Changing the Battery on a 2000 VW Beetle 1.8 Turbo

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Morgan_Kelps]Morgan Kelps

OK, I am posting this because I read a few threads and nobody seemed to get it just right. I spent hours today getting this done and figured I would save everyone else some time. (VW dealer wanted $200 so save yourself the cash and DIY)

WHAT YOU NEED:

1 x Metric 10mm Socket

1 x Sockect 10" Wrench Extension (A 6" will work but it will be a pain)

1 x Socket Wrench

1 x Battery Terminal Brush (MSRP: $4)

1 x Battery (MSRP $89)

STEPS:

1. Directly to the left of the battery, you will see a small reservoir with a mint green/blue (Power Steering Fluid?) top to the left of it is a recessed screw. Remove the screw,

CAREFUL NOT TO LET THE SCREW DROP. THIS IS NOT AN OPTIONAL STEP THERE IS NO WAY TO GET AROUND THIS

2. Lift up the panel with the 5 Red electrical leads to gain exposure to the main positive and negative terminal connections.

3. Loosen the terminal connections starting with the black/negative then the red/positive

4. Pull up the sleeve covering the battery (you might have to be a little agressive with this part)

5. Unbolt the larger plastic place holder that holds the battery in place by loosening the bolt in the lower left corner. (I am not going to lie, I snapped mine off by accident and so I am not sure the best way to get this back in)

6. Push the power steering fluid resevior off to the left. (it is best if you have another set of hands to help with this)

Note: The reservoir can be removed if you loosen the lower tube connecting to it. but it will probably be a nightmare to re-attach due to the tight proximity!!

7. Shimmy the battery left and right until it slides out. This might take a minute or two, but I assure you it can be done with the reservior pushed aside.

8. Clean terminal heads and clean the new battery's terminals.

9. Replace sheath

10. Shimmy new battery in by placing right side in first and angling from side to side (easier to get in than out)

11. Secure Red/Positive then Black/Negative and tighten bolts

12. Screw reservoir back into place careful to also screw in the arm below it that acts as a guide for some electrical component. There are guides under the reservior that slide into holes in the template below. but getting this reservoir back in place along with that guiding arm that goes in underneath it take the patience of a saint.

THIS IS A VERY DIFFICULT STEP AND I SUGGEST A LOT OF DIRECT LIGHT TO GET IT DONE

13. After that, you can replace the cover with the 5 red leads and viola you are set for at least 2 years!!

Also please be aware there are rumors that your engine won't fire right or your radio will lock up and require an unlock code and out battery was DEAD for days and we didn't run into any of these problems so I think they might be BS.

Good Luck!

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