E-Call SOS power source

[heralder]

I just read about a major problem with this safety feature on a Hyundai Tucson forum.

You should change the battery that operates the eCall feature every three years, according to some guidebook (don't ask me which one). I haven't looked through my Owners Handbook or service manual to see if this is mentioned, and I surely am not aware of it.


Apparently it impacts European (that's us!) cars, and there's a rumour that US models might be unaffected. So, let's not assume that it's just a US problem. Even worse, it has been said that when the tiny battery dies, it can cause a number of safety measures in the automobile to stop working.

If the three-year battery replacement requirement is accurate, as several commenters have claimed, owners may be in a state of panic because access to the battery is complicated and requires removing the entire dashboard and center console.

If this turns out to be true, it will probably impact owners of the Sportage and maybe other models as well. It was mentioned that Hyundai Bayon had the same battery replaced. There isn't much information available yet, so I'll wait for more details before making a decision. If the eCall feature is the only one that stops functioning due to a defective battery and nothing else is damaged, then it wouldn't be catastrophic.

The topic in question isn't one I frequent, but it seems much livelier than the UK one, where I am a regular reader, so for the time being I'm going with the idea that someone is just trying to cause trouble.

It came to my notice that 'PhilHornby,' a former contributor to these pages, has been using his scanner to check the Tucson's systems because the red warning light next to his eCall button has been intermittently lighting up. B2992:15 eCall backup battery error was the result of the scanner's investigation. In his opinion, the battery won't need changing anytime soon, he said.

The subject has never been brought up on this forum, and I am simply passing this along in a "information only" capacity. Naturally, any information would be greatly appreciated.

[markjay]

The battery is hard to reach because it sits beneath the center console, but a fast online search suggests that you should change it every four years. Despite what is on today's automobiles, replacing it will not be inexpensive. When it requires replacing or there's a problem, a red light near the button looks to light up. If you don't update the battery, Kia has a statement or disclaimer that covers themselves.
If the caution light is on, the mot might not pass.

[stevenkeyte]

As part of the recommended maintenance every four years, it is detailed on pages 9 and 9 of my handbook.
Rechargeable e-call system across Europe.

[DreamCatcher88]

The reason the service is so expensive is because my Kia Emac's maintenance schedule indicates that the Ecall battery replacement is scheduled for the fourth annual service. 😎

[colinallcars]

Searching Google for the component yields an image that appears to be a 16550 cell encased. I would highly anticipate discovering that overhead in the telematics SOS device, as they go for £30–£50 on eBay. Its placement elsewhere is an oversight in the design. It appears to be located behind the glovebox in certain older Kia models.

You can find out for sure by searching by VIN on partsouq. Unfortunately, my car isn't listed there just yet.