2012 Volkswagen Jetta Battery Replacement
Replacing the battery on your 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is a great DIY project at home. Here, we dive into an illustrative and thorough guide, ensuring you navigate this technical task confidently and precisely.
Assessing the Need for Battery Replacement
Knowing when to replace the battery of your Volkswagen Jetta can be decisive in preventing unwelcome surprises.
Typical signs include:
a sluggish engine start
flickering lights
weakened electrical system
a battery boost
Selecting the Right Battery
Choosing a battery that is both compatible and reliable is crucial. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is generally located in the engine compartment on the vehicle's right side. Most 2012 Volkswagen Jetta uses a size group H5 battery.
Replacing the battery
Replacing the battery in a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is straightforward, but you should always exercise caution when working with electrical systems.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to replace the battery:
Tools and Materials Needed:
New battery (make sure it's the right size and specification for your Jetta). Recommended sizes are H5/H6
Wrench/socket set/extension, 10mm and 13mm
Gloves (optional but recommended)
Safety goggles (optional but recommended)
Procedure:
Safety First:
Ensure the car is turned off.
Put on gloves and safety goggles if you have them. This will protect your hands and eyes from any accidental acid splashes.
Access the Battery:
Open the hood of the Jetta and locate the battery. In most cases, it's towards the back right side (from the driver's perspective) near the windshield.
Disconnect the Battery Terminals:
Always start with the negative terminal (usually black or marked with a "-" sign). Loosen the nut on the negative terminal clamp using a wrench and remove the cable.
Next, disconnect the positive terminal (usually red or marked with a "+" sign) in the same manner.
Remove the Battery:
There may be a battery clamp or bracket holding the battery in place. If so, remove the securing bolt with your 13mm socket wrench.
This may be hard to reach without an extension socket bar.
Once the battery is free from its hold-down clamp, carefully lift the battery out of the battery tray. Car batteries can be heavy, so use both hands and lift with your legs, not your back.
Prepare the New Battery:
Before placing the new battery, cleaning the tray and terminal clamps is a good idea to ensure a good connection. You can use a baking soda and water solution to clean any corrosion.
Place the new battery into the tray, ensuring it sits securely.
Reconnect the Battery Terminals:
Start with the positive terminal. Place the clamp over the terminal post and tighten the nut securely. Make sure the connection is tight.
Connect the negative terminal in the same manner.
Secure the Battery:
If a hold-down bracket was previously removed, reattach it now to ensure the battery is securely held in place.
Final Check:
Ensure that both terminals are tight and that the battery is secure. Don't leave any tools in the engine compartment.
Test the Installation:
Start the car to ensure the new battery is functioning correctly. The vehicle should start up without issue. Also, check that all electrical components (lights, radio, etc.) are working as expected.
Dispose of the Old Battery Properly:
Car batteries contain harmful chemicals. Always recycle them at an appropriate facility or return them to the store where you bought the new battery. Many retailers offer a core charge refund when you return the old battery.
Notes:
If your car radio has a security code, make sure you have it before disconnecting the battery, as you may need to enter it once the new battery is connected.
Some vehicle systems might need recalibration after battery disconnection (like power windows or sunroof). Refer to your owner's manual for guidance.
Maintaining Your New Battery
Prolonging the life of your new battery encompasses regular checks, keeping it clean from debris and ensuring that it's tightly secured.
Book Your Volkswagen Jetta Replacement with MobileBattery
With over 50+ Canadian cities being serviced, our certified and fully trained technicians will come to your location. We'll bring your recommended OE battery for your Jetta and ensure its entire electronic system is fully reset once the task is done.