Had a bit of a chill this week -27 F, here in Fond du Lac WI. Battery in my 2001 A4 (Wal-Mart battery) froze solid. Meter read .02VDC. Went to get another... yes, at Wal-Mart. They did not have an H6 battery available, so bought an H8! Yet it's a bit wider, but I got it in there. Same price, but rather than 730CCA it's a 900CCA. Was hoping it would fit, and I had to pull the ridge plastic off, but once in, I replaced the plastic and put the ridge rubber back on. It all fits, Hood closes and I now have a 900 amp battery.
Shouldn't have an issue starting for many years to come. Thought some of you might like to know a bigger battery can be place in there.

 

Hi, what 'rigid plastic' did you pull off? Any chance of a photo? My battery is sounding a little tired even though it just about tests ok, I'd like to replace it and would prefer to fit a higher cranking battery....

 

Just under the windshield there are 2 plastic covers. They cover the tray the battery (and other things) sit in. and are held in place with a rubber seal/strip. The rubber strip just pulls off (towards the front) and the plastic covers come off. When you have them back in, just push the rubber strip back into place from one side to the other.

 

New here, and need to get pics on my P.C. Will post when I figure it all out.

 

right I know that - didn't realize thats what you meant - thanks!

 

Did your MMI system completely shut off or did it reset itself over and over again? Radio still worked? I have a similar issue.. after the polar vortex, my 2011 a5 MMI system decides to just reset itself whenever it wants to or just freezes on one screen while the radio continues to play music. Similar situation?

 

1st symptom was the center cluster not lighting. No Mpg , Miles till empty etc... Then when it was REALLY cold, the battery froze solid. (0.02 VDC) according to my multi-meter. Wouldn't hold a charge after that above 3 volts. Replaced with the 900CCA battery, and all is back to right again. (Really cold meaning -20F)