24 hours is worrying. One of the questions I asked the dealer before buying the vehicle was how long it could be off grid for, he said about 3 days, this was fine, 24 hours is not. None of this was in writing needless to say.

The starter battery rapidly draining it also a serious worry and will be a worry on future trips. I think when (or if) I get my Cali back I’m going to replicate camping at home, pop it into camping mode (off grid), turn the fridge on, open the doors a few times etc etc, and see how it copes. If it passes this test then it can go on holiday to somewhere with mobile reception just in case!

Anyway this gives me a new line of questioning with VW, the impression I’m getting so far is that they are looking to blame my wired in dash cam.

Do you sometimes want to wind back the clock and buy a different vehicle!

 

[kaifetzer]

Hi there,
I’m in the same situation as you. T7 hybrid Ocean totally dead after 4.5 days without use, it had to be towed back to the garage on Saturday and I think it could be a while before I see it again judging by Sacha’s experience.

Your comment about it not being suitable for off grid use longer than 24 hours is worrying. One of the questions I asked the dealer before buying the vehicle was how long it could be off grid for, he said about 3 days, this was fine, 24 hours is not. None of this was in writing needless to say.

The starter battery rapidly draining it also a serious worry and will be a worry on future trips. I think when (or if) I get my Cali back I’m going to replicate camping at home, pop it into camping mode (off grid), turn the fridge on, open the doors a few times etc etc, and see how it copes. If it passes this test then it can go on holiday to somewhere with mobile reception just in case!

Anyway this gives me a new line of questioning with VW, the impression I’m getting so far is that they are looking to blame my wired in dash cam.

Do you sometimes want to wind back the clock and buy a different vehicle!

Oh man, that sounds just as bad as my situation. In principle, I’m really happy with the Cali – if only they would finally fix this battery issue. In terms of layout, I think it’s an absolutely perfect vehicle for two people. It also drives beautifully, which is why I’m not giving up so easily.





The California T6.1 had similar battery issues at the beginning, but they eventually solved it with a software update. That’s what I’m hoping for here as well. At the moment, though, I get the impression that VW has absolutely no idea what’s going on and can’t get the problem under control because they simply don’t know what’s causing it.





The worst part is, you’re completely helpless. I get the feeling that my local service technician is really trying and knows what he’s doing, but he also says he’s being routed internally from one VW department to another. And the really frustrating thing: as long as there are no error codes in the system – which only occur when the battery is actually deeply discharged – VW just says everything is fine and doesn’t investigate any further.





I’ll definitely keep updating the thread about how things develop on my end and whether a solution might be found soon.