Still getting used to my Mk3 and enjoying it, but I’m wondering if the starter motor is some kind of heavy duty beefed up version to cope with the start/stop system, it must get through some serious work compared to the ones on my previous cars.

Generally speaking yes. Beefier "AGM" batteries too. 

4 minutes ago, uchuff said:

Generally speaking yes. Beefier "AGM" batteries too. 

 

Probably has the slightly beefier EFB batteries, AGM only fitted to high end luxury models.

6 minutes ago, xman said:

 

Probably has the slightly beefier EFB batteries, AGM only fitted to high end luxury models.

 

Quite right you are.

Don't think there have been an excessive number of early failures of starter motors.

I'm not entirely convinced that EFB batteries are up to the job.

A significant number of drivers will be regularly deactivating stop/start

I imagine it will stop less in winter anyway running the heating, lights etc

Edited 20 July, 20187 yr by Greenie58

10 hours ago, Octy0GG said:

I'm not entirely convinced that EFB batteries are up to the job.

A significant number of drivers will be regularly deactivating stop/start

 

I agree. Although deactivating start stop must help with battery life, I'm also concerned about the micro hybrid battery management that Skoda/vag now use as standard. The battery is kept in a partial state of charge so that energy recovery (using the alternator as a brake/retarder) can take place. So charge cycling takes place all the time and with the lead acid battery still on average partially charged, that means sulphation and shortened battery life. EFB and AGM are claimed to be able to cope (better than standard lead acid) but I am sceptical. I read and hear about AGM batteries changed after only 3 years, and I see that EFB and AGM batteries don't seem to have more than 3 year warranties despite their expensive price.

Because my car does 52 miles most days the battery is usually topped up nicely with a full charge so stop/start nearly always works, which is good for the enviroment (no emissions sat at traffic lights) and fuel consumption. It will only work if batteries have at least 95% charge and yes will work less in cold weather as various systems are draining the battery. Beefier battery is main difference as others have previously stated.

Thanks, great source of info on here as usual. 

15 hours ago, Octy0GG said:

I'm not entirely convinced that EFB batteries are up to the job.

 

My VRS is 5 years old in a couple of months and still on its original battery. Starts instantly, even in winter. The EFB is definitely "up to the job".

9 minutes ago, ahenners said:

 

My VRS is 5 years old in a couple of months and still on its original battery. Starts instantly, even in winter. The EFB is definitely "up to the job".

 

Does a 5 year old car have start/stop and energy recovery?

9 minutes ago, xman said:

 

Does a 5 year old car have start/stop and energy recovery?

Certainly my 64 plate VRS Tdi DSG had both because if you lifted off approaching a roundabout it would coast in neutral to save fuel and rev counter dropped to tickover (or idle if you prefer) which was a very odd sensation the first time it happens.

 

https://it.bosch-automotive.com/en/parts_and_accessories/engine_systems_1/start_stop_system/functionality_start_stop_system/functionality_start_stop_system

51 minutes ago, xman said:

 

Does a 5 year old car have start/stop and energy recovery?

 

Yes all MK3 do as far as I'm aware.

My battery shows SOC as ~70% but still seems to work ok. Perhaps as Xman states this is to allow charging when you brake, which is when I guess the charging takes place.

 

Either that or the battery no longer charges past 70% now due to it being 3 years old!

 

 

PS: Does anyone notice when you first start the car after it being stat overnight that the starter motor seems to run a bit longer after the engine has actually fired up? You can hear a starter motor spinning noise when the engine has started to run under it's own steam.

1 hour ago, shyVRS245 said:

Certainly my 64 plate VRS Tdi DSG had both because if you lifted off approaching a roundabout it would coast in neutral to save fuel and rev counter dropped to tickover (or idle if you prefer) which was a very odd sensation the first time it happens.

That is the DSG coast function not energy recovery which is active braking assisted by alternator.

Skoda energy recovery

4 hours ago, Plantman said:

My battery shows SOC as ~70% but still seems to work ok. Perhaps as Xman states this is to allow charging when you brake, which is when I guess the charging takes place.

 

Either that or the battery no longer charges past 70% now due to it being 3 years old!

 

 

Give VAG credit where credit is due, they have addressed this concern - By deleting the Maxidot SOC Indicator.

In all seriousness though, if we need to adjust to 70% SOC as being fine it would be better if Skoda would properly explain this in the manual rather than just delete the indicator.

(I am aware, as I am sure many on here are, that it is possible to reinstate the SOC indicator using VCDS)

1 hour ago, Octy0GG said:

Give VAG credit where credit is due, they have addressed this concern - By deleting the Maxidot SOC Indicator.

In all seriousness though, if we need to adjust to 70% SOC as being fine it would be better if Skoda would properly explain this in the manual rather than just delete the indicator.

(I am aware, as I am sure many on here are, that it is possible to reinstate the SOC indicator using VCDS)

Is it easy to reinstate the SOC indicator?

1 hour ago, Stewart7 said:

Is it easy to reinstate the SOC indicator?

Have not done it myself and from what I remember it is not universally successfull. Like many such changes it's a mater of changing a line of coding using VCDS. I thought I saw it  on Briskoda but can't find it right now. Perhaps someone out there remembers it / has better search skills or better still has done it.

Sorry I cant be of more help

 

Edited 20 July, 20187 yr by Octy0GG
Thought I found a link - then it didn't work

20 hours ago, Stewart7 said:

Is it easy to reinstate the SOC indicator?

https://sites.google.com/a/naturalnetworks.ca/vw-golf-mk7-vcds-how-to/instruments/battery-soc

Makes it sound simple but I can't confirm that myself.

The engine stops at the “same” place each time, defined as the position that requires least energy to restart. The pinions and gears are extra heat treated at these points to reduce mechanical wear.

As I've said before, you are over thinking things.

StopStart systems have been around for a long time now & for most people who just have a daily 2-way commute, even in heavy traffic, your use of StopStart will be in the bottom 10% when compared with cars that run 24hrs a day like for delivery companies, the post or taxis.

 

My vRS is 4.5 years old & my battery seems as good as when i bought it.

On 20/07/2018 at 15:38, Plantman said:

PS: Does anyone notice when you first start the car after it being stat overnight that the starter motor seems to run a bit longer after the engine has actually fired up? You can hear a starter motor spinning noise when the engine has started to run under it's own steam.

 

Finally that noise is answered here