Skoda Battery Replacement

Guide for Purchase, Installation & Coding

In this detailed step-by-step guide, we show you how to change the car battery in most Skoda models. All steps from buying the battery to coding the battery are explained in detail in this article.

The exact car model for which the battery is being replaced here is a Skoda Kodiaq 2017 model year. The instructions can also be used for most VAG models. Have fun doing it yourself!

Is the Battery really Faulty?

Before deciding to replace your car battery, we recommend reading our article: “Battery Defective? Symptoms & Tests”. This post provides a detailed list of all the symptoms that indicate a faulty car battery. Additionally, you'll learn how to reliably test your modern car battery.

It’s definitely worth taking a quick look at the article before starting with this guide. In general, the battery should always be tested beforehand to clearly identify any defect. Alternatively, you can take the easy route and analyze the battery with a battery tester. More details can be found in the linked article above.

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Find the right Battery!

When purchasing a new battery, you need to pay attention to the following specifications.

Current capacity
Nominal voltage
Cold start current
Dimensions
Battery type
Quality

The new battery should have the same specifications as the old one. However, the power capacity and cold cranking amps can vary slightly. Nominal voltage, dimensions, and battery type must be identical to ensure the battery management system in modern vehicles remains functional.

Battery characteristics VARTA, nominal voltage, current capacity, battery type, cold start current
Properties of a VARTA car battery (Skoda Kodiaq)

The recommended battery type for newer vehicles with start-stop systems is the AGM battery. This type is factory-installed in almost all modern cars. Learn more about common battery types here: “Battery Types”.

When searching for a suitable battery, the website autobatterienbilliger.de can help you. On the website, simply enter your vehicle model and engine specifications.

Change battery yourself Help, Buy the right battery
Find compatible batteries for your Skoda with autobatterienbilliger.de

The configurator will then provide you with a wide selection of suitable batteries. At a glance, you can see which of the above-mentioned specifications the car battery has. You can then compare this with the existing battery in your car. Once you've found your preferred manufacturer, you can also purchase the battery directly on the website.

Find battery type on autobatterienbillger
Finding the right battery characteristics

Alternatively, you can check Amazon and compare options. We have selected two batteries in different quality classes that fit the 2017 Skoda Kodiaq. The VARTA battery is more popular and slightly cheaper than the Banner battery that we use in this guide. Both batteries definitely serve their purpose and offer high quality.

Offer
VARTA Silver Dynamic AGM battery A7 (E39) - Start-Stop and xEV car battery 12V 70Ah 760A - Starter battery for cars with high energy requirements *
  • SUITABLE FOR ELECTRIC & HYBRID: Whether start-stop vehicles or electric and hybrid electric cars (xEV) - VARTA batteries ensure safety and reliability with regard to essential vehicle requirements today and in the future
  • BEST START-STOP PERFORMANCE: An AGM starts faster, works harder and lasts longer, ensuring maximum fuel savings with start-stop systems
  • EFFICIENT RECYCLING PROGRAM: Thanks to innovative and technologically advanced manufacturing processes, a newly produced VARTA AGM battery up to 90% consists of recycled lead
  • ORIGINAL SPARE PART: As an original spare part, it ensures that the replacement battery is of the same quality as the battery originally installed. This ensures that the high energy requirements of the extensive equipment are covered
Offer
Banner fleece battery Running Bull 70Ah *
  • Info about this item Rated voltage: 12 Capacity: 70 Ah Dimensions:



Step 1: Removing the old Battery

The battery is located at the front under the hood in all VAG models under the hood.

Skoda battery change, car battery position
Position of the car battery (Skoda Kodiaq)

Before you start removing the battery, make sure the car is unlocked and that you have the key with you. Once the battery is removed, the central locking system will no longer work, and you may lock yourself out.

First, disconnect the negative terminal (black) and then the positive terminal (red). This prevents a short circuit at the battery in case the positive cable accidentally makes contact with the car's chassis.

Disconnect battery
Battery terminals - First disconnect the negative terminal and then the positive terminal

Next, remove the housing that surrounds the battery to gain access to the screws.

Battery housing, cover, unplug and pull out
Pull out the battery "cover

The car battery is secured with a hex bolt, which you can easily remove using a ratchet and a sufficiently long extension. Don't forget to remove the small metal bracket, which comes off along with the bolt.

Changing the Skoda battery - loosening the screw connections
Loosen the battery screw connection - 2x hexagon head screws
Remove the metal plate from the car battery
Remove detached metal plates

Next, pull the battery quickly forward and carefully lift it out of the housing in the engine bay.

Afterwards, for safety, you should compare the above-mentioned specifications and features with the new battery. If everything matches, you can start the installation.

Comparison of VARTA and BANNER car battery for Skoda
Comparison of car battery properties

Step 2: Installing a new Battery

The installation of the new battery is done in the reverse order of removal. Simply lift the new accumulator back into the compartment and push it quickly back.

Next, secure the car battery again with the hex bolt along with the metal bracket. Don't forget to also reconnect the rectangular housing.

The order of connecting the terminals is different again. First, attach the positive cable (red) to the positive terminal, followed by the negative cable (black) to the negative terminal. The reason for this is the same as during removal → risk of short circuit.

Skoda battery change - fitting new battery
When connecting the battery: First positive terminal and then negative terminal

Once everything is securely screwed in and connected, get into the car and start the engine.

INFO BOX:

Don't worry. You can ignore the flashing error codes. The messages are normal, as the battery has not yet been registered.

Error messages in the on-board computer (normal)
Flashing error codes - The battery still needs to be coded

Step 3: Teaching the Steering Angle Sensor (without VCDS)

Before you start the battery adaptation process with VCDS, you can remove an error message without any programming.

The steering angle sensor can be easily recalibrated with the steering wheel after a battery change. Simply turn your steering wheel all the way to the right and then all the way to the left, and you're done. An error code should now be gone.

Change battery yourself - Calibrate steering angle sensor with steering wheel
Teaching the steering angle sensor - turning the steering wheel to the left and right

Step 4: Coding the new Battery

As mentioned before, you need to register the new battery after replacement. For Skoda and all other VAG vehicles, this is done with the VCDS software. The program requires some experience, but it is generally not difficult.

In this separate guide: “Battery Coding with VCDS”, we show you how to register the new battery in your VAG vehicle. Coding the battery doesn’t take long at all, and with this step-by-step guide, you'll have it done in just a few minutes.

Skoda battery replacement - Coding a new battery with VCDS program
Programming a new battery with VCDS - instructions

Alternatively, you can also register your battery with the MUCAR CS90 or the MUCAR V06. The advantage of these diagnostic tools is that they allow you to code the battery management for over 138 car brands (not just VAG). For more information and how the devices work, check out: “MUCAR – The Perfect Diagnostic Tool for DIY Mechanics!”.

No matter which method you choose, the result and the steps to follow are the same. After the registration, no error messages should remain in the onboard computer.

Step 5: Disposal of the old Battery

The disposal of the old battery should be done in an environmentally friendly manner. Additionally, it can be almost entirely recycled. You can dispose of your accumulator at the following locations:

Local recycling center or recycling center
Car repair shop
Battery seller (also online)

Most battery retailers and auto repair shops even offer a deposit for your old car battery.

Conclusion

As you can see, the battery replacement on this Skoda Kodiaq is super easy. For VAG models (Audi, Volkswagen, Seat, etc.), the steps are essentially the same. This saves you a lot of money and you don't have to rely on available appointments at the repair shop.

Changing the battery at the workshop for modern car models usually costs over 400 €. So, doing the replacement yourself definitely pays off. Please note that we are providing you with only a functional guide and we do not take any responsibility for damages caused by you.


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