Innova SDS43 SDS-Inspector: Battery Reset

Purpose

To explain how to perform Battery Initialization function while using the Innova SDS43 SDS-Inspector Tablet Scan Tool.

Introduction

The car battery is a crucial component of the vehicle's electrical system as it enables the car to start and powers its accessories. With advancements in technology, batteries now have sensors and other components that make them more efficient. Whenever the battery's lifespan ends or it is disconnected or replaced during repairs, it is essential to reset the Engine Control Module (ECU) that monitors the battery. This is done to ensure that the new battery's operational parameters are learned, and that the Battery Function Light does not turn ON.

In the case of Audi/Volkswagen vehicles, it is crucial to reset or register the ECU when replacing the battery with a different ‘Ah’ value to ensure proper recognition and control. This article provides a guide on how to perform the Battery Initialization function using the Innova SDS43 SDS-Inspector Tablet Scan Tool on a 2016 Audi A4 when replacing the battery during repairs.

Condition

The Battery Function Light is ON in your dashboard. It means you need to check the battery voltage, or in our case, you need to perform a ‘Battery Initialization’ function with the Scan Tool.

Procedure

Step 1 - Connect Innova SDS43 SDS-Inspector Tablet Scan Tool to the vehicle and select the 'Workshop Tools' function.

First, connect the Innova SDS43 SDS-Inspector Tablet Scan Tool to your vehicle via the Diagnostic Link Connector (DLC) to retrieve the vehicle's information, such as VIN and On-Board Diagnostic (OBD2) information.
From the 'OBD2 Control Display' screen, press 'Home' button, after that select the 'Workshop Tools' section.

Step 2 – Select the ‘Battery Initialization’ function to reset the vehicle’s battery.

The Innova SDS43 SDS-Inspector Tablet Scan Tool offers a range of features, including 12 Service Reset functions, as well as the Vehicle Inspection and Battery/Alternator Test functions, as illustrated in the image. To initiate the On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) process for resetting the Battery System, you can choose the 'Battery Initialization' item from the list.
As previously mentioned, modern batteries require a Monitoring System to keep track of their operation. Thus, it is essential to select the appropriate Battery Monitoring System on your vehicle, such as the '[19] Gateway' system on the 2016 Audi A4, to enable the function to learn the value of the new battery.

Step 3 - Select the function responsible for the Battery Initialization.

To access the reset function, choose the 'Battery Adaptation' item.
The Scan Tool will then display some basic information about the previously installed battery from the memory of the Battery Monitor System in the vehicle.
To proceed to the next step, select the 'Next' softkey then press the ‘OK’ button.

Step 4 - Input the information of the installed battery on the vehicle

Once you have selected the 'Next' softkey in the previous step, the Battery Monitor System will prompt you to input some basic information about the new battery for it to relearn.
The initial information required is the battery capacity, which you can input. To proceed to the next screen, select the 'Next' softkey.
As the instructions, press the 'OK' button to display the on-screen keyboard and enter the capacity of the new battery.
Once you have entered the battery capacity, select the 'Next' softkey to proceed to the next step. Then, follow the instructions to complete the process of inputting the required information.

Step 5 - Check latest battery information

Once you have entered all the required information into the Scan Tool. The Scan Tool will write the new value in the ECU, then it will display the results as shown in the image, and the Battery Monitor System will turn off the Battery Function Light.

Summary

If you replace a sensor, component, or battery in a modern vehicle, the control module might trigger the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). Additionally, the new part may not synchronize with the stored value in the ECU, causing the vehicle to run in 'Limp home' mode. To prevent this from happening, you can use a Scan Tool to reset or relearn the value of the new part. This procedure is applicable to the 'Battery Initialization' function in the 2016 Audi A4 when using the Innova SDS43 SDS-Inspector Tablet Scan Tool, which also supports several other manufacturers.