Volkswagen ID.4: Checking the 12 V vehicle battery acid level

Check the acid level of the 12 V vehicle battery regularly if mileage is high, in countries with warm climates, or if the 12 V vehicle battery is old. Otherwise, the 12 V vehicle battery is maintenance-free.

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.

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.

Charging, replacing, disconnecting, or connecting the 12 V vehicle battery

If you suspect that the 12 V vehicle battery is damaged or malfunctioning, see suitably qualified professionals to have the 12 V vehicle battery checked. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Charging the 12 V vehicle battery

The 12 V vehicle battery should be charged by suitably qualified professionals because the 12 V vehicle battery that is installed at the factory requires a charging process where the voltage is limited → . Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Replacing the 12 V vehicle battery

The 12 V vehicle battery is designed to fit the location where it is installed and is equipped with safety features. If a 12 V vehicle battery needs to be replaced, have the replacement part fitted by qualified professionals. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Check with qualified professionals to find out the component information regarding size and the required maintenance, performance, and safety features. They must possess the necessary technical documentation and equipment.

Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. The vent opening on the 12 V vehicle battery must always be located on the negative terminal side. The vent opening on the positive terminal side must always be sealed → .

Only use a maintenance-free 12 V vehicle battery that conforms to the TL 825 06 and VW 7 50 73 standards. These standards must be from October 2014 or later.

Always have the 12 V vehicle battery replaced by qualified professionals because the vehicle electronics must be adapted as part of the replacement. In addition, the battery parameters for functional safety can only be determined with the OEM battery. Only qualified professionals have the necessary equipment to perform the adaptation and have access to the correct replacement batteries. Using unsuitable batteries invalidates the operating license.

Disconnecting the 12 V vehicle battery

If the 12 V vehicle battery must be disconnected from the vehicle electrical system, note the following:

1. Switch off all electrical consumers.

2. Unlock the vehicle before disconnecting the battery. Otherwise, the anti-theft alarm system will be triggered.

3. Disconnect the negative cable first, and then the positive cable → .

Connecting the 12 V vehicle battery

If the 12 V vehicle battery must be connected to the vehicle electrical system, note the following:

1. Switch off all electrical consumers.

2. Connect the positive cable first, and then the negative cable → .

Various indicator lights may turn on after connecting the 12 V vehicle battery and switching the ignition on. They will turn off after driving a short distance at a speed of approximately 15 km/h to 20 km/h (approximately 10 mph to 12 mph). If the indicator lights light up and remain on, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility and have the vehicle checked. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

If the 12 V vehicle battery was disconnected for a long period of time, the next scheduled maintenance may not display correctly or it may not be calculated correctly (→ Service interval display). Follow the maximum permissible maintenance interval.

If the ignition cannot be switched on after connecting the 12 V vehicle battery, carry out the following activities:

1. Lock and unlock the vehicle from the outside.

2. Try to switch the ignition on again.

3. If the ignition will not switch on, see an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.

Automatic equipment deactivation

If the parking light is switched on when parking for a very long time when the vehicle is not drive-ready, the intelligent power management cannot always prevent the 12 V vehicle battery from being drained.

If the 12 V vehicle battery is under a heavy load, the intelligent power management will automatically begin certain measures to prevent the 12 V vehicle battery from draining.

• If necessary, equipment that uses a lot of power will have its performance limited or will be switched off.

12 V Vehicle Battery Draining

If the battery is drained, it may not be possible to activate the vehicle's drive system. The 12 V vehicle battery will be drained in the following situations:

• If the vehicle is parked for long periods of time without ensuring that the vehicle is drive-ready.
• If electrical equipment is used when the vehicle is not in drive-ready mode.

WARNING

Use of a 12 V vehicle battery that does not have identical specifications and dimensions to the 12 V vehicle battery that was installed at the factory may cause short circuits or fire. This could result in serious or fatal injuries.

Always use a maintenance-free and leak-proof 12 V vehicle battery that has the same specifications and dimensions as the 12 V vehicle battery that was installed at the factory.

WARNING

Fitting 12 V vehicle batteries incorrectly may cause short circuits or fire. This could result in serious or fatal injuries.

• Always attach the 12 V vehicle battery to the attachment points provided in the vehicle.
• Replace all covers that are required for the vehicle back on the battery.

WARNING

A highly explosive mixture of hydrogen gas can form when charging the 12 V vehicle battery. Sparks or naked flames could ignite the gas mixture. Serious burns may result.

• Only charge 12 V vehicle batteries in well-ventilated areas.
• Keep sparks and naked flames away from the 12 V vehicle battery.

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.

WARNING

If the degassing tube is not attached to the 12 V vehicle battery correctly, the highly explosive gas mixture that builds up when the vehicle is running may enter the vehicle interior. This oxyhydrogen gas can ignite and cause serious or fatal injuries.

• For vehicles with the 12 V vehicle battery in the vehicle interior or luggage compartment, ensure that the degassing hose is connected to the 12 V vehicle battery correctly. The degassing hose must always be connected to the negative terminal side of the 12-volt vehicle battery.
• Always ensure that the opening on the positive terminal side of the 12 V vehicle battery is capped.

CAUTION

Cables that are connected incorrectly can cause a short circuit. This could damage the on-board electronics and result in serious injuries.

• Connect the positive cable first and then the negative cable.

NOTICE

If the 12 V vehicle battery is connected or disconnected when the ignition is switched on or the vehicle is drive-ready, this could damage the electrical system or electronic components, resulting in electrical malfunctions.

• Never connect or disconnect the 12 V vehicle battery when the ignition or the vehicle's drive system is switched on.

NOTICE

If accessories that provide power for charging the 12 V vehicle battery are connected to the 12 V socket, this could damage the electrical system or electronic components, resulting in electrical malfunctions.

• Never connect accessories that provide power, such as solar panels or battery chargers, to the 12 V socket in order to charge the 12 V vehicle battery.

12 V vehicle batteries can contain toxic substances such as sulfuric acid and lead. Dispose of 12 V vehicle batteries correctly.

Battery acid can pollute the environment. Collect spilled battery acid and dispose of it correctly.

Troubleshooting

12-volt power supply

The red warning light turns on. A message is shown in the instrument cluster display.

Do not continue driving! Possible failure of the electrical system.

. Stop the vehicle immediately and park it safely.

2. Turn off electrical equipment that is not needed.

3. End drive-ready mode.

4. Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.

12-volt power supply

The yellow indicator light turns on. A message is shown in the instrument cluster display.

Messages about the battery charge level of the 12 V vehicle battery.

1. Switch on the ignition so that the 12 V vehicle battery can be recharged.

Or: Charge the 12 V vehicle battery by charging the high-voltage battery.

2. If the message about the battery charge level of the 12 V vehicle battery does not turn off after a few minutes despite the measures having been taken, then contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Messages about the 12 V power supply.

1. Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.

Introduction

Tires are the part of the vehicle that are under the most demand yet are the most underestimated. Tires are extremely important, because the small running surface on the tires is the only point of contact that the vehicle has with the road.

The tire and rim combinations approved by Volkswagen are specifically designed for each other.

The service life of the tire depends on the tire pressure, the driving style, the way the tires are handled, and correct mounting of the tire.

Rims, tires and wheel bolts

Rims, tires, and wheel bolts are determined based on the vehicle model. Whenever another rim is installed, the wheel bolts to be used must have the correct length and bolt head shape. This ensures that the brakes can work correctly and that the vehicle drives smoothly and safely. For technical reasons, standard rims from other vehicles cannot be used. Under certain circumstances, this may even apply to rims for the same vehicle model. You must consult a suitably qualified professional to replace rim/tire combinations. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

The correct wheel bolts must always be used for each vehicle model, and these bolts must always be tightened to the correct torque (→ Wheel bolts).

WARNING

Handling wheels and tires incorrectly can reduce driving safety and cause serious accidents and fatal injuries.

• Regularly check the tire pressure when the tires are cold and always maintain the specified pressure (→ Tire pressure). If the tire pressure is too low, the tire can heat up so much while driving that the tread separates or the tire ruptures.
• Check the tires regularly for damage and wear.
• Never exceed the maximum permissible speed and tire load specified for the tires fitted to your vehicle.
• For all four wheels, use only radial tires of the same design, size (rolling circumference), and tread pattern.

  Exceptions (→ Wheels and tires)

• If there are unusual vibrations or if the vehicle pulls to one side while driving, stop immediately and check the wheels and tires for damage.
• Never loosen the bolts on rims with a bolted rim ring.

WARNING

New tires or tires that are old, worn, or damaged cannot provide the maximum vehicle control and braking effect.

This can cause accidents and fatal injuries.

• Break in new tires because they have reduced traction and braking efficiency when they are new. Therefore drive carefully for the first 600 km (370 miles).
• Never drive with tires that are worn or damaged, e.g. punctured, cut, cracked, or bulging.
• If there are unusual vibrations or if the vehicle pulls to one side while driving, stop immediately and check the wheels and tires for damage.
• Do not use any wheels or tires if you do not know how they have been used in the past. Used wheels and tires could be damaged, even if there is no visible damage.
• Only use tires that are more than six years old if absolutely necessary and drive with extreme caution if doing so, even if the tires have never been used.
• Replace worn or damaged tires immediately.

WARNING

If the wheel bolts are not tightened enough to meet the specification, the wheel bolts and the wheel could come loose while driving. Exceeding the tightening specification could damage the wheel bolts and threads.

Wheel bolts that are tightened incorrectly or missing could cause you to lose control of the vehicle and lead to serious accidents and fatal injuries.

• Always tighten the wheel bolts to the correct tightening torque. If you do not have a torque wrench, tighten the wheel bolts with the lug wrench and then have the tightening torque checked as soon as possible by suitably qualified professionals. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
• Never drive with missing or loose wheel bolts.
• Always use wheel bolts that are correct for the rim and the vehicle model.
• Never grease or oil the wheel bolts and the threads in the wheel hub. Even when tightened to the specification, the wheel bolts could become loose while driving.
• Ensure the wheel bolts and threads in the wheel hubs are clean, easy to move and free of oil and grease.
• Never loosen the bolts on rims with a bolted rim ring.

WARNING

Improper installation of the tires on the rim can result in damage to the rim and cause tires to suddenly lose air or go flat while driving.

This can cause accidents and fatal injuries.

• Always have tires installed on the rim by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.