Changing the Battery on a 2000 VW Beetle 1.8 Turbo

OK, I am posting this because I read a few threads6. Push the power steering fluid reservoir off to the
and nobody seemed to get it just right. I spent hoursleft. (it is best if you have another set of hands to help
today getting this done and figured I would savewith this)
everyone else some time. (VW dealer wanted $2007. Shimmy the battery left and right until it slides out.
so save yourself the cash and DIY)This might take a minute or two, but I assure you it can
WHAT YOU NEED:be done with the reservoir pushed aside and without
1 x Metric 10mm Socketremoving it.
1 x Socket 10" Wrench Extension (A 6" will work but it8. Clean terminal heads and clean the new battery's
will be a pain)terminals.
1 x Socket Wrench9. Replace sheath
1 x Battery Terminal Brush (MSRP: $4)10. Shimmy new battery in by placing right side in first
1 x Battery (MSRP $89)and angling from side to side (easier to get in than out),
STEPS:make sure the connectors atop the battery are
1. Directly to the left of the battery, you will see a smallclosest to the window not the bumper!!! also be sure
reservoir with a mint green/blue (Power Steeringthe mechanism at the front bottom (Opposite side of
Fluid?) top to the left of it is a recessed screw. Loosenthe connector bolts) of the battery slides into place
the screw as much as possible without actuallyover the batter base to hold it in place
removing it (Trust me if you get it out you will spend an11. Secure Red/Positive then Black/Negative and
hour getting it back in)tighten bolts
2. Lift up the panel with the 5 Red electrical leads to12. Screw reservoir back into place tightly and tighten
gain exposure to the main positive and negativethe base connector of the battery
terminal connections.THIS IS A VERY DIFFICULT STEP AND I SUGGEST
3. Loosen the terminal connections starting with theA LOT OF DIRECT LIGHT TO GET IT DONE
black/negative then the red/positive13. After that, you can replace the cover with the 5
4. Pull up the sleeve covering the battery (you mightred leads and viola you are set for at least 2 years!!
have to be a little aggressive with this part)Also please be aware there are rumors that your
5. Unbolt the larger plastic place holder that holds theengine won't fire right or your radio will lock up and
battery in place by loosening the bolt in the lower leftrequire an unlock code and our battery was DEAD for
corner. (I am not going to lie, I snapped mine off bydays and we didn't run into any of these problems so I
accident and so I am not sure the best way to get thisthink they might be BS.
back in)