Charging battery on a 14 S6

[Rkhitect]

Hey gang,

Due to the frozen tundra temps here in Illinois (-50 wind chills), my S6 didn't want to start this morning. Do I need a special battery charger, or can I use the old trusty old charger that I use for every other vehicle I own? I assume that I will use the posts under the hood to do so? It seems that every other thing on this car requires special tools or parts.
Thank you guys in advance!!

[ericw.]

Whatever charger you have is probably fine, I always charge from the remote posts under the hood.

[gk1]

Audi does offer a charger. However it is just a rebranded Ctek
https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Audi-.../dp/B00A0J8R1K
Any smart charger would work as long as the current is not too high and has some intelligence to prevent overcharging.
I personally use the Ctek MUS 4.3.
Also FWIW just a technical note wind chill does not affect the battery but understood it is very cold in Chicago. Bundle up and good luck.

[Rkhitect]

Thanks a lot guys, it is really appreciated! The base temp of -26 is pretty chilly for sure...it put a deep freeze on that battery!

[Valpo A7]

If the battery is original it is likely time to replace. At -22 the battery has only about 50% capacity if it was brand new. Couple that with age (yours is likely 4-5 years old) and you have a recipe for a dead winter battery.

[gk1]

If the battery is original it is likely time to replace. At -22 the battery has only about 50% capacity if it was brand new. Couple that with age (yours is likely 4-5 years old) and you have a recipe for a dead winter battery.

Excellent point. Also every time it "dies" its lifespan is decreased even after you recharge it...some say by half, so you are really on borrowed time.

[Rkhitect]

Well, charged the battery for almost 3 hours and it is a goner. Is it as simple as just replacing, or do I have to have it programmed to the car. My gut tells me it won't be a simple or cheap endeavor.

[gk1]

Well, charged the battery for almost 3 hours and it is a goner. Is it as simple as just replacing, or do I have to have it programmed to the car. My gut tells me it won't be a simple or cheap endeavor.

Ah too bad. It is a mixed bag. Some say you absolutely have to program it to the car otherwise the battery management will have issues others say just regular swap the battery and no issues....I'm not sure which is for certain the best path...sorry.
However, I do know that since it is an S6 you have to move the air suspension tank to even get at the battery. Should not be a big issue but just another hurdle. Good luck.

[Kczach]

Some people have just replaced the battery but it will probably last longer if the car "knows" what type of battery you have and that it is new. The battery change is pretty straightforward. If you have vag-com there are some instructions on their website. I went to the dealer and got an oem battery for my S4 when it went out. I'm sure there are a multitude of options on batteries that would work.

[overclocked]

I was in the same situation. Put my S6 in storage but procrastinated and did not connect my trickle charger in time. Battery was dead (reading 4.8 volts). I was able to jump start it after connecting directly to the terminals of the battery (located in trunk), and it started. Connecting to the battery manager could not wake it up. I took it to the dealer and he said the battery was dead, and gave me a new replacement.

I now keep all our cars on trickle chargers, and unplug when using them and reconnect when parked, just for winter. I use the Battery Tender Plus.

[Rkhitect]

Well, looks like I am running to the dealer tomorrow to buy a battery. I am gonna use the battery tender I have to keep it up to snuff from now on. Thanks again for all of the insight guys!