Owners of other VW Group vehicles such as the Passat, CC, Tiguan, Golf, Touareg, Beetle, GTI, SportWagen, Eos, Rabbit, Bora, Vento, Lavida, Audi A3, A4, S4, A6, S6, A7, A8, Q5, Q7, A5, S5, and TT may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful.

The OEM battery in this 2012 VW Jetta is part number 5K0 915 105 D (A.K.A. # 5K0915105D or 5K0-915-105-D).

Other compatible replacement batteries with their part #'s include the Exide Edge FP-AGML4/94R, ACDelco 48AGM, Bosch S6585B S6, Bosch # H6-760B, AutoCraft 48H6 or 47H5 and Exide EA640.

To replace the battery, you'll need a 10mm socket with a 1/4" drive ratchet or a 10mm wrench, a 13mm socket, a set of extension bars and a 3/8" drive ratchet.

Attention: Many modern Volkswagen Group (VW, Audi, Porsche, Seat, Skoda, etc.) vehicles may be equipped with a battery management control module as part of the ECU (electronic control unit). The use of a VCDS, VAGCOM or another VW specific OBDII scanner (also known as an OBD2 scan tool) will be needed to "recode", "reprogram", "register" or perform the "adaptations" for the new battery including inputting the new serial number into the ECU. The coding procedure will reset the battery monitoring and management control module so that the system will charge it at the proper specifications (voltage and amperage).

Two Volkswagen / Audi specific OBDII scanners that may work are the Ancel VD500 and the Foxwell NT510. Please be sure to check the list of supported vehicles and model years before purchasing a scan tool. I'd recommend the more advanced Foxwell unit since it specifically mentions "register a new battery after replacing" as one of the features.

Most car batteries tend to last about 3 to 5 years depending on your climate and driving conditions. If your battery is around 3 years old, I would recommend replacing it as well having your alternator and starter tested at an auto parts store.

Flip open the top flap of the battery cover to access the electrical posts.

Loosen the negative "-" cable first by turning the nut counter clockwise with the 10mm socket and ratcheting wrench.

Pull the negative terminal off the post, cover it with a rag and tuck it away on the side of the battery.

Then loosen the nut on the positive "+" battery terminal by turning it counter clockwise with the 10mm socket and ratcheting wrench.

Pull the soft battery box up and off the old battery and set it aside in a safe place.

Attach a 13mm socket to a long extension bar and a 3/8" drive ratcheting wrench and loosen the bolt by turning it counter clockwise.

You don't have to completely remove the bolt in order to pull out the old battery.

Be sure to bring your old battery with you to the auto parts store or Wal-Mart to avoid having to pay a "core" charge (deposit) or a "disposal fee" for the recycling of the old battery.

If you can wait a few days for delivery, the ACDelco 48AGM battery has excellent reviews on Amazon.

Tighten the bolt by turning it clockwise with the 13mm socket and ratcheting wrench.

Lower the soft battery cover down over the new battery with the flap on the top side.

If you've had a problem with corrosion (white or blue powder) building up on the terminals and the battery posts, I'd recommend placing some felt anti-corrosion washers over the battery posts.

Tighten the terminal by turning the nut clockwise with the 10mm socket and ratcheting wrench.

Close the flap on the top of the battery cover to finish the job.

Be sure to record the battery change in your vehicle's service records.

For more, check out my other VW Jetta DIY Repair Guides.