Hey all,

looks like my main battery died, and I'm going to swap it out, but before I do, the Haynes book is recommending a "Memory saver" which plugs into the cigarette adapter to conserve power to the computer. Do I need to do this, or does the car's computer maintain it's radio/engine settings, after I disconnect the main battery? I can't find one of these things anywhere, but I do have a VAG-COM, so, if In get all the codes to the engine prior to replacing the battery, can I just re-program it myself?

thanks a million!!

 

If your battery has already died, then there is no point to a "memory saver". Think about it, your radio is most likely already in safe mode.

It's not a big deal to disconnect power to the "computer" (ECU), after a 100 miles of driving it will be back to normal. All during this time you probably won't notice a single thing. You may however notice the RMPs off a little, or it "hunting" a tad bit. All normal.

The only thing you'll need to do is reset your radio, and the code can be found in your manual.

 

No need. Just do a throttle body alignment when you get the new battery hooked up and you'll be good to go.
Of course the radio will be in safe mode and will need to be re-set, too. As Jestnomen said, all you need is the code and the instructione from the manual.

 

thanks guys, this is great. I swapped out the battery today, reset the clock and got the radio out of safe mode, so it looks like I'm good to go!

Imloas4: to your knowledge, is this the procedure for a TBA on a 2000 A4 1.8T (I got this on the ross-tech website)

thanks again, guys!

Procedure for performing a Throttle Body Alignment on DBW Cars using KWP-1281:
Turn the key on but do not start the car.

[Select]
[01 - Engine]
[Measuring Blocks - 08]
Group 060
[Go!]
[Switch to basic settings]
Once you do this you will see the top right display say ADP RUN. The TB adaptation is being done as soon as you switch to basic settings. You will see the values change and hear the TB cycle for the first few seconds then it will stop. Leave it in Basic Settings for about 30 seconds.
[Switch to Meas. Blocks] button and you're all set.

Be sure not to touch the accelerator and make sure the engine is NOT running when you do this!

 

Yep... you got it!

 

you da man!

thanks again.