How to Replace Battery 2012-2022 Volkswagen Passat, by TRQ on YouTube. 2 min 11 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 11 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Park on a level surface and switch off the engine. Open the hood and let the battery cool if the car was just running.
Put on gloves and safety glasses. Locate the battery under the hood and note which terminal is positive and which is negative.
Disconnect the negative terminal first using a 10mm socket. Tuck the cable aside so it cannot touch the post again.
Disconnect the positive terminal with the 10mm socket and move that cable clear of the battery.
Remove the hold down bracket or clamp that secures the battery, using the 10mm or 13mm socket as needed.
Lift the old battery straight up and out. Batteries are heavy, so keep your back straight and use both hands.
Lower the new battery into the tray with the terminals in the same position as the old one. Refit the hold down and tighten it.
Reconnect the positive terminal first and tighten it with the 10mm socket. Then reconnect the negative terminal.
Check both terminals are tight and cannot twist by hand. Start the engine and confirm it cranks normally.
Tips and common mistakes
Always disconnect the negative cable first and reconnect it last to avoid shorting the tool against the body.
A memory saver plugged into the OBD port keeps radio and clock settings, though some modules may still need a relearn.
Do not overtighten the terminal nuts, since soft lead posts strip easily.
Take the old battery to a parts store or recycling centre rather than putting it in household waste.
Questions
Do I need to reset anything after changing the battery?
The clock and radio presets usually reset. Some Passats may show a steering angle or window warning that clears after a short drive, and the auto stop-start may need a few trips to settle.
Can I change the battery without a memory saver?
Yes. The car will simply lose its stored settings. A memory saver just saves you from re-entering the radio code and clock time.
How do I know which battery fits my Passat?
Match the group size, cold cranking amps and terminal layout of the battery you remove. Check the label on the old battery or a parts lookup for your model year and engine.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
