START-STOP , POWER ON
GS BATTERIES sheds light on vehicles with Start-Stop technology , how their batteries differ from traditional standard ignition vehicles and the business opportunities for factors .
Replacing the battery on a modern vehicle is no longer a straightforward , fit-and-forget task . On vehicles with Start-Stop technology , battery replacement can be complex and time consuming . Several key differences between these and traditional standard ignition vehicles should be noted :
BATTERY SPECIFICATION
For vehicles with advanced technology it is essential that the battery is replaced with one of the correct specification . If a vehicle is fitted with an AGM Start-Stop battery , then the replacement must also be AGM Start-Stop . The same applies to EFB equipped vehicles .
GS ONLINE BATTERY LOOKUP
Alongside its extensive range of Original Equipment ( OE ) quality AGM and EFB batteries , GS provides a number of easy-to use tools to make the entire replacement process much easier . Saving workshops valuable time and money .
The GS online battery lookup system can be accessed by visiting batterylookup . gs-battery . com . Users can then search for the right battery for a whole range of car , light van and commercial vehicle applications by simply entering the registration number or VIN / Chassis no . They can also search by make / model .
Unlike standard ignition vehicles , it is not possible to replace the battery with a lower capacity model . Although this would physically fit , it would cause serious problems .
BATTERY LOCATION
On many new vehicles today , the battery is not fitted under the bonnet and locating it can take time . The replacement process can also be extremely time consuming as the removal of trim panels and even seats may be required . For some high-end BMW and Audi models replacing the battery can require up to an hour and a half of work .
BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND BATTERY VALIDATION
Battery validation is rapidly becoming a mandatory requirement as part of the procedure for battery replacement . Most modern vehicles come fitted with a Battery Management System ( BMS ). This must be reset through the on-board diagnostics ( OBD ) port to tell the vehicle when the battery has been replaced .
The BMS monitors the battery throughout its service life to maintain optimum charge efficiency ensuring the operation of the Start-Stop system .
Failure to fit the correct battery or reset the BMS can cause serious issues such as battery failure , in-car error messages , non-critical vehicle system shut-down and even complete loss of Start-Stop functionality .
Most diagnostic platforms within the workshop are equipped with the capability to validate new batteries to vehicles . Alternatively , the GS Yu-Fit Battery Configurator offers an easy to use handheld solution .
The system will then identify the correct battery and also show important details including estimated fitting time , battery and OBD location , technical data sheets and battery replacement procedures . This enables workshops to price accordingly and also save valuable time spent on the job .
GS YU-FIT BATTERY CONFIGURATOR
With a robust design and simple operation , the Yu-Fit offers great value for money and is one of the most user-friendly diagnostic tools on the market . Although garages may already own diagnostic equipment capable of this , to have such a centrally important tool tied up on a relatively straightforward task is not ideal .
The GS Yu-Fit Battery Configurator is available via the F : Drive on part number , GS-YUFIT . The full range of GS batteries is catalogued on MAM Autocat and the F : Drive . Please speak to your local FPS representative for more information .
16 BATTERY TECHNOLOGY VITAL NEWS ISSUE 44