Suche
Mein Konto
Start-stop in the workshop
The fuel saving effect is up to eight percent - it's no wonder that more and more vehicle models are being equipped with start-stop systems. The workshops are preparing for the increased maintenance and repair costs with spare parts and diagnostic devices.
Start-stop in the workshop
The spread of start-stop technology is accompanied by an evolution of the power supply in the vehicle, because conventional lead batteries are simply unable to handle the frequent switching off and restarting of the engine in city traffic. New battery technologies such as AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) and EFB (Enhanced Flooded Batteries) are therefore used in start-stop vehicles. All major battery manufacturers already have start-stop batteries in their range; in the large comparison test conducted by ADAC and Stiftung Warentest a year and a half ago, these consistently proved to be reliable. Conclusion: All AGM and EFB products scored “very good” or “good” in the test. The AGM batteries JCI/Varta Plus E39, Banner Running Bull and Exide Micro Hybrid EK 700 as well as the EFB batteries Moll 82070, JCI/Varta E45, Banner Running Bull EFB and Exide Hybrid ECM EL 700 were tested. Battery manufacturer Bosch was represented in the ADAC test with its Silver S4 wet battery, which was also rated very positively by the testers. However, with the S5 (EFB) and S6 (AGM) models, Bosch also has special start-stop batteries in its range. Important for the workshop: For cars with start-stop systems, only replacement batteries that use the same technology as the original battery and have approximately the same installation dimensions and the same nominal capacity are suitable.
No exchange without a reset
Disconnect the old battery, remove it, insert a new battery and connect it - it's not that easy anymore. Start-stop vehicles are equipped with battery management systems that must be informed about battery replacement using a diagnostic device. The battery is closely integrated into the on-board electronics to support battery-dependent CO2 and comfort functions. Diagnosis, memory reset and re-registration of the battery in the vehicle electronics are correspondingly complex. Further challenges include the different installation positions in the vehicle and selecting the exact replacement battery. Battery manufacturer Johnson Controls has developed its Varta start-stop service program VSSP specifically for this purpose, which is currently available in updated version 2.1. The vehicle is identified either automatically via OBD cable or manually via the vehicle identification number, after which the battery can be tested without direct access and the start-stop or battery management system can be subjected to a precise diagnosis. Thanks to the newly updated product allocation, the device recommends the exact replacement battery for each vehicle. The extended VSSP 2.1 also works offline and is therefore suitable for flexible use in any workshop. With optimized menu navigation, quick navigation and illustrated replacement instructions, complex battery changes can be carried out in a user-friendly manner.
Banner, the Upper Austrian manufacturer of quality batteries for start-stop vehicles, also offers a specially developed service device that enables batteries to be changed in modern vehicles with integrated battery management systems without the workshop having to invest in a comprehensive diagnostic station. The handy device is connected to the EOBD interface and detects whether the battery replacement is associated with a special operation. Manufacturer-specific error codes are then read in connection with the vehicle battery and all existing error codes are deleted. An integrated product finder provides information about the right replacement battery. The Banner Battery Service Tool covers the main vehicles on the roads of Europe, with programming focusing on the German brands Audi, BMW, Mercedes and VW.
Easy diagnosis
Of course, the major diagnostic device manufacturers have also adapted to the topic of start-stop systems and integrated the corresponding functions into their software. For example, the mega macs from Hella Gutmann displays the battery parameters temperature, voltage, charging and discharging currents as well as the charging and overall status of the battery. The replacement batteries approved by the manufacturer are listed in the help text. After installation, the automotive technician follows the mega mac's instructions in the Diagnostics > Coding > Battery Registration menu and enters the serial number of the new battery. The new battery is then registered in the control unit and the saved parameters of the old battery are reset - the start-stop system works properly again. The devices from Bosch's KTS series also master this process; the associated Bosch Esitronic diagnostic software covers all relevant start/stop vehicles and also offers technical information such as service and repair instructions, system information and spare parts catalogs.