 DO NOT Test/Charge from Remote Location (3.2L).
 (3.2L) DO NOT use remote location (+) -arrow-.

 (3.2L) DO NOT use engine bracket (-) -arrow-.

Page 8 of 17
© 2023 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to the copyright and
other intellectual property rights of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any
time without notice. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording, or otherwise, nor may these materials be modified or reposted to other sites, without the prior expressed written permission of the
publisher.

Technical Service Bulletin

Transaction No:

2011894/24

Release date:

6/28/2023

DRAFT
27-19-01 - Battery Testing and Charging Using Midtronics VAS6161
and or GRX3000VAS Charger

 (3.2L) Test/charge AGM battery located in trunk - one
6V battery located on each side of ski chute, as
shown.

2-4 Golf VR4/R32 2008
Testing/Charging at Battery
When testing or charging battery either installed or removed from vehicle:
 Select Standard (Lead-Acid) battery. Located in right trunk area under spare tire and tool kit.
 Always use actual DIN rating from battery label.
When testing or charging battery installed in vehicle:
 DO NOT Test/Charge from Remote Location (3.2L).
 (3.2L) DO NOT use remote location (+) -arrow-.

Page 9 of 17
© 2023 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to the copyright and
other intellectual property rights of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any
time without notice. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording, or otherwise, nor may these materials be modified or reposted to other sites, without the prior expressed written permission of the
publisher.

Technical Service Bulletin

Transaction No:

2011894/24

Release date:

6/28/2023

DRAFT
27-19-01 - Battery Testing and Charging Using Midtronics VAS6161
and or GRX3000VAS Charger

 (3.2L) DO NOT use engine bracket (-) -arrow-.

Always use actual DIN rating from battery label.
 (3.2L) Test/charge (Lead Acid) battery located in the
trunk.

2-5 Touareg 2004 – 2017
Testing/Charging at Battery
Single System – 3.0L (TFSI), 3.0L (TDI), 3.2L, 3.6L, and 4.2L Engines.
2.51 Start/Accessory battery
Always use actual DIN rating as shown on battery label.
Select Standard (Lead-Acid) for 3.0L TFSI 3.0 TDI, 3.6L,
and 4.2L engines (Battery located under driver's seat).
Tip:
MY 2003-2010 3.2L, 3.6L, 4.2L (450DIN)
MY 2004-2008 5.0L TDI (520DIN)
MY 2009-2016 3.0L TDI (520DIN)
MY 2011-2017 3.6L (520DIN)
MY 2011-2015 3.0L TFSI Hybrid (420DIN)
Page 10 of 17
© 2023 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to the copyright and
other intellectual property rights of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any
time without notice. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording, or otherwise, nor may these materials be modified or reposted to other sites, without the prior expressed written permission of the
publisher.

Technical Service Bulletin

Transaction No:

2011894/24

Release date:

6/28/2023

DRAFT
27-19-01 - Battery Testing and Charging Using Midtronics VAS6161
and or GRX3000VAS Charger

Dual System – 5.0L (TDI) Engine (2004-2008)
Accessory battery
Select Standard (Lead Acid) for 5.0L (TDI) (located
under the driver seat). 520 DIN

Starter battery
For 5.0L (TDI) engine (battery in trunk without rim). AGM
520 DIN (PR J2R).
For 5.0L (TDI) engine (battery in trunk located under
spare tire). Standard (Lead Acid) 450 DIN (PR J2Q).
Note:
Starter battery must be checked independently of
accessory battery.
Starter battery cannot be tested or charged via the
remote location in engine compartment. To test or
charge starter battery, go directly to battery terminals.

Always use actual DIN rating as shown on battery label arrow-.
Tip:
Label shown is for example only. DIN or SAE
specifications may vary from battery to battery.

Page 11 of 17
© 2023 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to the copyright and
other intellectual property rights of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any
time without notice. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording, or otherwise, nor may these materials be modified or reposted to other sites, without the prior expressed written permission of the
publisher.

Technical Service Bulletin

Transaction No:

2011894/24

Release date:

6/28/2023

DRAFT
27-19-01 - Battery Testing and Charging Using Midtronics VAS6161
and or GRX3000VAS Charger

If DIN rating is not shown:
 Use SAE value as printed on battery label
 If using SAE value rating:
 The Midtronics tester menu option must be changed to achieve accurate results.
 A change from DIN to SAE can be made from the “Other” menu option on Midtronics tester.
Testing/Charging from Remote Location (Reduced DIN Rating Requirement)
When using remote location terminals -arrows-, located
in engine compartment, always reduce DIN rating on
VAS6161 and GRX3000VAS testers.
 3.6L, and 4.2L engines: 270 DIN.
 3.0L TDI, 5.0L (TDI) engine: 295 DIN.
 MY2011-2017 3.6L engine: 295DIN
Note:
For 5.0L (TDI) engine (dual battery system), starter
battery cannot be tested or charged via remote location
in engine compartment. To test or charge starter
battery, go directly to battery terminals.
Tip:
Use of these reduced DIN ratings are required to compensate for the internal battery manager and/or the
extended length of cable due to battery location.
2-6 Phaeton 2003 - 2006
Testing/Charging at Battery
When testing or charging battery either installed or removed from vehicle:
 Select Standard (Lead-Acid) for 4.2L and 6.0L engines (located in right front trunk).
 Select AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) for 4.2L and 6.0L engines (located in left side trunk).

Page 12 of 17
© 2023 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to the copyright and
other intellectual property rights of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any
time without notice. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording, or otherwise, nor may these materials be modified or reposted to other sites, without the prior expressed written permission of the
publisher.

Technical Service Bulletin

Transaction No:

2011894/24

Release date:

6/28/2023

DRAFT
27-19-01 - Battery Testing and Charging Using Midtronics VAS6161
and or GRX3000VAS Charger

Always use actual DIN rating as shown on battery label arrow-.
Tip:
Label shown is for example only. DIN or SAE
specifications may vary from battery to battery.

If DIN rating is not shown:
 Use SAE value as printed on battery label.
If using SAE value rating:
 Midtronics tester menu option must be changed to achieve accurate results.
 A change from DIN to SAE can be made from the “Other” menu option on Midtronics tester.
Dual System
Starter battery
Always use actual DIN rating as shown on battery label.
 Starter battery (Standard) located in right side trunk,
as shown: 330 DIN.

On-board accessory battery
Always use actual DIN rating as shown on battery label.
 (AGM) On-board accessory battery located in left
side trunk, as shown: 480 DIN or 520 DIN.

Page 13 of 17
© 2023 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to the copyright and
other intellectual property rights of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any
time without notice. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording, or otherwise, nor may these materials be modified or reposted to other sites, without the prior expressed written permission of the
publisher.

Technical Service Bulletin

Transaction No:

2011894/24

Release date:

6/28/2023

DRAFT
27-19-01 - Battery Testing and Charging Using Midtronics VAS6161
and or GRX3000VAS Charger

When testing or charging battery installed in vehicle:
 DO NOT Test/Charge from remote location
 DO NOT use remote location (+) or (-), -arrows-, as
shown.
 Test/charge batteries directly, located in trunk.
Tip:
There is a plastic sleeve on remote location (-), arrow-.

Warranty Battery Test Types and Description for the VAS 6161
Inventory Test: Use this test mode only for vehicles in dealer inventory before the customer warranty
start date.
Warranty Test: Use this test mode only for vehicles under the current customer vehicle warranty. VIN
number input and battery information is a mandatory input for proper claim submittal. Always provide the
battery test code for all battery warranty claims.
Service Test: This test IS NOT to be used for any warranty battery testing. It is designed for out of
warranty battery testing only and for customer pay maintenance.
Note: For PDI vehicles, use only the GRX3000VAS for testing as per the PDI check list and the
‘Ready Set Go’ documents on ServiceNet.
2-7 VAS6161 and GRX3000VAS Trouble Shooting Error Messages
VAS6161 and GRX3000VAS Displays "System Noise" at Beginning of Test
VAS6161 and GRX3000VAS may display "System Noise" at beginning of battery test when testing
directly at battery.
This is an infrequent and a normal message which may be caused by:
 Ignition left in "ON" position.
 Accessories or loads turned ON, with key in "ON" position.
 Loads running with ignition switched "OFF" such as: cooling fan or after-run coolant pump.
 Aftermarket equipment (due to improper installation), such as entertainment, security, remote starters,
televisions, lighting, etc.).
Page 14 of 17
© 2023 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to the copyright and
other intellectual property rights of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any
time without notice. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording, or otherwise, nor may these materials be modified or reposted to other sites, without the prior expressed written permission of the
publisher.

Technical Service Bulletin

Transaction No:

2011894/24

Release date:

6/28/2023

DRAFT
27-19-01 - Battery Testing and Charging Using Midtronics VAS6161
and or GRX3000VAS Charger

This may be overcome by verifying:
 Ignition is switched "OFF".
 All loads (cooling fan or after-run coolant pump) are OFF prior to testing.
 Any aftermarket equipment is disconnected from vehicle's electrical system.
Wait a few minutes, and then retest battery again.
Battery Testing Results: Midtronics VAS6161 Analyzer vs. GRX3000VAS Charging Station
In some cases, when testing a battery using the VAS6161 tester:
Test results may be “Good Battery - Recharge”.
However, when attempting to charge the same battery with GRX3000VAS Charger:
Results may be to “Replace Battery” either after testing or during charging process.
Tip:
This is normal since VAS6161 and GRX3000VAS use a conductance test, but the GRX3000VAS also
incorporates use of a 150A load test and ”sophisticated” charging algorithm which monitors charging
state of the battery.
In this case, results of GRX3000VAS should always be used instead of VAS6161.
Testing/Charging: GRX3000VAS Charging Station -Automatic ModeWhen using GRX3000VAS Battery Charging Station in “Automatic Mode”, and testing or charging a
deeply discharged battery:
GRX3000VAS may continuously display a message “Are clamps connected?”
In order to test battery:
 Manually charge battery for 30 minutes and perform test again.
Testing/Charging: GRX3000VAS Charging Station -Manual ModeWhen using GRX3000VAS Battery Charging Station in “Manual Mode”, and testing or charging a deeply
discharged battery:
GRX3000VAS may display a message “Are clamps connected?” twice.
This is not a result of defective GRX3000VAS test equipment, but is a safety feature of the GRX3000VAS
to ensure cables are connected to battery before power is turned ON.

Page 15 of 17
© 2023 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to the copyright and
other intellectual property rights of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any
time without notice. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording, or otherwise, nor may these materials be modified or reposted to other sites, without the prior expressed written permission of the
publisher.

Technical Service Bulletin

Transaction No:

2011894/24

Release date:

6/28/2023

DRAFT
27-19-01 - Battery Testing and Charging Using Midtronics VAS6161
and or GRX3000VAS Charger

GRX3000VAS Charging Station Always Displays “Check Connections”
GRX3000VAS may constantly display a message to “Check Connections” after cables are connected to
battery terminals.
This is most likely due to the sensing probe making contact with the clamp.
Tip:
There is one sensing probe on each clamp, (+) and (-), make sure to check both!
 There must be no contact between the inside
connection and outside jaw of clamp -arrows-.

 Inside connection is bent and touching outside of the
clamp, -arrows-.

Page 16 of 17
© 2023 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to the copyright and
other intellectual property rights of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any
time without notice. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording, or otherwise, nor may these materials be modified or reposted to other sites, without the prior expressed written permission of the
publisher.

Technical Service Bulletin

Transaction No:

2011894/24

Release date:

6/28/2023

DRAFT
27-19-01 - Battery Testing and Charging Using Midtronics VAS6161
and or GRX3000VAS Charger

If clamp is incorrect:
 Use a small flat tool and gently bend sensing probe so it does not make contact with clamp.
If this does not resolve the issue:
 Contact Midtronics Corporation Customer Service Department at 1-800-776-1995 for assistance.

Warranty
Information only.

Required Parts and Tools
Information only.

Additional Information
All part and service references provided in this Technical Bulletin are subject to change and/or removal.
Always check with your Parts Dept. and Repair Manuals for the latest information.

Page 17 of 17
© 2023 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to the copyright and
other intellectual property rights of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any
time without notice. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording, or otherwise, nor may these materials be modified or reposted to other sites, without the prior expressed written permission of the
publisher.