A4 Battery Problem
 

I have a 2002 A4, less than 60k miles. In 2006, I went out to start my car in the afternoon and the battery was dead. Nothing was left on it just died. I jumped it and the car started. As soon as I shut it off, the battery was dead again. The next morning I took it to Audi dealership (after jumping it again) and they said the battery had a bad cell in it. Got a new battery and everything was fine.

Until the other day. I drove to a softball game, nothing wrong. After the game when I went to start the car, dead battery again. Jumped it drove home and when I shut it off, dead battery again. Took it back to Audi dealership and they told me the battery had a bad cell. Now I'm no expert but I wouldn't think a battery would have a bad cell after 2 years of service. It has become frustrating to find out that the battery is dead with no warning and then find out the cell in the battery is bad.

Has anyone else had this problem or does anyone know why the battery cell would keep dying on me?

I've had this happen to me a couple of times over the years with two different brands of batteries. One was less than a year old, the other about 2 years old. Start the vehicle no problems, drive somewhere, come out 20 minutes later and the battery is stone cold dead. Really the only reason you'd have a dead cell twice in two years is coincidence (bad luck). Make sure the battery is secured properly with the hold down, if the battery bounces around it will damage it and shorten the life too. I assume the dealer put in an Audi battery, yes?

I am now having the same problem. However, I can get from one place to another without it dying. It only seems to die while sitting in the driveway overnight. I guess I will just have to buy a battery for the car and be willing to fork out $125 at NAPA.