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Original 2014 batteries with no issues... Replace?
Hi! I'm getting mixed opinions and would like to hear from knowledgable folks on this forum. I have a 2014 GT V8S (29,000 miles) that has the original Varta batteries (left and right). I'm not experiencing any issues at all yet the batteries almost a full eight (8) years old. I couldn't find the Varta batteries here in Georgia and my second choice was Bosch. Can't find them either. SO, I think I'm going to buy Interstate batteries from Costco (H5 & H8) -- $330 total. BUT, the question is "would you replace them proactively because of their age or would you wait for gremlins to creep up"? The H5 tests good, but the H8 tests "recharge and test again". No issues starting, etc. Thanks for your advice!!!
** I would note that I'm pretty good about using a CTEK trickle charger when I'm not going to drive the car for several days or more. **
Hi! I'm getting mixed opinions and would like to hear from knowledgable folks on this forum. I have a 2014 GT V8S (29,000 miles) that has the original Varta batteries (left and right). I'm not experiencing any issues at all yet the batteries almost a full eight (8) years old. SO, I think I'm going to buy Interstate batteries from Costco (H5 & H8) -- $330 total. BUT, the question is "would you replace them proactively because of their age or would you wait for gremlins to creep up"? Thanks for your advice!!!
Yes, time for new batteries. At some point the batteries will tax the alternator. As batteries age the alternator works harder to keep them charged. The fact that one of them, after load testing, requests a re-charge and re-test is the beginning of the end of that battery.
As for the "Battery Gremlins"..... not worth the hassle.
New batteries are a marginal expense for peace of mind.
For what it's worth my 2013 GTC had the original batteries, without problems, but I replaced them both for piece of mind.
8+ years seems like a decent life span, especially since I don't use a trickle charger.
I replaced the AUX battery this morning with an Interstate Battery. Took about 15 minutes. The "main" battery (right side) still shows as 'Good Battery'. I think I may just replace that one tomorrow as well. I'll sleep better. Thx!
I replaced the AUX battery this morning with an Interstate Battery. Took about 15 minutes. The "main" battery (right side) still shows as 'Good Battery'. I think I may just replace that one tomorrow as well. I'll sleep better. Thx!
Hello @x50mark ,
Just for clarification, there is no auxiliary battery, and the right side battery is not the main, the larger H8 on the left is the house (main) battery, and the smaller H5 on the right side is the starter battery.
And just to share, my original Varta in my 05 A8L W12 lasted just over 10 years before showing signs of power loss.
Johnny - I need your help. I'm replacing the smaller, passenger (right) side battery. The original VARTA battery is 8" wide and the battery replacement on every site I'm seeing shows an H5 (group 47) which is 9-1/2" wide. the problem is the battery tray has a 'hold down' that is designed for an 8" wide battery. There isn't an option for a larger size. Have you heard of this issue before? I picked the new battery up at the VW dealership this morning and it has the VW and Audi logos -- I was told this is the right battery for the car and it is made by Interstate. Help?
@x50mark,
I just saw your post, give me a few minutes, as your right side battery tray has me confused, and I only repeated what you said as to the H5 group size, my 1st Gen GT has the same battery tray for both sides of my vehicle, which is part # 3W0 804 869, and each tray has two positions of of hold down, so either side could fit a H5 or H8, so if I wanted to, I could use a H8 as my starter battery.
@x50mark ,
I think the issue is that your 2014 GT V8 has a group H4 battery as the starter battery, and the correct part number for the H4 is 000 915 105 DC, not DE, as DE shows as an H5 by it's measurements, and the battery tray that you pictured is a 3W0 894 869 A, so a smaller tray, it's odd the difference in trays, maybe to do with yours being a V8, because the larger tray shows as being used from 2004-2018..
Johnny
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Last edited by Johnny Hotspur GT; May 21, 2022 at 03:20 PM.
Thank you so very much for your detailed response. Can I ask (unless I missed it) if you have the part # for the 'larger tray'? I would prefer to use the H5 battery if possible. Again, thank you very much for helping me here. I've never had such a frustrating time with a simply battery. I have the Bosch part # that would work -- it's an S4 002, but can't find it in the U.S... and I understand that Exide makes the batteries for Bosch.
Thank you so very much for your detailed response. Can I ask (unless I missed it) if you have the part # for the 'larger tray'? I would prefer to use the H5 battery if possible. Again, thank you very much for helping me here. I've never had such a frustrating time with a simply battery. I have the Bosch part # that would work -- it's an S4 002, but can't find it in the U.S... and I understand that Exide makes the batteries for Bosch.
Mark
Hello @x50mark Mark,
Yes I believe you missed it 😀, it is 3W0 804 869, I did make two posts back to back, so make sure you see both, I would also check the availability of room on your right side, just incase your model has less room for a larger battery for some reason.
Can you tell us the part number off of the original Varta battery, so I can check sizing.
Sorry! I wasn't paying attention -- you *DID* send the part number for the larger tray. Looking into that right now!
Mark
Great, please list the original Varta number when you can, because it is like you said, all the online sites show the 2014 GT V8 as having a H5 for the starter battery, which we know is not correct, as shown in your picture.
Again, thank you! I ended up ordering a battery from a company in the EU. Should get here (Georgia) in the next week or so. I'm shocked that I'm the first person to run into this...
