Where to Find the Battery in an Audi SQ5

The main 12‑volt battery in most Audi SQ5 models is located in the luggage compartment under the trunk floor, rather than under the hood; however, some early SQ5s and certain regional or diesel variants may have the battery in the engine bay on the right‑hand side near the firewall. Understanding exactly where yours is — and how to access it safely — depends on the model year, market, and engine configuration.

Why the Battery Location in the SQ5 Is Not Always Obvious

The Audi SQ5, especially in its more recent generations, hides much of its hardware behind trim panels to improve weight distribution, crash safety and cabin refinement. This means owners expecting to find a traditional under‑hood battery often discover only jump‑start terminals and no visible battery. Knowing where the battery sits is important for maintenance, diagnostics, replacement and safe jump starting.

Typical Battery Locations by Generation

First-Generation SQ5 (8R, approx. 2013–2017)

On the first-generation Audi SQ5 (based on the Q5 8R platform), the battery position can vary slightly by engine (TDI vs. TFSI) and regional specification, but two locations are most common.

The list below explains the most typical battery positions for first‑generation SQ5 models and how they differ.

• Under the trunk floor (common for many TDI / European models): On numerous diesel and some high‑spec variants, the main 12‑volt battery is mounted in the rear, beneath the luggage compartment floor, often near or beside the spare‑wheel well and covered by trim panels.
• Engine bay, right side near the firewall (more common on some petrol/TFSI and North American models): In these cars, the battery sits in a traditional location under the hood, typically on the passenger‑side (RHD/LHD dependent) near the base of the windshield, enclosed in a plastic battery box.
• Jump‑start posts under the hood: Even when the battery is in the trunk, Audi provides dedicated positive and negative jump‑start terminals in the engine bay, usually covered by red or black plastic caps, so you don’t need to expose or remove the rear battery for boosting.

In summary, the first‑generation SQ5 generally uses one of two layouts: a rear‑mounted battery accessed through the cargo floor, or a conventional engine‑bay battery, with under‑hood terminals available in both cases to simplify jump starting and diagnostics.

Second-Generation SQ5 (FY, approx. 2018–present)

The second-generation SQ5, based on the updated MLB platform, leans more decisively toward a rear‑mounted battery layout in most markets, particularly for petrol TFSI models sold in North America and Europe.

The following points outline what owners of second‑generation SQ5s can usually expect regarding battery location.

• Main 12‑volt battery in the trunk: Generally located underneath the cargo floor, often slightly offset to one side and sometimes integrated with additional electronic modules or fuse blocks. It is usually hidden behind carpeting or a molded cover that lifts up or unclips.
• Lifting the hood on many FY‑series SQ5s reveals only plastic engine covers and service points; the battery itself is not visible. Instead, you’ll find designated positive and negative jump terminals for booster cables or a charger.
• Auxiliary batteries on some versions: Mild‑hybrid or stop‑start equipped variants may include an auxiliary battery or capacitor module. These are typically mounted near the main battery or under interior trim and are not designed for routine owner service.

Overall, if you own a 2018‑onward SQ5, it is highly likely that your main battery is under the rear cargo floor, with only service terminals provided in the engine bay for day‑to‑day access.

How to Access the Battery in the Trunk of an Audi SQ5

For most recent SQ5s with a trunk‑mounted battery, access involves lifting or removing the cargo floor panel and then removing a secondary cover. This can usually be done with basic hand movements and without tools, but care is needed to avoid damaging trim or wiring.

The steps below outline a typical access procedure for a trunk‑mounted SQ5 battery; consult your owner’s manual for model‑specific variations.

1. Open the tailgate: Ensure the vehicle is parked on level ground with the ignition off and the key removed (or the start/stop system switched off).
2. Remove or fold away the cargo mat: If you have a rubber or carpet mat, lift it out to expose the main cargo floor panel.
3. Lift the trunk floor panel: Use the pull tab or recessed handle built into the floor panel. On some models, the panel can be hooked onto the tailgate opening to hold it upright.
4. Locate the battery cover: Look for a plastic or carpeted cover over the battery area, often held by simple clips or tabs. Gently release these clips by hand.
5. Expose the battery terminals: Once the cover is removed, you’ll see the battery, its hold-down bracket, and the positive (usually red) and negative (usually black or bare metal) terminals.
6. Check for additional wiring or sensors: Modern SQ5s may have monitoring modules or current sensors attached to the negative terminal; avoid pulling or twisting these components.

After accessing the battery, re‑install each panel in reverse order, ensuring the floor lies flat and the trim clips are properly seated to prevent rattles and protect the battery compartment from loose cargo.

Locating and Using Under‑Hood Jump-Start Terminals

Even when the battery is hidden in the trunk, Audi provides clearly marked jump‑start points under the hood. These are the preferred connection points for jump leads or a battery maintainer, as they are designed for repeated use and help protect sensitive components.

The following items outline where these terminals typically are and how they are used.

• Positive terminal (usually red cover): Often found near the front‑right side of the engine bay (model‑dependent), covered by a red plastic cap with a plus symbol. Lift the cap to reveal a solid metal post or pad for the positive clamp.
• Negative terminal (body ground point): Typically a designated stud or lug on the chassis or strut tower, sometimes marked with a minus symbol. This is used as the negative/ground connection instead of clamping directly to the battery when it is rear‑mounted.
• Owner’s manual diagram: Audi provides a detailed diagram showing the exact locations. These vary slightly by engine and model year, so checking the manual helps avoid guessing under the hood.

Using the official under‑hood posts reduces the need to expose the trunk battery and helps maintain proper system monitoring, particularly on SQ5s equipped with intelligent battery sensors.

Why Audi Often Puts the SQ5 Battery in the Trunk

The decision to place the battery in the luggage compartment is not arbitrary; it reflects both engineering and regulatory priorities. Moving a heavy component like a battery away from the nose of the car and into a protected area benefits handling, crash performance and packaging for modern electronics.

The points below summarize the key reasons Audi engineers frequently position the SQ5’s battery in the rear.

• Improved weight distribution: Shifting the heavy battery from the front to the back helps balance the car’s weight between the axles, contributing to more neutral handling and better stability in a performance SUV like the SQ5.
• Crash safety and protection: The rear compartment is less prone to front‑end impact damage, reducing the risk of battery deformation or acid leaks in collisions.
• Space for modern powertrains: Turbocharged V6 engines, intercoolers, emissions equipment and cooling systems crowd the engine bay. Relocating the battery frees up space for these components and for easier access to service points.
• Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH): Keeping the battery and associated wiring modules out of the engine bay can reduce noise paths into the cabin and allow more refined under‑hood insulation and design.
• Electrical system complexity: Modern SQ5s may use additional electronics, such as power management modules and auxiliary batteries, which can be packaged more flexibly in the rear.

Taken together, these factors explain why many newer SQ5s hide the battery in the trunk while relying on under‑hood terminals for everyday access and jump starting.

How to Confirm the Battery Location on Your Specific SQ5

Because Audi’s configuration can vary slightly by year, market and engine, the most reliable way to know where your SQ5’s battery sits is to check official documentation or inspect the car directly.

The following methods help you verify your exact battery layout safely and accurately.

• Consult the owner’s manual: Look under sections titled “Battery,” “Jump‑Starting,” or “Electrical System.” Diagrams will show whether the battery is in the luggage compartment or engine bay and where the service terminals are.
• Lift the trunk floor: Open the tailgate and raise the cargo floor panel. If you see a large rectangular battery or a covered compartment with warning labels, you have a trunk‑mounted battery.
• Inspect under the hood: If you clearly see a battery in a plastic box near the firewall, then your model uses an engine‑bay location; if not, expect the main battery to be in the trunk with remote terminals up front.
• Check VIN‑specific service data: A dealer or specialist can pull the build sheet for your VIN to confirm whether your vehicle has any auxiliary batteries or non‑standard layouts.

Verifying your specific configuration before attempting any work helps prevent damage to trim, misconnection of cables and confusion between main and auxiliary power units.

Safety Tips for Working Around the SQ5 Battery

Whether your Audi SQ5’s battery is in the trunk or the engine bay, handling it incorrectly can risk short circuits, damage to sensitive control modules or personal injury. Modern vehicles are electrically complex, and the SQ5 is no exception.

The safety guidelines below highlight best practices when accessing or disconnecting the battery.

• Always turn off the vehicle first: Ensure the ignition is off, key is removed (or keyless system is off) and the car is stationary with the parking brake engaged before touching the battery.
• Disconnect negative terminal first: When removing the battery, loosen and disconnect the negative (–) terminal before the positive (+) terminal to reduce the risk of a short to ground.
• Reconnect positive terminal first: During installation, connect the positive (+) terminal before attaching the negative (–) terminal.
• Avoid sparking near the battery: Batteries can emit flammable gases. Keep open flames, smoking and sparks away, and avoid touching tools across both terminals at once.
• Protect electronic settings: Some replacements may reset memory functions (windows, seat positions, infotainment). In many modern Audis, a battery replacement should be “registered” or coded with diagnostic equipment so the energy management system knows the new battery’s specifications.
• Wear eye and hand protection: Use gloves and safety glasses when handling the battery, as electrolyte is corrosive and heavy lifting can be awkward within confined spaces.

Following these guidelines minimizes risk both to you and to the SQ5’s sophisticated electrical system, particularly when working in the more confined trunk compartment.

Summary

In most modern Audi SQ5s — especially second‑generation models — the main 12‑volt battery is mounted under the cargo floor in the trunk, hidden by trim panels, with dedicated jump‑start terminals provided in the engine bay. Some earlier or region‑specific SQ5s, however, still place the battery traditionally in the engine bay near the firewall. To be sure for your car, check the owner’s manual and inspect both under the hood and beneath the trunk floor. Once you know the exact location, you can access the battery more confidently for jump starting, diagnostics or replacement, while observing the safety practices suited to the SQ5’s complex electrical architecture.

Where is the battery located on an Audi?

The Audi battery is most commonly located in the trunk under the spare tire, accessed by lifting the carpeted floor, removing the spare tire, and then taking out a plastic cover. For some models, like the Q7, the battery is under the front driver’s seat. On very rare occasions, it could be under the hood in an older model. If the battery is dead and won’t open the trunk, use the designated jump start terminals in the engine bay.
 
This video shows the Audi A4 battery location in the trunk: 42sIrixGuy’s Adventure ChannelYouTube · Dec 2, 2021
For most Audis (A4, A5, A8, S5, etc.)

1. Open the trunk: Use the key fob or the button on the driver’s door panel to open the trunk. If the battery is completely dead, you will need to use the jump-start points in the engine bay to open the trunk first (see below). 
2. Access the spare tire: Lift the trunk’s carpeted floor mat to reveal the spare tire. 
3. Remove the spare tire: Unscrew the central nut holding the spare tire in place and lift it out of the trunk. 
4. Locate the battery: The battery will now be visible underneath where the spare tire was. There may be a plastic cover or other components to remove before you can get to the battery itself. 

For Audi Q7

• The battery is located under the front driver’s seat. 
• You may need to open a compartment or lift a panel to access it. 

If the battery is dead and the trunk won’t open

• You can use the jump-start terminals under the hood.
• Open the hood and locate the positive (+) terminal, which is often under a red cover marked with a ‘+’ symbol.
• Find a good ground point on the engine or body (an unpainted metal surface).
• Follow proper jump-starting procedures, connecting the positive and negative terminals correctly, to give the battery enough power to open the trunk. 

This video explains how to jump-start an Audi with a dead battery: 46sXcelerateYouTube · Aug 17, 2024

Why is the Audi battery in the trunk?

You have constant vibrations from the engine. Because it’s really close to the engine. Those vibrations will be transferred to the battery when the batteries vibrate the plates. Inside. Okay could get

Where is the battery located in a 2015 Audi Q5?

The battery in a 2015 Audi Q5 is located in the back of the vehicle, underneath the spare tire in the trunk. To access it, you will need to open the tailgate, lift the floor covering, and remove the spare tire and any protective covers.
 
This video shows the location of the battery in the trunk of an Audi Q5: 58sTotal TechnikYouTube · Jun 19, 2021
Step-by-step guide to access the battery

1. Open the tailgate and lift the boot floor covering. You can hook the mat on the rubber seal to keep it out of the way. 
2. Unscrew the central spindle that holds the spare tire in place. 
3. Lift the spare tire straight out of the compartment. 
4. Remove the plastic cover(s) underneath the spare tire to gain access to the battery. 

Where is the battery located on a 2025 Audi Q5?

The battery is located behind the back seats under the cargo area floor.