Audi A3 (8L) battery replacement
Model years: 1996 - 2003
Car battery is a major player inside automotive electrical system. Basically, it stores electricity, which is consumed by electric-powered appliances within the car. Therefore, it's significant, that the battery is maintained in a properly working condition. Notwithstanding, car battery is not a permanent unit and will get ineffective over time. To be more precise, chemical processes inside the battery will terminate and no electricity will be produced. The lifespan of the battery has a limit, which is approximately 3 - 5 years, after which it cannot hold a useful charge. That is why new battery installation is advised. In some cases, battery will run dry, due to soiled connection points. Eventually, the terminals of a battery can get affected by corrosion, which is a cause of poor contacts. This is the reason why battery is prevented from being recharged by alternator. Sooner or later, it will run out of power and no longer provide electricity. Soil removal from cable and battery connection points, might restore the battery to a level of full efficiency and make it usable again. There is a possibility, the battery will get drained, if the car hasn't been driven for couple of weeks or so. When this happens, battery recharge will likely restore its efficiency. In order to perform a recharge, you will need a battery charger.
Audi A3 battery location: engine compartment.
Recommended batteries for Audi A3:
* Note: if case more than one battery type is applicable for your model, compare parameters of the battery, currently installed on your vehicle, with parameters in the table below, before choosing the right one.
| Body type | Model | Battery specs | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Three-door hatchback | 1.6 1.8 1.8 T 1.9 TDI S3 | Capacity: 44Ah Cold Cranking Amp: 440cca Dimensions: 207x175x175 mm | £49.11 (Amazon.co.uk) |
Capacity: 60Ah Cold Cranking Amp: 540cca Dimensions: 242x175x175 mm | £72.99 (Amazon.co.uk) | ||
Capacity: 70Ah Cold Cranking Amp: 640cca Dimensions: 278x175x175 mm | £76.92 (Amazon.co.uk) | ||
Capacity: 80Ah Cold Cranking Amp: 720cca Dimensions: 315x175x175 mm | £72.99 (Amazon.co.uk) | ||
| Five-door hatchback | 1.6 1.8 1.8 T 1.9 TDI | Capacity: 44Ah Cold Cranking Amp: 440cca Dimensions: 207x175x175 mm | £49.11 (Amazon.co.uk) |
Capacity: 60Ah Cold Cranking Amp: 540cca Dimensions: 242x175x175 mm | £72.99 (Amazon.co.uk) | ||
Capacity: 70Ah Cold Cranking Amp: 640cca Dimensions: 278x175x175 mm | £76.92 (Amazon.co.uk) | ||
Capacity: 80Ah Cold Cranking Amp: 720cca Dimensions: 315x175x175 mm | £72.99 (Amazon.co.uk) |
How to replace car battery:
1.
Before battery replacement, make sure you wear sturdy gloves and safety goggles.
2.
Remove vehicle keys out of ignition switch.
3.
The following tools will be needed: 10 and 13 mm wrenches and sockets.
4.
Audi A3 battery is located in engine compartment:
5.
To start replacing battery, remove the old one by disconnecting the negative connection first. This will prevent accidental short-circuits between positive battery terminal and the body of the vehicle. Make sure the cable does not come into contact with battery terminals during battery replacement procedure. Negative battery terminal can be identified by minus (-) sign next to it (1):
6.
To move cable connector away from negative terminal (1), release nut:
7.
Open positive terminal cover (1):
8.
Disconnect positive connector (1), by releasing the nut:
9.
Release fuse box holder (1) and move it slightly away, so that the battery can be lifted off later:
10.
Release clamping strip (1), that holds the battery attached to the frame:
11.
Vacate battery compartment by lifting the old battery off (note, that the battery is heavy, incorrect lifting can result in back injuries):
12.
Do not remove plastic terminal caps from new battery, until it's placed in the battery compartment inside the vehicle.
13.
Place the new battery in.
14.
If necessary, clean battery cables from dirt or rust before connecting, to ensure excellent contact.
15.
Contrary to disconnecting the battery, connect cables, starting with positive terminal first.
16.
Re-attach battery clamping strip and make sure it does not make any movements.
17.
Dispose the old battery only at authorized collecting point.
Car battery replacement instructions for:
A3 (2004 - 2013)