Simple TDI 101 Question:
I have a 2001 New Beetle TDI.....what battery should I use in my TDI Beetle and why?
A:
I would use the oem specified battery. Since they actually meet the oem specifications, it takes the guess work, "leg work" out of the equation. I have bought two oem batteries from the local dealer. Ask for the preferred customers discount. While there are a few other aftermarket vendors that offer TDI specific batteries, oem batteries are actually competitive in price. So for example, the Interstate product was actually more expensive than the oem dealer price. On almost every car I have ever owned except the VW TDI, I have not bought the oem battery, let alone from a dealer.
How do I determine cold cranking amps (CCA), battery size and other things that matter (details), how do I read these things on my battery?
A:
Sentence #2 to the first question above. Realistically at this point, TMI . (too much information)
However assuming you have the correct battery (old) you can read a lot of it off the unit itself. Another is looking for the short hand like 48 G.
Another is check the technical specifications of the oem owners manual, Bentley's (shop manuals) Again dealers and aftermarket vendors have the information to make sure you get the (SIZED") right product.
Can I test my battery (easily) and is this a good thing to do to ensure my battery is performing up to par?
A: Yes and no. Sure you can ask a VW dealer to do it. They sometimes offer specials doing specifically that. Tire stores (that sell batteries) have testers that even give a print out testing your charging system and specifically the condition of your battery. Indeed (my) the local Interstate retailer has the tools and offers that service.
Of course, you can buy tools to DIY. You can even go to a GTG to find out how to use the various tools, like a volt meter. So if root canal and a funeral sounds more appealing....
So for example, my oem battery lasted 33 mo. Tests of the charging systems revealed no issues. So I bought an oem replacement battery and R/R'd the old battery: 2 mins tops & DNDOT (do NOT DROP on TOE) . Then, the old battery was recycled Again DNDOT. So I bought and deployed a battery trickle charger @ $50. (Battery Tender Plus, if you might be interested) 36 mo later, the new battery died with no warning (like the first) and the documentation gave me a cheaper (now) 3rd oem battery and @ less than preferred discount price. (minus the prorated portion)
Outside of defects & unlikely weird stuff, what are some probable causes for why my Interstate 85 month battery lost it's cranking capacity (strength/power/capacity) within 36 months?
A:
The good news is you have 49 mo of prorated or even possible replacement credit (R/R (remove and replace at no charge ) N/C. .The bad news is you have to use it. (or should) I would take advantage of it, if the utimate price you pay is cheaper than the dealer's price on a correct oem battery.
Assuming it is the correct battery with the correct strength, power, capacity, etc. there are any number of causes. They all "conspire" if you will to low or short battery life. It actually starts with the design and DEMAND. The VW charging systems are not designed to renew/replace your battery charge (in usage) close to or @ 100%. So as a result unless you "replace the charge" aka use a battery trickle charger) it just supplies power until... it doesn't supply power anymore (in your case 36 mo, in mine 33 mo) . In addition, you literally have 24/7 demand from a variety of sources. Sure I can tick off the sources, but I will probably leave out many. Is it real cold? Is it real hot?....
Does this have something to do with the fact my car is a diesel?
A:
Yes, glow plugs for example, have HUGE energy demands. Do you use A/C, heater? Do you run a GPS? Got a 75 to 200 watt stereo amplifier? Wash your car with the stereo on, etc. etc. ?
These are some questions I have yet to find answers for on this forum. This info may be informative for newbies (like me). Inquiring minds like to know!!!!!
Winter is upon us, I'd like to know how to keep my cranking power in tip top shape!!!!! It's November in New England, hoping...NO WORRIES.....