Where to Find the Battery on a 2010 Audi Q5

The main 12‑volt battery on a 2010 Audi Q5 is located in the rear of the vehicle, beneath the cargo floor on the right-hand (passenger) side, under a trim panel. A smaller auxiliary battery may also be present in some versions, but the primary battery you need for most maintenance, charging, or replacement is in the trunk area rather than under the hood.

Battery Location: Rear Cargo Area, Not Under the Hood

Unlike many older vehicles where the main battery sits in the engine bay, Audi moved the primary battery on the 2010 Q5 to the rear cargo area. This helps with weight distribution and packaging but can confuse owners who expect to find it near the engine. When you open the hood of a 2010 Q5, you will only see connection points for jump-starting (if equipped), not the actual battery itself.

Exact Position in the Trunk

On the 2010 Audi Q5, the main 12‑volt battery is positioned under the cargo floor, typically on the right-hand side (passenger side) near the spare wheel well. You need to lift or remove the cargo floor cover and then remove or open a side or top trim panel to gain full access.

How to Access the Battery Safely

Accessing the battery on a 2010 Q5 is straightforward but involves lifting interior panels. Knowing the steps in the correct order reduces the risk of damaging trim pieces and ensures you can disconnect the battery safely.

The following list outlines the general steps to locate and expose the battery in the rear cargo area of a 2010 Audi Q5.

1. Open the rear tailgate: Unlock the vehicle and open the tailgate to access the cargo compartment.
2. Clear the cargo floor: Remove any mats, luggage, or cargo organizers so the floor panel can be lifted freely.
3. Lift the main cargo floor panel: Grab the pull tab or handle in the floor (if equipped) and raise the floor panel. Some models have a hinged panel that can be propped up.
4. Locate the spare wheel area: Under the floor you will typically see the spare tire or a foam insert with tools and storage compartments.
5. Identify the right-hand side compartment: Look to the right (passenger side) of the spare wheel well. There should be a plastic or carpeted trim cover, hatch, or casing.
6. Remove or open the side/upper trim cover: Carefully release any clips or fasteners holding the trim panel in place to expose the battery housing.
7. Confirm battery presence: You should now see the rectangular 12‑volt battery with its positive and negative terminals, retaining bracket, and any connected sensors or modules.

Once you reach this point, you have direct access to the battery for visual inspection, testing, charging, or replacement, as long as you proceed with appropriate safety precautions.

Under-Hood Connections vs. Actual Battery

Some owners look under the hood and assume there is no traditional battery because they do not see it in the usual location. Instead, they will find plastic covers, the engine ECU, and sometimes a designated jump-start terminal.

The list below explains what you are likely to find under the hood and how it relates to the rear-mounted battery.

• Jump-start terminals: Many Q5s provide a red positive post and a designated ground point in the engine bay, allowing you to jump or charge the car without exposing the trunk battery directly.
• Fuse and relay boxes: Power distribution components under the hood are fed by the rear battery via heavy-gauge cables routed through the body.
• No main battery casing: You will not see a standard battery tray under the hood because the main unit is positioned in the rear for packaging and weight-balance reasons.
• Electronic modules: Control modules near the firewall or under plastic covers might be mistaken for a “hidden battery,” but they are separate components.

Understanding this separation between under-hood power points and the actual battery location helps prevent confusion and ensures you look in the right place when diagnosing electrical issues.

Why Audi Put the Battery in the Rear

The rear-mounted battery on the 2010 Q5 is a deliberate engineering choice, not a quirk. Several design and performance reasons explain this layout.

The following points summarize the main reasons Audi positions the battery in the rear of the Q5.

• Improved weight distribution: Moving the heavy battery away from the front axle helps balance the vehicle, contributing to better handling and stability.
• Engine bay packaging: Modern engines, emissions systems, and electronics crowd the front compartment, making under-hood space more valuable.
• Thermal protection: Keeping the battery away from high under-hood temperatures can improve longevity and reliability of the battery.
• Crash and safety design: Routing heavy components away from the crumple zones can factor into crash safety engineering and cable routing strategies.

These considerations show that the rear-mounted battery is part of the overall vehicle design philosophy rather than an arbitrary placement.

Considerations When Replacing or Disconnecting the Battery

Because the 2010 Audi Q5 is heavily computer-controlled, battery work requires a bit more care than on older, simpler vehicles. Sudden power loss can affect the infotainment, window regulators, and error logs in control modules.

The list below outlines key precautions and procedural tips when working on the Q5’s rear-mounted battery.

• Use proper tools: Have the correct socket sizes, extension bars, and trim tools to remove the hold-down bracket and panels without damage.
• Disconnect negative terminal first: Always remove the negative (ground) cable before the positive to reduce the risk of short circuits.
• Follow manufacturer specs: Replace the battery with a type that matches Audi’s specified capacity (Ah rating) and technology (often AGM), especially on vehicles with start-stop or heavy electrical load.
• Battery “coding” or registration: Many VAG-platform vehicles require that a new battery be “registered” or coded with a scan tool so charging behavior matches the new unit; some 2010 Q5 variants fall into this category. A workshop or specialist with VCDS or equivalent can handle this.
• Retain settings if possible: If you need to preserve radio codes and memory settings, consider using a memory saver or maintaining an external 12‑volt supply during the swap, following safety guidance.
• Check ventilation and securing: Ensure any vent hose (if fitted) is connected, and confirm the battery is firmly clamped to prevent movement in a crash.

Taking these steps reduces the chance of electrical faults or drivability issues after a battery replacement and helps keep the vehicle’s electronic systems functioning correctly.

Are There Any Additional or Auxiliary Batteries?

Most 2010 Audi Q5 models rely on a single main 12‑volt battery in the rear, but some configurations and later years of the Q5 range have additional small batteries for specific systems. In 2010, the typical North American and European Q5 3.2 FSI and 2.0 TFSI models are generally equipped with just the main unit, unless modified.

The following points summarize what owners should keep in mind regarding potential additional batteries or energy storage components.

• Main 12‑volt battery only in most cases: The great majority of 2010 Q5s have one primary battery in the trunk and do not include a separate start-stop or backup battery.
• Some owners add auxiliary batteries for audio upgrades or camping setups, often placed near the factory battery or in the spare wheel area.
• Check your specific VIN and manual: Equipment can vary by market and trim; the owner’s manual and dealership records can confirm if your exact car differs.

While most drivers only need to worry about the single rear-mounted battery, being aware of exceptions helps avoid overlooking any aftermarket or special equipment.

Summary

On a 2010 Audi Q5, the main 12‑volt battery is not in the engine bay but in the rear cargo area, beneath the floor on the right-hand side, behind a trim panel near the spare wheel well. Access involves lifting the cargo floor, exposing the spare tire region, and removing a side or top cover to reveal the battery. Under the hood you may find designated jump-start points, but not the actual battery itself. Audi uses this rear-mounted layout to improve weight distribution, free up engine-bay space, and protect the battery from excess heat. When working on the battery, follow standard safety practices, use a compatible replacement, and be aware that some vehicles may require electronic “registration” of the new unit to maintain proper charging behavior.

What size battery is in the 2010 Audi q5?

The 2010 Audi Q5 battery size is typically Group Size 49 (H8) or 47 (H5), with H6 (H6) also being an option. It is recommended to use an AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) battery and confirm the exact requirements with a professional before purchasing and installing a replacement.
 
Common battery sizes and specifications

• Group 49 (H8): This is a common option, often requiring AGM technology, with specifications such as 850 CCA and 170 RC (Reserve Capacity). 
• Group 47 (H5): Another frequently used size, this battery type can include EFB (Enhanced Flooded Battery) or AGM, with specs like 650 CCA and 110 RC. 
• Group H6: Some vehicles may use this size, which is also known as 48, with specifications like 760 CCA and 95 RC. 

Important considerations

• AGM batteries: These are recommended for modern vehicles with high power demands, like the Q5, and typically offer longer life than standard batteries. 
• Professional installation: Audi vehicles often require battery registration to the vehicle’s computer after replacement. It is best to have a qualified technician perform the installation. 
• Part number: The genuine Audi part number for a 2010 Q5 battery is 8K0915105C or 8R0915105. 

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

Where are the battery terminals on an Audi Q5?

So to get to that. You need a little screwdriver. Get a little screwdriver. And put it in this little slot right here. And this will lift up i already did it it’s just a little little tab.

Where is the battery on the Audi A5 2010?

The 2010 Audi A5 battery is located in the trunk, underneath the spare tire. To access it, you’ll need to remove the trunk floor cover, then lift out the spare tire and its protective plastic cover.
 
This video shows the process of finding the battery in the trunk of an Audi A5: 1mRastaman BuildsYouTube · Nov 20, 2019

• Locate the battery: Open the trunk and lift the carpeted floor panel. 
• Remove the spare tire: Unscrew the center retaining bolt and lift the spare tire out of the well. 
• Access the battery: Remove the plastic cover that was sitting on top of the spare tire to get to the battery. 

You can also watch this video to see how to access the battery in an Audi A5: 1mThe Machanix GarageYouTube · Sep 24, 2021