HOW-TO: REGISTERING START-STOP BATTERIES
PROPERLY READING INTO THE SYSTEM AND REGISTERING
What you need to watch out for when reading start-stop batteries into modern vehicles and registering them.
There are basically two essential elements: The appropriate knowledge, which we will pass on to you through this website. The second is the suitable equipment, which you can buy from Banner for a reasonable price. We recommend that you use the Banner Battery Service Tool (BBST) and Memory Saver. If you don’t have these at hand, please do not try to do it yourself. In this case, it’s better to have this done by a Banner sales partner .
The Banner Battery Service Tool (BBST) is no longer in the program, but the information is still valid for any commercially available diagnostic device.
First of all: When replacing the battery (or batteries), be sure to observe the operating instructions of the vehicle manufacturer, as the information provided here is only intended as a rough guide.
How does the battery energy management system (BEM) actually work?
Frequently switching the engine on and off, combined with the increased energy requirements of comfort features such as seat heating, navigation systems, etc., poses great challenges for start-stop batteries. For this reason, automobile manufacturers have developed intelligent battery energy management systems (BEM) that monitor the car battery using sensors. This is to ensure a long service life despite the higher load.
If the battery no longer provides the desired performance, the system records a „defective battery“ and replacement is required.
You must make sure that the old battery is replaced by an equivalent battery in terms of technology, performance class and size:
- An AGM battery (Absorbent Glass Mat) must always be replaced by another AGM battery. In an identical housing and of a similar performance class.
PS: Minor deviations in capacity or performance during a cold start have no effect on the safe start and the optimum power supply of the electrical system.
- An EFB battery (Enhanced Flooded Battery) is to be replaced at least by an EFB battery that’s in perfect condition or by an AGM battery in certain circumstances. In an identical housing and of a similar performance class.
PS: Minor deviations in capacity or performance during a cold start have no effect on the safe start and the optimum power supply of the electrical system.
Does the Battery Energy Management System (BEM) need to be notified of the installation of a new battery when a battery is changed ?
Depending on the make of car and the functionality of the respective system (open or closed), modern vehicles with Battery Energy Management (BEM) may or may not require or recommend that the new battery be registered.
If the new battery is not registered, error messages from the on-board computer may occur and comfort applications may not work or may only work to a limited extent for a short period of time. Displayed error messages can usually be reset by deleting the error memory. If the new battery is registered, it usually takes a few days for the system to detect the new state of the battery and reset the error messages automatically.
There are currently 4 systems on the market to "teach" the new start-stop battery.
As already mentioned, depending on the make of car and the functionality of the respective system (open or closed), modern vehicles with Battery Energy Management (BEM) may or may not require or recommend that the new battery be registered.
1. Self-learning system: The BEM has only a few pre-programmed battery options per car model stored in it, which are used as reference data. Following the replacement of a start-stop battery, the BEM compares the actual values of the new battery with the learning values stored in the BEM and learns which of the stored reference data matches the measured actual battery performance.
The following car manufacturers work with self-learning systems: e.g. Abarth, Alfa Romeo, BMW, Chevrolet-Daewoo, Citroen, Dacia, Fiat, Honda, Lancia, Mercedes, Mitsubishi, Peugeot, Renault, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota and Volvo.
2. Closed system - New registration with a diagnostic tool: Registration of the new start-stop battery in BEM, using a diagnostic device, is recommended or partially required here.
The following car manufacturers recommend or require a new registration: e.g. Alpina, Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Jeep, Land Rover, Mazda, Mini, Seat, Skoda and Volkswagen.
In addition, some of the aforementioned car manufacturers require a special BEM code to register the new battery during the change process for all or a number of certain car models, e.g. the VW Group for Audi. BEM codes always have two lines and are manufacturer and battery specific. One line usually notes the OE spare part number, often an alphanumerical part number for the OEM and OES sales channel. The second line notes the coding of the battery manufacturer, the production date of the battery and a specific number.
OE = Original Equipment, (OEM = ... Manufacturer, OES = ... Supplier)
Such a BEM code is not available for replacement batteries from the free parts market!
Depending on the diagnostic tool being used, some require a BEM code when changing the battery. In this case, it may be necessary to enter both lines for the BEM code of the new start-stop battery.
Other diagnostic tools generate the required battery-specific information themselves. In this case, it may not be necessary to enter the BEM code. Usually, you only have to select the battery capacity, battery manufacturer and battery technology used from a drop-down menu. The Volkswagen Group is currently able to enter any 10-digit serial number. The VW serial number is used for tracking the battery and for warranty purposes.
3. System combining 1. and 2.: This combined approach is available at a third group of passenger car manufacturers, depending on the model.
Used by the following car manufacturers: Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Lexus, Nissan, Opel, Porsche, Smart and Vauxhall.
4. Special case Ford (DE and USA): On some Ford models, it is possible to perform a BEM battery reset entirely without a diagnostic device. All you need to do is “simply” press different button and switch combinations.
4.1 Car WITH rear fog light: the steps have to be completed within 10 seconds.
- Ignition on.
- Press rear fog light button 5 times.
- Now press the hazard warning light switch 3 times. If the red battery control lamp on the dashboard flashes 3 times within 15 seconds - reset OK.
4.2. Car WITHOUT rear fog light: the steps have to be completed within 10 seconds.
- Ignition on.
- Operate headlamp flasher 5 times.
- Now fully depress the brake pedal 3 times. If the red battery control lamp on the dashboard flashes 3 times within 15 seconds - reset OK.
The BEM calibrates itself once the car has been locked for 3 hours.
Different battery energy management systems on the market.
Most car manufacturers, including BMW, work to some extent with an open system, i.e. the independent aftermarket can install a suitable replacement battery without the vehicle electronics having to be reprogrammed. However, manufacturers such as Audi use a closed system and assign so-called BEM codes for original batteries and original spare part batteries. Such a code is not available for spare part batteries (ET) from the independent aftermarket!
PS: In Volkswagen Group brand workshops (Audi, Seat, Skoda, VW), programming is carried out via a guided function of the online diagnostics and information system (ODIS Offboard Diagnostic Information System). Data such as the BEM code, serial number and nominal capacity of the new original spare part battery are entered. This means that the energy management system knows immediately that a new battery has been installed. Any 10-digit number can currently be entered as the serial number in the Volkswagen Group. The VW serial number is used to track the battery and is used for warranty purposes
Is it possible to install the battery without a BEM code?
Yes, it is possible to install a non „BEM-approved battery“ using the example of Audi. However, a battery must be used that is of original equipment quality (the best would be Running Bull EFB or AGM), as well as being identical to the size of the original battery and having approximately the labelled performance of the original battery, at least in terms of capacity.
No BEM code in an emergency?
Don’t worry, the Banner Battery Service Tool (BBST) can help.
If the system is open, this tool is used to register the new battery in the on-board computer. In a closed system, the newly purchased replacement battery can even be configured by vehicles with BEM. Furthermore, standard or manufacturer-specific error codes are generally read out of the system or deleted. This is even after a voltage interruption during battery replacement and if the on-board computer in the vehicle was without power.
Even with Audi models which, unlike other brands, always ask for a code when changing batteries, the Banner Battery Service Tool (BBST) can generate the Battery Energy Management code (BEM code), so that the battery change is registered properly and various functions are not restricted. The Banner Battery Service Tool (BBST) also has a system check that checks the complete charging system including battery and alternator and contains an integrated product finder to identify the appropriate replacement battery.
PS: What actually happens when the BEM code is entered?
Entering the BEM code does nothing other than reset the configuration or actual values of the old battery stored in the control unit and save the current mileage.
It is important that you use the Banner Battery Service Tool (BBST) in combination with the Memory Saver:
In order to prevent the deletion of vehicle settings and codes when changing batteries, the power supply of the electrical system must be externally supplied with power, – for example with a Memory Saver. Maintaining voltage via the OBD (On Board Diagnostic) socket in the vehicle reliably prevents the loss of vehicle data. When the battery is changed, vehicle data such as the navigation settings, telephone book, radio station, electronic seat position, etc. are remembered. Another advantage: If a battery is replaced with the Memory Saver, it is usually not necessary to re-register.
The simultaneous use of a Memory Saver for voltage maintenance and a Banner Battery Service Tool (BBST) does not pose any problems, since both devices can be combined effortlessly by the integrated adapter.
Self-learning system.
For an older battery, the vehicle system records the „defective battery“. If a new battery is installed without entering a BEM code, the vehicle will not recognise that a new battery has been installed. Therefore, the new battery condition must be communicated to the energy management system by entering a BEM code, or initialised via a multi-brand diagnostic tool such as the Banner Battery Service Tool (BBST). If both are not available, the system must first configure the new battery condition. The more „trigger events“ (impulses, signals e.g. starts, cold starts, cycles) there are in the battery, the faster the system learns this. The manufacturer specifications vary on the time this will take. It can be between 2 operating hours or up to 6 days. The vehicle computer usually successively releases the previously restricted systems, such as full power of the air conditioning system, within a few hours. It may take longer for displayed error messages to be reset in the error memory. If this does not actively happen through a Banner Battery Service Tool (BBST), it usually takes a few days (up to 6 days depending on the manufacturer) for the system to detect the new battery status and reset the error messages automatically.
The current market situation.
More and more car manufacturers recommend or require the new battery to be configured by the system. You must then visit a mechanic so that the energy management system is informed by a diagnostic device that a new battery is on board and the stored data are reset. Nowadays, multi-brand diagnostic tools, such as our Banner Battery Service Tool (BBST) can carry out this so-called initialisation for numerous car brands. In addition to resetting configuration or actual values for the old battery, the mileage at the time when the battery is replaced is usually also registered in the control unit.
Conclusion: Purchasing and BEM coding an original replacement battery instead of a replacement battery from the independent aftermarket – which does not have BEM coding – has only one short-term advantage: that the complete functionality of all systems is immediately available. Please note: The battery reaches this functionality without a BEM code, usually also after some time and various „trigger events“ (impulses, signals, e.g. starts, cold starts, cycles).
Basically, changing a start-stop battery poses no safety risk.
If a high-quality replacement battery is installed, even without entering a BEM code, there is no safety risk, there is no risk of overcharging of the newly installed replacement battery, there is no increased battery wear, and the vehicle electronics or other components are not damaged. Nowadays, multi-brand diagnostic tools, such as the Banner Battery Service Tool (BBST) can carry out this so-called initialisation step for numerous car brands.
Please note:
Never install a conventional wet-cell battery in a vehicle with a start-stop function that is equipped with an EFB or AGM battery as standard. If necessary, an EFB or AGM battery must be used again. In an identical housing and of a similar performance class.
PS: Minor deviations in capacity or performance during a cold start have no effect on the safe start and the optimum power supply of the electrical system.
When upgrading technology from EFB to AGM batteries, it is essential that the new battery is configured in the system for start-stop vehicles with a battery energy management system (BEM). The Banner Battery Service Tool (BBST) is ideal for this.
If you have any questions, please contact your Banner customer service representative, your Banner sales partner or contact us directly online.
Banner tip for upper class cars up to the luxury class:
When removing the old battery (or batteries), the disconnection sequence must be strictly observed, especially with two-battery vehicle electrical systems, as otherwise the safety battery terminals could trip. Here, you have to disconnect first the left-hand AGM battery and then the right-hand conventional wet-cell battery according to the operating instructions, for example VW Phaeton V10 TDI (our test car was built in 2006).
The right tool for changing start-stop batteries:
BBST Banner Battery Service Tool
- Automatic generation of the manufacturer-specific battery energy management code (BEM)
- Reading and deleting manufacturer-specific error codes
- Inspection of battery, starting capacity and charging system
- Text description with graphics for positioning the OBD diagnosis plug
- Y adapter for voltage retention of the wiring system via Banner Memory Saver (optional)
- Battery allocation: Covers over 41,000 cars and 30,000 utility vehicles
Replace start-stop car battery, register and generate BEM code
What do car manufacturers and car importers say about changing start-stop batteries?
After the battery has been changed without the Banner Battery Service Tool (BBST) and without the Memory Saver
If, contrary to our recommendation, the battery has been changed without the Banner Battery Service Tool (BBST) and without the Memory Saver , the electric or electronic aids in modern cars can be initialised again as follows. In general, it is relatively uncomplicated to learn how to do this and it is often described in detail in the vehicle’s operating manual. Here are our recommendations after a few test cases. In practice, this is how it work´s:
Electric windows: Ignition ON (i.e. the electronic instrument cluster lights up on the display), but the engine remains OFF. Lower the window completely on the driver's side, then close the window completely again and keep the button pressed for approx. 2 seconds after closing. This initialisation should also take place if the fuse has been changed or the plug on the window switch has been removed (e.g. when removing the door panel without disconnecting the battery). Often the operating instructions do not mention that this should be repeated for the other windows. However, it is nevertheless recommended to repeat this procedure for all other windows.
Steering angle sensor: Bonnet must be closed, ignition ON, engine ON, turn steering wheel to left until stop, turn steering wheel to right until stop, turn steering wheel back to middle position, engine OFF. This is how the system configures the steering angle sensor.
Tyre pressure monitoring: Ignition ON, keep "SET" button pressed for tire pressure monitoring until the tyre pressure warning light flashes 1-2 times and you hear a sound. Tyre pressure monitor has now started to be configured by the system. The configuration process is complete when the vehicle has been driven for around 20 minutes.
Sunroof: Ignition ON, press “Raise sunroof” button until the sunroof is completely opened and then press button for „lowering / closing the sunroof“ approx. 2-3 seconds later.
Start-stop system: Press and hold the start-stop button until you hear a sound, then press and hold the engine start and start-stop buttons. An acoustic signal is heard again and a few seconds later the start-stop button lights up green. This is how the start-stop system is configured.
Please note: If the battery is low, the start-stop button may light up red again after a short period of time, and the battery must then be recharged. (See battery tip: Charging in the vehicle)
If the battery is quite old and if the charging attempts are still unsuccessful as the start-stop button remains red or flashes, then the only option left is to replace the battery.
Optional: If you retrofit a rear view camera yourself and this causes problems, initialise it via the menu of the audio head unit, exactly as described in the camera operating instructions. In the test case, the following had to be done: Press the "VOL PUSH POWER" and "SEEK>>|" button on the device at the same time, enter code "92" in the diagnostics menu and confirm with the "ENTER" button. Back with "VOL PUSH POWER".
PS: For car models with the original camera this procedure is not necessary.
Often, the audio or navigation system also does not need to be configured.
Similarly, disconnecting the battery usually has no effect on the "Keyless Go & Entry" system.
How a retrofitted car alarm system or a retrofitted parking heater behaves will be clarified by us in the near future and we will make sure we continue to provide you with continuous updated information on this.
More articles on this topic