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Audi Q7: How to Replace Battery

This article will walk you through the process of replacing the Q7's battery.

By Brett Foote - April 11, 2016

This article applies to the Audi Q7.

A bad battery can put a serious damper on your day, because there's generally little or no warning that it's about to kick the proverbial bucket. And once a battery dies, your car isn't going anywhere. You might be a little intimidated by the vast amount of technology that Audi's employ, but changing out the battery isn't much harder than it is in a car from the 1950's. The biggest difference, other than the location of the battery, is that you will need to reprogram the car once you swap it out. This can be done at the dealer for around $40, or you can do it yourself if you have a VAG-COM cable. Keep reading and we'll walk you through the process.

Materials Needed

  • New battery
  • VAG-COM cable (optional)
  • Phillips head screwdriver
  • Flat head screwdriver
  • Ratchet and standard size sockets
  • Airbag adapter, either VAS 6235 or 6280

Step 1 – Remove driver's seat

The battery resides underneath the driver's seat, so the seat must be removed to access it. First, move the seat as far forward as possible and pry out the assembly cover on the side of the seat using a flat head screwdriver. Remove the rear bolts from the seat, then move the seat back as far as possible. Remove the outer seat belt anchorage point, then turn off the ignition. Disconnect the battery ground wire and the seat's wiring harnesses. Connect the airbag connector and tip the seat back into normal position, then remove the front screws. Lift the seat out of the car.

  • A diagram showing the bolt locations for the driver's seat.
    Figure 1. A diagram showing the bolt locations for the driver's seat.
  • Pry the assembly cover off.
    Figure 2. Pry the assembly cover off.

Step 2 – Remove the battery

Remove the screw (#2 in Figure 3) located on top of the battery and pull the floor vent up (#1 in Figure 3).

Remove the screw and pull the floor vent up.
Figure 3. Remove the screw and pull the floor vent up.

Release the retaining clamps on the back side of the cover, then remove the cover. Pry the covers out from the floor, then remove the front screws on the driver's seat console.

Pry the covers out of the floor and remove the front screws.
Figure 4. Pry the covers out of the floor and remove the front screws.

Remove the battery cover by releasing the retaining clamps. Disconnect the battery's power wire. Remove the hose for the central venting system, the threaded pins on the battery bracket, and the screw from the upper battery bracket. Lift the battery out of the car.

  • Remove the battery cover.
    Figure 5. Remove the battery cover.
  • Disconnect and remove the battery.
    Figure 6. Disconnect and remove the battery.

Step 3 – Install the new battery

Insert the new battery in the battery mount so that the base strip engages in the retaining clips. The battery should be firmly in place and you shouldn't be able to move it once properly installed. Install the upper battery bracket and screw, then insert the battery bracket and tighten the pins. Connect the positive battery terminal first, then the negative terminal. Reconnect the central venting hose. If you have a VAG-COM cable, use it to recode the Energy Management Control Module (J644), or take it to a dealer for reprogramming.

Install the new battery, making sure it is secure before moving on.
Figure 7. Install the new battery, making sure it is secure before moving on.

Step 4 – Reinstall the driver's seat

Place the seat back in place and tighten the front and rear screws. Remove the airbag adapter and ensure the airbag connector engages correctly. Reconnect the wiring, making sure it won't pinch anywhere once the seat is able to move. Replace the side trim piece and test to make sure the seat is working properly and that you don't have any warning lights.

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