Battery for 96 2.0 Tdi

[minircc]

Go to supercheap auto or autobarn, they both sell proper sized batteries for German cars.
switching it over is easy. or just get shop assistants to do it for you, they don't charge if you ask nicely

[RigoX]

Thanks for the suggestions. Would anyone have a link to a 'how to' guide (either photos or video) on how to replace a battery.
Would consider it, just need to get a feel what I'm in for. Google only provided me with results on how to replace the car key battery...

[Maverick]

Thanks for the suggestions. Would anyone have a link to a 'how to' guide (either photos or video) on how to replace a battery.
Would consider it, just need to get a feel what I'm in for. Google only provided me with results on how to replace the car key battery...

10mm socket for the battery terminals and IIRC a 13mm socket for the battery clamp on the drivers side of the car battery, you will need an extension on the socket IIRC. Do you have a plastic surround or felt type wrap around the battery? The plastic surround requires you to remove the front half before you can lift the battery out using the handles on the battery (something you will lose if you buy another brand of battery most of the time).

[Maverick]

Go to supercheap auto or autobarn, they both sell proper sized batteries for German cars.
switching it over is easy. or just get shop assistants to do it for you, they don't charge if you ask nicely

Just because they're the right size doesn't mean they're any good, as the link I posted above shows with $1000 damage caused by a cheaper battery.

As for letting a staff member of supercheap auto or autobarn fit it........ well you get what you pay for..........

[mangoburger]

Just changed one of these yesterday, battery was dead flat in the morning, so after a jumpstart I took it to Kmart Frankston Tyre & Auto for testing. FWIW once upon a time Peninsula VW Frankston told me my battery was cactus & needed replacing, so I took it to the same Kmart, who said it was about 85% and perfectly fine, which it was for the next 3 years, so unusually good battery life totalling 7 years.

Anyway, this time Kmart told me it was borderline, and then I saw a sign at Repco next door for 25% off batteries this weekend only. Staff told me correct size was DIN65, and they had a 580CCA battery available. I removed the battery in the car park, using tools which the Repco guys loaned me for the job. The incumbent battery was a VW genuine Varta replacement from 2012, 640CCA, which Repco offered to dispose of at no cost. I imagine they get money for scrap metal on these.

So I've dropped a few CCA, and this 2005 2.0TDI has a few power hungry options but I was in a hurry with a busy day ahead, have dated the battery replacement with a texter and will see how it goes. Can confirm the above post, 10mm sockets for terminals, 13mm socket with long extension for battery base clamp. The space is quite tight so there is a limit on what will fit, I measured 275mmW x 175mmD at the top however the battery base is a little wider. My replacement battery was noticeably shorter in height,and it does have a handle, however the OEM unit had 2x handles.

Normally given time I would always go for the top spec Varta Silver, that's what I did in the Multivan and the replacement has a much higher CCA rating than the OEM battery. With electric doors, sunroof etc I feel that's a more reliable option. In the Multivan fit is also very tight so battery shape, size and terminal locations are critical.

I just had a look at Varta website, the appropriate Blue Dynamic models would be the E11($255), E12 or E43($249) all @680CCA or the Silver Dynamic models would be E38($259) @750CCA or the larger E44($265) @780CCA. I found the prices as listed at everybattery.com.au with several VIC and a TAS outlet, and with national free delivery. Blue Dynamic has a 2yr warranty, Silver Dynamic 3 yrs warranty.