[sbourassa]

We just changed the battery in our '04 at the dealer...cost $150 for the battery, $200 for labor. All they told us was that they had to take out the seat, nothing about re-setting anything. I also found the guide on how to change it yourself...looked helpful so we might try to do it ourselves next time around.

What was happening was one morning, the car started then shut off almost immediately. Jumped it, drove to work. When I left work it started-up just fine. Next day, started-up fine, drove for a 2 hour trip. Few days later, car wouldn't start, alarm started going off, hazards started blinking on their own...freaky. Jumped the car again to get home. Next morning, started right up and drove it to the dealer. Their explanation - we must've hit a bump that caused two plates in the battery to touch and fuse. The randomness of the battery working was due to these two plates touching and shorting out the battery power (Someone I told this to said that sounded like b.s.). Just thought that might help someone if they see similar issues.

On a side note, the batteries are extremely expensive ($150-350 from what I found online) compared to our 2005 Jetta GLI battery - it's because it's a dry-cell rather than the old fashioned batteries that 99% of vehicles on the road use for $50-70. Technology can be a curse sometimes...

 

[Tahoe]

Hmm...that is an interesting cause of the battery short. Certainly possible but without pulling the battery apart (I doubt they did), it is just a guess at best.

I am pretty sure the OEM isn't a dry cell. There was plenty of fluid moving around in it when I installed it. Maybe you mean sealed vs. the old style.

 

[aircooled]

If it makes anyone feel better, my 06 battery is getting ready to take a dump. It died at the tire shop while I was having snow tires put on, all because the left the doors open for a few minutes. Starting voltage is around 12V, which is low. Charge voltage is nominal at 14-ish volts. Oh well, I'll have the dealer replace under warranty.

 

[Arkarch]

If it makes anyone feel better, my 06 battery is getting ready to take a dump. It died at the tire shop while I was having snow tires put on, all because the left the doors open for a few minutes. Starting voltage is around 12V, which is low. Charge voltage is nominal at 14-ish volts. Oh well, I'll have the dealer replace under warranty.

That seems like a quick degrade for an '06. I routinely work my 100W Ham Radio rig of the main battery for an hour or so at a time; and work on the car for hours at a time with the interior lights on. Battery is still holding the requisite 13.8 v at start.

 

[Vegas Matt]

Mine has been reading under 12 volts (as low as 11.6 according to my radar detector, gauge is close to that) in pre-startup after sitting overnight for quite a long time now. Still starts OK, but I might start keeping the jump pack in there just in case...

Matt

 

[aircooled]

That seems like a quick degrade for an '06.

I'm sure the cold doesn't help, but the battery is not holding the charge after a drive. Residual voltage after a drive is about 13.8V, but a few hours later it is back to around 12V.

I went through all of this in my 04, and had the dealership replace the battery twice.

 

[volkster]

Are the dealer batteries any good? My battery went dead a year ago due to the bad alternator cable. When they checked it they said there was a bad cell so they replace it. One year later, this morning, the battery is dead again. Just all of a sudden. It was cold today but nothing like other parts of the country. It was about 44 degrees this morning. So now I am suspecting dealer batteries as not very good as I see others have went through multiple dealer batteries. So getting an Interstate battery or some other after market battery may be better.

 

[chrislaw92]

A touaregs with air don't have a second battery, just the V-10. I don't beleive there is a switch between the two. I think they operate together for increase capacity.

Can you help me locate the second battery in my V10 with air? According to the owners manual it indicates the second battery is in the trunk with the spare tire, but that is where my air tank is:confused2:

 

[aircooled]

It's UNDER the spare tire. Pull the tire out to get to it.

 

[chrislaw92]

It's UNDER the spare tire. Pull the tire out to get too it.

Didn't think of that! ](*,)Thanks

 

[roadtrippers]

OK How do I edit a post? I wanted to add some info.

They had told me that the car would be in limp mode if they didn't reprogram it.

Matt


EDIT: Well I seem to be able to edit a second post, just not the first.

I had planned to replace the battery myself - but then realized how much was involved, so I took it to the dealership. I had picked up the proper battery for it from Napa ($117 if I remember right). When I got to the dealership they checked for any open recalls. Sure enough, a battery cable replacement recall had not been done yet. I therefore, was able to get the battery replacement done as part of the recall. They also reprogrammed/updated the three (I didn't know it had 3) computers on the Treg. Volt gauge has been reading 14V ever since.

 

[roadtrippers]

By the way - Ours is a 2004 Touareg V8 with 65,000 miles

 

[aircooled]

Good post, and a reminder to many owners that may not have known about the battery cable TSB or have had it performed.

Also, do you have a part number for the battery that you originally got at Napa?

 

[roadtrippers]

Good post, and a reminder to many owners that may not have known about the battery cable TSB or have had it performed.

Also, do you have a part number for the battery that you originally got at Napa?

I can not seem to locate the battery info. I do need to find the paper work for it though. Maybe I put in in the folder for one of the other cars. :drunk: However, Napa was able to look it up without any difficulty.