Hi, I have a 2014 S line sport 3.0D. I don’t use it very much and when I went to start it today for first time in over a week, it cranked very, very slowly. It eventually started but it has always seemed to crank slow and start at last moment. I thought this was just how the Q7’s were but today was worse. Granted, it was very cold, but does this sound like a new battery is needed?

Secondly, and possibly more concerning is the fact that when it started, the suspension started raising up. I haven’t noticed this before. Is this normal or have I got a leak from somewhere? There are no warning lights showing.

Thanks in advance,

 

Gary.

 

Hello Gary,

Thanks for being in touch.

I think you are right to suspect the battery - if we assume it is the original. I would be thoroughly inspecting all the connections and main battery and body earths as an initial check, and if satisfied with those, take the car for at least a 15 mile run and then get the battery efficiency checked. 

If it proves to be suspect then I would only replace it with a quality brand, such as Varta/Bosch, but selecting their grades which give you at minimum of 4 years warranty. 

I tend to buy from on line battery specialist such as Battery Megastore, Tanya, Plymouth Batteries etc. who offer competitive prices and delivery to your door.

Kind regards,

Gareth.  

Hi, thanks for reply. Any ideas regarding suspension raising when starting? Didn’t seem to be one corner but all four.

Hello,

Suspension? Rising? I would have expected the compressor to be lethargic in raising the suspension as the battery becomes below par. I can only think that the system may have an inbuilt ‘fail safe’ which activate under these conditions. 

If this were mine, I would be treating this from the simple things first principle, and checking and replacing the battery if necessary before being too concerned about anything else. 

Kind regards,

Gareth. 

Yes, that makes sense! Will try that.

 

Thank you.

Just been googling, am i correct in thinking that the battery has to be changed by a garage as it needs re coding??? 🤬🤬🤬