Battery Replacement: 1988 Volkswagen Golf TDI 1.6L 4 Cyl. Turbo Diesel

Where is the battery located in a Volkswagen Golf?

The video above shows you how to replace the battery in your 1988 Volkswagen Golf. We recommend changing the battery in Volkswagens every 4 years. Although some batteries last much longer, most batteries begin breaking down chemically after four years, so you could experience dimmer headlights and other negative effects before you have a dead battery in your Golf that you need to replace.

The battery location in a Volkswagen Golf can typically be found in the engine bay, but may be in the trunk, fender or inside of the vehicle. You may need to remove the air filter housing, a plastic engine cover or parts of the cowl to find the battery in your Golf. See exactly where the battery is located in your 1988 Volkswagen Golf.

Replacing the battery in your Golf involves removing the terminals. When you reconnect the terminals, your radio presets are likely to be cleared out. In some Golfs, you may need to re-enter a security code to get your radio to work again. Check for this code in your owners manual - it will usually be either a sticker or small card in the booklet. If you can't find it, call Volkswagen and they will give you the code for free. In many Volkswagens, the transmission "learns" how you drive over time and makes adjustments, so you may experience altered driving dynamics as your car re-learns your driving style after changing the battery.