2010 VOLKSWAGEN CC vehicle battery

Checking the vehicle battery electrolyte level

Fig. 170 In the engine compartment: On vehicles with a 2.0 liter en-
gine, the vehicle battery is in the engine compartment.

Fig. 171 In the luggage compartment: On vehicles with a 3.6 liter en-
gine, the vehicle battery is on the left side of the luggage compart-
ment.

Vehicles with 3.6 liter engines: Open the luggage compartment lid
⇒  Luggage compartment lid.
Opening the battery cover
Depending on the engine type, there are different kinds of battery
covers:
Vehicles with 2.0 liter engines: Press on the clip in direction of the
arrow ⇒ fig. 170 (1) and remove the cover upward.
Vehicles with 3.6 liter engines: Remove the trim panel to access
the vehicle battery ⇒ fig. 171.
Checking the vehicle battery acid level
If the lighting conditions are poor, use a flashlight so that you can
clearly see the battery acid level indicator and tell what color it is.
Never use an open flame or an unprotected light source.
The round battery window (“acid level indicator”) on the top of the
battery changes color, depending on the battery's electrolyte level.

Color Action
Light yellow
or colorless
Battery electrolyte level is too low.
The vehicle battery may need to be
replaced. Have it checked by an
authorized Volkswagen dealer or an
authorized Volkswagen Service Fa-
cility.
Black Battery electrolyte level is satisfacto-
ry.

WARNING
Working on the batteries can cause serious acid burns, explo-
sion, or electrical shock.
Always wear eye protection and protective gloves.
Sulfuric battery acid is very corrosive. It can burn unprotect-
ed skin and cause blindness. Always wear protective gloves
and eye protection.
Never tilt the vehicle battery. Acid could spill out of the bat-
tery vents and burn you.
Never open a vehicle battery.
If you get battery acid in your eyes or on your skin, immedi-
ately rinse with cold water for several minutes and then get
immediate medical attention.
If you swallow any battery acid, get medical attention imme-
diately.
Charging, replacing, disconnecting, and connecting the vehicle
battery

Only use maintenance-free vehicle batteries meeting standards
TL 825 06 and VW 7 50 73. These standards must date from Au-
gust 2008 or later.
Disconnecting the vehicle battery
If the battery must be disconnected from the vehicle's electrical sys-
tem, note the following:
Switch off all electrical systems and devices and the ignition.
Unlock the vehicle before disconnecting the battery; otherwise the
alarm system will go off.
First disconnect the negative cable (-) and then the positive cable
(+) ⇒ .
Connecting the vehicle battery
Prior to reconnecting the battery, switch off all electrical systems
and devices and the ignition.
Connect the positive cable (+) first and then the negative cable (-)
⇒ .
After the battery is connected and the ignition is switched on, different
indicator lights may come on. They should go out after you drive a
short distance at 10–12 mph (15–20 km/h). If the indicator lights do
not go out, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility and have the vehicle checked.
If the battery was disconnected for a long time, the next scheduled
service may not be correctly calculated and displayed ⇒ page 12,
Instrument cluster. The maximum permissible service and mainte-
nance intervals are shown in the ⇒ Booklet Warranty and Mainte-
nance.
Vehicles with Keyless Access
If the ignition will not start after reconnecting the vehicle battery, lock
the vehicle from the outside and unlock it again ⇒  Unlocking or lock-
ing the vehicle with Keyless Access, ⇒  Unlocking or locking the vehi-
cle with Keyless Access. Then try to start the ignition again. If the
ignition cannot be switched on, contact an authorized Volkswagen
dealer, an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility, or another quali-
fied workshop for assistance.

Automatic electrical load deactivation
If the vehicle battery drain is high, the intelligent onboard electrical
system management automatically takes steps to help prevent bat-
tery drain.
The idle speed is increased so that the alternator provides more
power.
The power to devices that consume a lot of electricity is cut back or
switched off completely.
When the engine is started, the power supply to the 12 Volt sockets
is temporarily interrupted.
The onboard electrical system management cannot always keep the
battery from being drained. For example, the battery will drain if the
engine is not running, but the ignition is switched on or the parking
lights are left on for a long time when parked.
Battery disconnection in an accident with airbag deployment
In vehicles with a battery in the luggage compartment, the electrical
connection to the battery is disconnected automatically in a collision
with airbag deployment. This helps to prevent a short-circuit.
What drains the vehicle battery?
Long periods when the engine is not running, especially when the
ignition is on.
Using electrical systems or devices when the engine is switched
off.
Leaving the vehicle unlocked for several days when not in use.
The selector lever is left for a long period of time in any position
other than P when the ignition is switched off ⇒  Automatic transmis-
sion: Selector lever.
WARNING
Failure to use the proper battery with proper mounting and
connections may cause short circuits, fires, and serious per-
sonal injuries.
Always use only maintenance-free or cycle-free, leak-proof
batteries with the same specifications and dimensions as the
original equipment battery. Specifications are listed on the bat-
tery housing.

WARNING
When the vehicle battery is charged, it produces highly explo-
sive hydrogen gas.
Charge vehicle batteries only in well-ventilated areas.
Never charge a frozen or thawed battery. A dead battery can
freeze at temperatures around +32 °F (0 °C).
You must replace the vehicle battery if it was frozen.
Incorrectly connected cables can cause a short-circuit. First
connect the positive cable (+) and then the negative cable (-).
NOTICE
Never disconnect the vehicle battery or connect 2 vehicle bat-
teries to each other when the ignition is switched on or the en-
gine is running. Doing this may damage the electrical system or
electronic components.
Never use a vehicle battery that does not meet the specifica-
tions for the vehicle battery for your vehicle. Using the wrong
battery can damage the electrical system or electronic compo-
nents and cause electrical malfunctions.
Never connect power generating equipment, such as a solar
panel or battery charger, to the 12 Volt socket in order to charge
the vehicle battery. This can damage the vehicle's electrical sys-
tem.
Dispose of the vehicle battery according to regulations. Vehicle
batteries contain poisonous substances such as sulfuric acid and
lead.
Battery acid can pollute the environment. Catch leaking operating
fluids and dispose of them properly.

Practical tips
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
If you suspect a malfunction or vehicle damage, read and follow the
following advice before contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer
or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. You may also find help-
ful information under “Special considerations” or “Checklist” in the
index.

Description Possible causes,
among others Possible remedy
Engine does not
start.
Vehicle battery dead. – Perform jump-start
– Charge vehicle battery
The wrong vehicle
key is used. Use a valid vehicle key
Fuel level too low. Refuel
Vehicle cannot be
locked or un-
locked using ve-
hicle key.
– Battery in the re-
mote control vehicle
key is dead.
– Too far away from
the vehicle (out of
range).
– Buttons have been
pressed too many
times.
– Replace the battery in
the remote control vehicle
key
– Move closer to vehicle.
– Synchronize vehicle key
– Lock or unlock vehicle
manually
Unusual noises.
Cold engine, braking
assist systems, elec-
tronic steering col-
umn lock.
Check the “Noises” entry
in the index.
Odd driving
behavior.
Assistance systems
activated.
Check the “Assistance
systems” entry in the in-
dex.

Description Possible causes,
among others Possible remedy
DSG® Direct Shift
Gearbox too hot.
Stop vehicle as soon as
you can safely do so.
Driver seat and
outside mirrors
move when vehi-
cle is unlocked.
Convenience
settings are stored.
Correct convenience
settings
Memory-seat set-
tings are stored.
– Reassign seat setting
– Clear memory-seat
memory
Front seats can-
not be adjusted
with power con-
trols.
Vehicle battery dead. Charge vehicle battery
Fuse blown. Check fuse and replace if
necessary
No jack, spare
wheel, or com-
pact spare wheel
in the vehicle.
Equipment differs
depending on the
vehicle.
No direct corrective action
possible; depends on the
vehicle equipment. Con-
tact an authorized
Volkswagen dealer or an
authorized Volkswagen
Service Facility for assis-
tance.
Vehicle has run-flat
tires (mobility tires).
Features do not
work as de-
scribed in this
manual.
Settings were ad-
justed in the
Volkswagen Infor-
mation System.
Check and reset to factory
settings if necessary
Headlights do not
light up the road
as they should.
– Headlights incor-
rectly adjusted.
– Light bulbs burned
out.
– Low beams not
switched on.
– Have the headlight
range adjusted by an au-
thorized Volkswagen
dealer or an authorized
Volkswagen Service Fa-
cility.
– Change light bulbs
– Switch on low beams