The battery in your 2002 VW Jetta TDI provides power to your starter motor, so your engine can start. Like all car batteries, it is a very specific type of rechargeable battery. When your engine is running, the alternator of your car recharges the battery. Over time, simple wear and tear, along with age, can cause your battery to die, at which point you will not be able to start your car without a jump-start. Luckily, replacing the battery in your 2002 VW Jetta TDI is straightforward.
Open the hood to access the engine compartment. The battery is located inside the black housing behind the driver's side headlight. Squeeze the latch and lift the lid of the battery cover.
Loosen the nut on the negative terminal connector and disconnect the cable from the negative terminal post. The negative terminal is located on the left side of the battery and is marked with a minus sign. Securely position the cable end to prevent it from accidentally touching the negative terminal post during the rest of the procedure.
Open the cover of the fuse box, which is on top of the battery between the terminal posts, and remove the nut securing the cable that connects the fuse block to the positive battery terminal. Disconnect the cable and fuse box cover. Position the fuse box and the battery cover lid off to the side.
Loosen the nut on the positive terminal connector and disconnect the cable from the positive terminal post.
Release the positioning tabs for the battery cover and remove it from the vehicle.
Remove the bolt from the battery securing clamp and remove the clamp. The clamp is beneath the battery itself, with the bolt visible from the side of the battery.
Lift the old battery from the engine compartment. Remember that batteries are heavier than they look. Position the new battery in place.
Secure the battery in place with the clamp and install the bolt. Replace the battery cover. Connect the positive battery cable to the positive battery terminal and tighten the nut on the terminal connector.
Position the fuse box and battery cover lid. Connect the positive cable to the fuse block and reinstall the securing nut. Close the fuse box cover.
Connect the negative battery cable to the negative battery terminal and tighten the nut on the connector. Close the battery cover and hood and clean up.
