Volkswagen Golf Owners Manual: Charging, replacing, disconnecting and connecting the vehicle battery

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings 

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 a start/stop system (  ) are fitted with special vehicle batteries. 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   .

Vehicles with Keyless Access (  ): if the ignition cannot be switched on after connecting the vehicle battery, lock and unlock the vehicle from the outside. Then try to start the ignition again. Please contact an expert if the ignition cannot be switched on.

Automatic switch-off for electrical consumers

An intelligent vehicle electrical system can prevent the vehicle battery from draining. When high demands are placed on the vehicle battery various measure are automatically implemented:

• 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 sockets 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.

What can cause the vehicle battery to discharge?

• Long periods at a standstill in which the engine is not running, especially if the ignition is switched on.

• The use of electrical consumers when the engine is switched off.

• When the auxiliary heater is being used   .

WARNING

Incorrectly attaching the battery and using incorrect vehicle batteries can cause short circuits, fire and serious injuries.

• Always use maintenance-free and leak-proof batteries that have the same properties, specifications and dimensions as the factory-fitted vehicle battery.

WARNING

A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the vehicle battery is being charged.

• Vehicle batteries should only be charged in well-ventilated spaces.

• Never charge a vehicle battery once it has been frozen. Discharged vehicle batteries can even freeze at temperatures of around 0°C (+32°F).

• The vehicle battery must be replaced if it has been frozen.

• Incorrectly connected cables can cause a short circuit. First connect the positive cable and then the negative cable.

NOTICE

• Never make or break connections between vehicle batteries if the ignition is switched on or the engine is running. Never use a vehicle battery that does not correspond with the vehicle's specifications. The vehicle's electrical system or electronic components could be damaged, which could lead to electrical faults, for example in the start/stop system.

• Never connect equipment that provides electricity, such as solar panels or a battery charger, to the 12-volt socket or to the cigarette lighter to charge the vehicle battery This can damage the vehicle electrical system.

Dispose of the vehicle battery as required by legislation. Batteries may contain toxic substances such as sulphuric acid and lead.

Electrolyte can pollute the environment. Clean up any service fluid leakages and dispose of them properly.