With all of these threads going around about batteries dieing, I wonder if VW just got a batch of bad batteries at some point? A friend's TReg battery recently died a couple of months after he got it and the dealer, after testing the battery, said it had a dead cell. My first question is has anyone replaced their factory battery on their own with a good aftermarket battery? My second question is do you think a Optima gel cell battery like their red top starting battery will fit in the TReg under the seat (and rear compartment on V10)?
Battery Replacement
Dusty_Dog
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With all of these threads going around about batteries dieing, I wonder if VW just got a batch of bad batteries at some point? A friend's TReg battery recently died a couple of months after he got it and the dealer, after testing the battery, said it had a dead cell. My first question is has anyone replaced their factory battery on their own with a good aftermarket battery? My second question is do you think a Optima gel cell battery like their red top starting battery will fit in the TReg under the seat (and rear compartment on V10)?
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I was under the impression from other post that normal batteries wouldn't fit under the seat and that they had to be the factory battery fit correctly.
You also have to have a special tool (something VW prob. won't sell you) to take the cover off in front of the driver's seat, and pull back the carpet to access the battery.
Perhaps someone else knows more.
You also have to have a special tool (something VW prob. won't sell you) to take the cover off in front of the driver's seat, and pull back the carpet to access the battery.
Perhaps someone else knows more.
The oem battery is much larger than the optima. So, it should fit inside the box under the seat, but I haven't tried nor measured either. I'm not sure if a smaller optima is even going to be enough for the Treg. You can buy the special tool at Auto zone, jcwhitney, etc. Here is a picture of it. According to Bentley, you have to replace the two bolts holding the seat frame to the floor each time you remove them.
After you remove the bolts, the whole seat just tilts back and allows access to the battery.
After you remove the bolts, the whole seat just tilts back and allows access to the battery.
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I was curious as to whether the OEM batteries that are dying all came from the same manufacturer during a common period of time. Also, if the OEM battery is larger than the Optima in size, then the Optima is the better choice if it will fit. Being a gel cell there's no liquid to evaporate which is what kills most liquid lead acid batteries over time (especially if you can't get to them to service them) and the gel cells hold their charge much, much better at below freezing temps. As for power, the Optima I think is rated 850 cold cranking amps while most OEM batteries are rated 650, which would be better.
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Sweet. Thanks "irom124" for informing us about removing the Touareg's battery.
I have two yellow top (deep cycle) Optimas in my boat and they have been great. No problems at all. They even seem to hold their charge after sitting in storage all winter. They boat fired perfectly after sitting for 6 months.
Any warranty issues for replacing your battery with and aftermarket one?
I have two yellow top (deep cycle) Optimas in my boat and they have been great. No problems at all. They even seem to hold their charge after sitting in storage all winter. They boat fired perfectly after sitting for 6 months.
Any warranty issues for replacing your battery with and aftermarket one?
I doubt it. Go to the Optima web site and check out the technical info there. The battery is capable of holding charge for LONG periods of time without discharging due to just sitting and look at it's curve for holding charge in cold temps. High performance battery for high demand applications. Seems like one thing that would help. I think I saw them at Costco for about $99.00. They last about twice as long as a liquid battery. Also, if the car is draining the battery slowly, you could install a yellow top deep cycle like in your boat. It's a dual purpose battery and it's ment to carry a load for a long time then recharge over and over again. It doesn't fall off like a liquid battery.
Dead batteries
I have a V10 UK spec Touareg. The battery often appears flat, and then soon after, starts the car, turining the engine briskly. The VW technicians have told many stories.
How many batteries does my car have, 1 or 2?
One technician blamed me for not using the car enough (although one refusal to start occured two minutes after a 30 mile drive)
One sai that turning the key 3 times to the left would activate the second battery
My wife made it start by pressing the start button and using the key at the same time.
Another technician exhorted me to keep the battery on charge whilst in my garage
Another idea was that some 500 UK cars had faulty batteries fitted.
Any ideas?
I have a V10 UK spec Touareg. The battery often appears flat, and then soon after, starts the car, turining the engine briskly. The VW technicians have told many stories.
How many batteries does my car have, 1 or 2?
One technician blamed me for not using the car enough (although one refusal to start occured two minutes after a 30 mile drive)
One sai that turning the key 3 times to the left would activate the second battery
My wife made it start by pressing the start button and using the key at the same time.
Another technician exhorted me to keep the battery on charge whilst in my garage
Another idea was that some 500 UK cars had faulty batteries fitted.
Any ideas?
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