[hn_acc1]

I couldn't believe it when my wife's '16 GTI (base) needed a new battery, and I realized for non-base models, the BATTERY is coded and needs dealer programming to be replaced.

Our '08 Caravan had the ABS module die, and try as I might with 3 or 4 independent mechanics, had to go back to Dodge/FCA to get it reprogrammed for the car to accept the new module.

[poly_morphis]

Yes, the battery needs coding to tell the car about its capacity, battery type, etc. to optimize the charging. Fortunately coding modules is not completely locked behind dealer-only tools (see VCDS https://www.ross-tech.com/vag-com/VCDS.php), but it is very inconvenient for the non-enthusiast who probably doesn't want to spend $200 on a tool to code their battery.

[hn_acc1]

I know about ross-tech, etc. and the "official" reason for it (I've been an enthusiast for 35 years). It's my wife's car who will not stand for any mods (she doesn't even shift into sport mode) so it would be wasted $$.

Why can other cars get away without this specific charging knowledge? Is it because , in true VW fashion, they specced the minimally-acceptable battery size and need to have optimized charging to mitigate the under-sized battery? Just like VW has under-specced wiring for decades.. Seems pretty suspect..

[bluGill]

That is about theft. Chop shops won't steel the car for the ABS module.

[hn_acc1]

I agree with that, more or less. Just wish it was more commonly doable outside of going to a chrysler dealer stuck in the 70s. Had to take our newer FCA van there for a head-rest recall. They insisted on a huge inspection to approve it, then weeks to order it, then lost the order due to the multi-dealer malware incident, etc, etc.. Even the headrest needed some kind of electrical hookup or something - I guess having it "pop out" in an accident let them get away without seat airbags or something.

This is the same dealership that, when I asked about "30K mile maintenance" for our '08 Van (with the venerable, proven 3.8 engine) recommended (in addition to oil change, obviously), spark plugs, coolant flush, transmission flush, brake fluid flush, etc. I.e. a $700+ service for a van 2.x years old. And most of those were NOT on the Dodge service requirements.