How do you change the battery in a 2002 VW Beetle when you don't see what is holding it in place?

Answer 1

its not as hard as it looks, lift the relay center away from the battery then unfasten the powersteering resivoir but dont disconect any fluid lines it will move out of the way enough to remove battery,remove post terminals, remove the battery cover from battery pay attention what part is the front ,its easier to put back in (thats from experience..lol)unfasten the baterry retaining bolt lift out towards the engine . rickm@together.net Idiots Guide I need my own idiots guide!!! Tools required, 200mm extender bar, socket driver, 10mm socket and 13mm socket, torch (or daylight!) Remove lead from neg (black) terminal with a 10mm socket and then the positive (red) terminal. Puch to the side out of the way. As you look down on the battery from the front of the car, at the bottom left hand corner you will see a 13mm bolt slacken this to remove the plastic frame that surrounds the battery.. To loosen the powersteering reservoir, slacken the 10mm bolt securing it in place. The battery is held in place - as most car batteries are - with a small plate at the base of the battery. Look at the edge of the battery nearest to you, find the centre and then pull towards you the battery shroud towards you - if you poke the socket and extender bar (with a 13mm socket on it) to the base of the battery, you'll soon find the securing plate - you will need to completely remove this to slide the battery out from right to left!! (Not just yet, hold on!) I found it best to lift the plastic shroud covering the engine and the fuse holder cover on top of the battery - then prepare to struggle! It is tough work removing the battery carefully but it will come out if you slide from right to left. The toughest bit is getting the bottom right hand corner of the battery to clear the wing. That is why I suggest removing everything you can! When out remove the shroud (secured with velcro) and pop it on your new battery (if refitting another). Installation is a reversal of removal. The only minor hiccup was resecuring the Power Steering 10mm bolt - there is a second plate which is also secured when you reposition the power steering reservoir. The thread for the bolt is furthest left (towards the engine) if you are standing at the front of the car. Patience and the right tools required - happy to note that as my wifes stereo is a VW built in affair, the car radio code was not required (just like everyone else I wouldn't have been able to find it if I required it either!). Good luck, iangrace@btopenworld.com