Charging, replacing, disconnecting and connecting the vehicle battery
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Charging the battery
The vehicle battery should be charged by a qualified workshop, as the technology used in factory-
fitted batteries requires voltage-limited charging ⇒. Volkswagen recommends using a
Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Replacing a vehicle battery
The battery has been developed to suit the conditions of its location and has special safety
features. If a vehicle battery has to be replaced, discuss the electromagnetic compatibility, size and
necessary servicing, output and safety requirements for the new vehicle battery with a Volkswagen
dealership before purchase. Volkswagen recommends that the vehicle battery is changed by a
Volkswagen dealership.
Only maintenance-free vehicle batteries compliant with the standards TL 825 06 and VW 7 50 73
should be used. These standards must be dated April 2008 or later.
Vehicles with start/stop system ⇒ Pull-away assist systems are equipped with a special vehicle
battery. These vehicle batteries may only be replaced by a vehicle battery with the same
specifications.
Disconnecting the vehicle battery
Please note the following if the vehicle battery has to be disconnected from the electrical system in
the vehicle:
•Switch off all electrical consumers and the ignition.
•Unlock the vehicle before disconnecting the battery in order to avoid triggering the alarm.
•First disconnect the negative cable and then the positive cable ⇒.
Connecting the vehicle battery
•Switch off all electrical consumers and the ignition before reconnecting the vehicle battery.
•First reconnect the positive cable and then the negative cable ⇒.
Various indicator lamps may light up after the vehicle battery has been connected and the ignition is
switched on. They will go out if you drive a short distance at a speed of 15–20 km/h (10–12 mph). If
the indicator lamps remain lit up, the vehicle should be checked by a qualified workshop.
If the vehicle battery was disconnected for long periods, the system may not able to calculate or
correctly display the time when the next service is due ⇒ Instruments. Comply with the maximum
permissible service intervals ⇒BookletService schedule,.
Automatic switch-off for electrical consumers
The intelligent vehicle electrical system automatically implements a range of measures to prevent
the battery from discharging under high loads:
•The idling speed is increased so that the alternator provides more electricity.
•The performance of large electrical consumers may be reduced or they may be switched off
completely.
•The power supply to the 12-volt socket and the cigarette lighter is interrupted temporarily while
the engine is being started.
The vehicle electrical system cannot always prevent the vehicle battery from discharging. For
example when the ignition is switched on for an extended period with the engine off, or when the
side or parking lights are on when the vehicle is parked for an extended period.
Any work on the vehicle battery can cause serious chemical burns, explosions and electric
shocks.
•Always wear eye protection and protective gloves.
•Electrolyte is very aggressive. It can burn the skin and can cause blindness. When
working with the battery, protect your hands, arms and particularly your face from acid
spillages.
•Never tilt the vehicle battery. Electrolyte may spill out of the battery vents and cause
chemical burns.
•Never open a vehicle battery.
•If acid is splashed onto your skin or into your eye, rinse immediately for several minutes
with cold water. Then consult a doctor immediately.
•If acid is swallowed, consult a doctor immediately.
WARNING
