In most vehicles, changing the battery is a relatively simple and quick process. However, due to the complexity of Audi computers, changing the battery in your A4 is a bit more involved. With this in mind, you’re probably wondering how much it will cost to replace the battery in your Audi A4.
Depending on several factors, replacing your Audi A4’s battery could cost anywhere from $160-$600. If you have access to VDCS software and can code the new battery yourself, the only cost you’ll need to worry about is the new battery itself. Depending on your vehicle’s model year, this could cost between $160-$400. If you want to have it installed professionally, expect to spend $300-$600.
Below, we’ll discuss more information on replacing your A4’s battery. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know before heading to the dealership!
How Much Does It Cost to Replace an Audi A4 Battery?
For most vehicles, all you have to account for when replacing the battery is the cost of the battery itself. Most auto parts stores will even offer free installation when you purchase the battery from them! However, replacing the battery on an A4 is a bit more complicated than on other vehicles.
Audi vehicles will only run properly with an OEM Audi battery, and it will need to be coded to your vehicle’s computer. Because the average person does not have access to the necessary software, most opt to visit the dealership for a battery replacement.
How Much Does a Professional A4 Battery Replacement Cost?
Most people choose to visit an Audi dealership to have their A4 battery replaced professionally. While other shops may be able to code the new battery for you, the dealership is the only place that’s guaranteed to.
As most people are aware, dealerships are famous for significant upcharging on all of their services. For this reason, a professional battery replacement at the Audi dealership can cost you up to $500-$600.
If you want to spend a bit less, call around to independent mechanics in your area. Some of them may have the software available to code your new battery. If you can find a mechanic to do this for you, it will lower the cost to between $300-$400.
Although dealerships will charge more to install your battery, they may also offer a better warranty. This is important because if anything goes wrong prematurely, the warranty will cover the cost of a new battery.
If you do choose to work with an independent mechanic, ask if they offer warranties on their parts or services. While these shops are often less expensive, it may not be worth it if your purchase is not protected.
How Much Does a DIY A4 Battery Replacement Cost?
Replacing your battery on your own may help you save some money. Depending on the model year you own, a new OEM battery could cost between $150-$265. To properly install the new battery, all you’ll need is a 10mm and 13mm socket wrench, as well as an OBDeleven scanner to code it later on.
| Part/Tool Needed | Average Cost |
| Replacement battery | $150-$265 |
| 10mm and 13mm socket | $10-$20 |
| OBDeleven scanner | $70-$150 |
Most DIY mechanics already own a 10mm and 13mm socket. However, most don’t have the scanner needed to code the battery. If you don’t have an OBDeleven scanner, your total cost could increase to $220-$415.
It’s also important to note that the price of batteries differs based on which model year you own. Below, we’ll highlight the average cost of an OEM Audi A4 battery based on model year.
| Audi A4 Model Year | Low Cost | High Cost |
| 2021 | $150 | $245 |
| 2020 | $180 | $395 |
| 2019 | $245 | $265 |
| 2018 | $180 | $245 |
| 2017 | $180 | $245 |
| 2016 | $180 | $245 |
| 2015 | $160 | $245 |
| 2014 | $180 | $245 |
| 2013 | $180 | $245 |
| 2012 | $180 | $245 |
| 2011 | $180 | $265 |
If you’re purchasing and installing the new battery on your own, always be sure to use OEM parts. Aftermarket batteries cannot be properly coded to your Audi’s computer, and without coding, your vehicle will only run in low power mode.
How Long Do Audi A4 Batteries Last?
On average, your new Audi A4 battery should last between 3-5 years before you need another replacement.
This lifespan depends on several factors, including
How often you start your car
The climate you live and drive in
How often you let the vehicle sit idle
The maintenance done on the starting and charging system
There are several things you can do to increase your battery’s lifespan. To keep your A4 running on the same battery for as long as possible, follow the advice below.
Have Your Battery Tested
You never want to be in a situation where you get into the car, just to find that it won’t start. To save yourself the stress and headache, have your battery load-tested about once every two years.
Unless you have a high-performance battery, it should be carrying 12-13 volts at any time. Anything else could indicate a faulty battery.
Keep Your Vehicle Stored Inside
If possible, store your A4 in a garage or other covered area. This is especially important if you live in an area with a hot, humid climate. Extreme temperatures like these can reduce the life of your battery.
Start Your Vehicle Periodically
Your battery charges while your vehicle is running. If you don’t drive for long periods, you may try to start your car one day to find out your battery is dead!
Even if you don’t plan on driving it anywhere, start your car periodically and let it run for a few minutes. This will recharge the battery, improving its lifespan.
How to Change an Audi A4 Battery
If you have the necessary tools to code the battery, it’s relatively simple to change it out on your own. Changing the battery should take no longer than 20 minutes, and coding it will only take an additional few minutes.
To do the procedure correctly, you’ll need the following tools and parts
A replacement battery
An OBDeleven reader
A socket wrench with 10mm and 13mm sockets
Before you begin, you need to locate and access the battery. While most car batteries are located underneath the hood, Audis are laid out a bit differently.
To access the battery, you’ll need to look underneath the spare tire. Open your trunk, then pull up the floor panel. Twist the wingnut counterclockwise to remove the spare tire, then lift the tool tray to find the battery.
Once you’ve completed this step, you can start the replacement process. Follow the steps below to do so.
Step 1: Remove the Old Battery
Before you can install the new battery, you’ll need to take the old one out. Here’s how to get started:
- Use your 13mm socket to remove the battery bracket bolts. There are four in total, including a smaller one at the bottom of the battery.
- Disconnect the vacuum hose at the side of the battery.
- Now, using the 10mm socket, loosen the clamp on the negative battery cable. Then, pull it away from the battery and move it somewhere where it cannot touch the battery terminal. Repeat this step for the positive battery cable.
- Lift the old battery, and move it to a safe, dry location.
Step 2: Install the New Battery
Once you have removed the old battery, it’s time to put the new one in. Follow the steps below to complete the installation.
- Position the new battery so that the terminal posts are facing the correct cables.
- Reconnect your vacuum hose.
- Working in reverse, you’ll want to reconnect the positive cable first. Then, you can connect the negative cable.
- Once the new battery is in place, write down or take a picture of the battery’s BEM code. This is written on a sticker, usually accompanied by a QR code. Note both the serial number and the vendor identifier.
- Reinstall the battery brackets and tighten the bolts.
- Finally, replace the tool tray, spare tire, and floor panel in your trunk.
Step 3: Code the Battery
As mentioned, Audi A4’s require you to code the new battery to the vehicle’s computer. If you skip this step, your car will only run in low power mode. Here’s how to code the battery using the VDCS software on your OBDeleven reader.
- Connect your reader, then navigate to control module 61-battery regulation.
- Select “Coding,” then “Battery.”
- Now, choose “Battery Coding” and input the BEM information from earlier.
- Verify that the coding was successful, then you can disconnect your reader.
Step 4: Properly Dispose of Your Old Battery
Environmental regulations require you to properly dispose of your old A4 battery after you change it. Take your old battery to either the Audi dealership, an auto parts store, or a battery store so it can be properly recycled.
The Bottom Line
Replacing the battery on an Audi A4 is a bit different than replacing the battery on your average vehicle. The battery is held in a different location, and it needs to be coded to the computer after it’s replaced.
With this in mind, expect to pay anywhere from $150-$600 for a battery replacement. Professional replacement can vary between $300-$600 depending on where you go. If you replace the battery yourself, however, it could cost anywhere from $150-$400.
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