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neleloewe1

Q7 Alarm Fails Due to Secondary Battery Malfunction

My Q7 from 2014 (141282 km, gasoline) shows a weird battery problem where the alarm system stopped working completely. The error memory shows a fault code and points to an issue with the additional battery for the alarm system. Has anyone dealt with this before? Looking for experiences with repair costs and if this is something that needs immediate attention. Wondering if others had their system diagnosis done at independent shops rather than the dealership.

4 comment(s)

robinkrause8

Had a similar battery problem with my 2011 Q5 2.0T last month. The auxiliary battery failure often shows up first through alarm system issues, which is exactly what happened in my case. The system diagnosis revealed the auxiliary battery was completely discharged due to ageing. These backup batteries typically last 7-9 years before requiring replacement. The main function is powering the alarm and other security features when the main car battery is disconnected. This is not a major electrical issue, but should be addressed soon to maintain vehicle security. The repair involves replacing the auxiliary battery unit, which sits in a different location from the main car battery. The procedure requires specific diagnostic equipment to properly integrate the new battery with the security system. Had the work done at an independent shop that specializes in electrical system repairs. The job took about 2 hours including the full system check and battery replacement. The car has been working flawlessly since, with all alarm functions restored. Worth noting that leaving this unaddressed can eventually drain the main car battery, as the system keeps trying to compensate for the failing auxiliary unit.

neleloewe1 (Author)

Thanks for sharing your experience. I had nearly identical alarm system problems with my 2014 Q7 and also needed the auxiliary battery replaced. Sounds like we encountered the same electrical issue. The car repair shop also mentioned this is quite common for vehicles of this age. Could you share what the final cost was for your repair? Also wondering if youve had any other battery-related problems since the replacement? My car has been running fine for 6 months now but always good to know what to watch out for.

robinkrause8

Battery alarm problems are indeed common in these models. After getting the system diagnosis done at my trusted shop, they fixed both issues, the discharged battery due to ageing and the additional battery alarm system defect. Total repair costs came to 330 Euro, which was reasonable considering the comprehensive fix. Since the replacement 6 months ago, all alarm functions work perfectly and the car battery shows normal performance. No additional battery checks have been needed. The car starts reliably even in cold weather, and the alarm system activates correctly every time. The mechanic mentioned its worth monitoring the voltage of the main car battery annually to catch any issues early. But honestly, once the auxiliary battery is replaced, these systems typically run without problems for many years. The investment was worth it for maintaining the security features and preventing future electrical system complications.

neleloewe1 (Author)

Thanks for the input. I finally got the issue fixed last week, and wanted to share my experience in case others run into similar battery problems. Took it to an independent shop specializing in electrical system repairs. The system diagnosis confirmed what was suspected, a failed auxiliary battery. The entire repair took about 1.5 hours and cost 295 Euro including parts and labor. The technician showed me the old battery unit which was completely dead. They installed a new one and reset the alarm system. The process was straightforward and the shop had all the necessary diagnostic equipment. Since the repair, the alarm system works flawlessly again. No more unusual triggers or failures to arm. The mechanic mentioned this is routine maintenance for cars around 8-10 years old, so the timing made sense for my 2014 model. Total cost was less than expected compared to dealership quotes, and the work came with a 2-year warranty on the battery. Definitely recommend getting it fixed sooner rather than later to avoid potential issues with the main battery.

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