My battery needs to be replaced soon. It's not urgent, but I was warned about it a year ago by my mechanic and the voltage is low. Finally getting around to doing it.

I've got a Haynes shop manual and I was reading that when you disconnect the battery it can put the radio into safe mode (don't have the code), and that you can also have drive-ability problems (power windows, warning lights).

What would you guys recommend? Memory saver be the best way to go?

 

You could do a memory saver. But in the two B5's I've driven, with 3 different factory radios, the radio code thing stopped working so you can pull the power for days it will come right back up.

Yes, you have to recalibrate the automatic up/down window switches after removing the battery. All you do is roll them all the way down and hold the switch for a second. Then back up and hold the swithc for a second. Done.

But you should do a throttle body adaptation after removing the battery. If you don't, your idle may hunt around a bit. On a 98, you have to use a VAG-COM to do it. If you can't get to a VAG-COM, the memory keeper is looking better....

 

1. Start the car
2. Leave the car running and remove the battery
3. Quickly install the new battery
4. Done.

 

^ I would NEVER remove the battery with the car running. Doing so will send a voltage spike through the while system that can cause way worse issues than having a locked radio for lack of the code.

 

+1 And you could make sparks that explode the battery. Happened to me....once.

 

ohh... well idk i replaced batteries everyday at the dealership i worked at and everytime i left the car running... even the hybrids.. (i worked at toyota). every car i got that needed a battery i left it running... replaced the battery while the car is on... and every time it would be just fine... you guys should try it sometime.. i speak on experience

 

Ever had one blow up on you Fish? I did once, now I'm a lot more careful.

 

That's like saying you can't get struck by lightning while standing in an open field during a thunder storm because it hasn't happened yet.

To the OP, you could get one of those jumper packs, or even a small battery charger to keep the system voltage up while changing the battery. In the mean time, you should be doing some research to find your radio code in the event you have this issue again.

 

Ouchh ... No I've never had that happen to me... Sorry to hear man.


I see what you mean... But yes that's a good idea too use a jumper pack or battery pack to keep voltage in the system while replacing the battery