How to change out the Touareg V10 TDI rear battery (Starter battery)

Tools needed: 10 mm metric socket and driver, battery. Total time for changing battery is about 10 minutes.


The V10 has two batteries, one lead-acid type forward under the drivers seat (Accessories battery) and one (Absorbed Glass Mat AGM type) aft under the spare tire (Starter battery). We'll be tackling the rear starter battery.


We got a variety of stories from aftermarket battery dealers (Interstate, Optima, etc.) but no one knew what battery the V10 took without looking at it. It was also not clear if the front and rear ones were the same. We opted to replace the battery with a factory issued Varta battery. The VW part number of the original battery was 3D0 915 105 G. It was an 85aH, 480 Amp battery. The dimensions are 7" wide x 7.5" tall x 13 3/4" long.


Getting Started

There are four 10mm nuts and some clips that hold the cover on the battery. The nuts holding the two stainless straps down must all be removed and the clips loosened, to remove the battery cover. Once the nuts are removed, the cover can be lifted straight up. Be careful not to twist or bend the ends of the straps where they bolt down.


There is no need to remove the two 10mm nuts on either side of the battery.

Spare tire removed Tool caddy and battery cover in place Tool caddy detail
Left side clip Right side and front clip Cover front strap nuts
Cover Removed Right side of battery Front of battery
Right side sticker Battery Part Number Hold down

The old battery came out by unplugging the vent tube on the right side, and using a 10mm wrench for loosening the battery lug clamps. On the right side at the bottom is the battery hold down, which also uses a 10mm nut.


Loosen the two for the battery posts and remove the one for the hold down. The battery will slide slightly to the right and then can be lifted up and out. Installation is the reverse.