Flat battery: VW Assist v VW Van Centre

[KevH]

So, second flat battery in two weeks, second occasion whilst awaiting a workshop appointment.
Called VW Assist who diagnosed a large drain caused by the van trying to install a software update repeatedly. He got the van going and requested an earlier appointment on my behalf.
Van Centre say there is no such problem/cause, but have agreed to replace the battery and to see what happens. Initially refused an early appointment but very friendly manager stepped.
Has anyone heard of the software update ‘problem’ causing battery drain and ultimately failure?

 

[WelshGas]

So, second flat battery in two weeks, second occasion whilst awaiting a workshop appointment.
Called VW Assist who diagnosed a large drain caused by the van trying to install a software update repeatedly. He got the van going and requested an earlier appointment on my behalf.
Van Centre say there is no such problem/cause, but have agreed to replace the battery and to see what happens. Initially refused an early appointment but very friendly manager stepped.
Has anyone heard of the software update ‘problem’ causing battery drain and ultimately failure?

No, but i can see it could be possible as the ICS is kept live to install update and won't switch off after 20/30 minutes as it would normally.

 

[Hawthorn37]

The Infotainment system (on most cars) is very power hungry, hence the auto power off, so it makes sense. Recently my daughter in law was stuck in traffic with her year-old daughter. To keep the young’un placated she kept the music on but turned off the engine. Result, a totally discharged battery, RAC call out, and a battery which needed to be replaced.

It’s a good idea to keep the engine running if the ICS is stuck on an OTA software update, or if doing something like operating the roof.

 

[KevH]

VW have now given the starter battery a clean bill of health and found that the last two OTA updates were stuck, suggesting that the VW Assist diagnosis was correct.
So, lesson learned that it doesn’t take much to flatten the main battery.
Cheers.

 

[KevH]

Two weeks later, 11:30 on a cold Friday night, and the van dies at a set of lights on a busy junction…battery dead again, 4 miles from home after a 30 miles drive.
Got recovered to home, and guess what, van started next morning.
VW having another look but are not hopeful of finding the fault.
By coincidence (or is it?) Vodafone alerted me twice today following bogus theft alerts.
I am beginning to fall out of love with my pride and joy.