Where to jump on an Audi A5?

To jump-start an Audi A5, connect to the vehicle’s designated jump-start points: positive to the red-covered 12V terminal and negative to a solid ground on the engine or chassis. If the battery sits in the trunk, there is an under-hood jump terminal and a suitable grounding point in the engine bay. Always refer to the owner's manual or seek roadside assistance if you’re unsure.

Jump-starting procedures can vary slightly by model year and whether the 12V battery is located in the engine bay or the trunk. Audi’s modern A5 models often use a 12-volt AGM battery and multiple safety features that affect how you connect jumper cables. The following guidance covers the common configurations and emphasizes safety and proper sequence to minimize risk to electrical systems.

Battery locations and jump-start points

Most Audi A5 variants place the 12V battery in one of two ways, and each setup has a designated jump-start point to use with jumper cables. The goal is to provide a clean, safe path for current from a donor vehicle to the A5 without creating sparks near the battery or damaging electronics.

• Battery in the trunk (common in many A5 models). In this setup, there is usually a jump-start terminal accessible from the engine bay (a red-cap post) for the positive connection. The negative clamp should be attached to a solid, unpainted metal point on the engine or chassis, away from the battery.


• Battery in the engine bay (less common but possible on some trims or older variants). The positive terminal is typically under a red cover on the battery itself, and the negative clamp goes to a grounded point on the engine block or a dedicated grounding bolt in the bay.

Whichever configuration your car uses, avoid placing clamps on moving parts or near hot surfaces, and never let the clamps touch each other during connection. If you cannot locate a jump-start terminal or a reliable ground point, consult the owner’s manual or contact roadside assistance.

Step-by-step jump-start procedure

The following steps assume you have a donor vehicle with a healthy battery and jumper cables that are in good condition. If any step feels unsafe, stop and seek professional assistance.

1. Park the donor vehicle close enough to the Audi A5 so the cables reach, but do not let the vehicles touch. Engage parking brakes and keep both transmissions in Park (automatic) or Neutral (manual).


2. Turn off the ignition, radios, and all electrical accessories in both vehicles. Remove keys from the ignition if applicable.


3. Open the hoods and locate the jump-start points on the Audi A5: the positive terminal with the red cover (or the designated jump terminal if the battery is in the trunk) and a solid grounding point for the negative clamp.


4. Connect the positive jumper clamp (red) to the donor car’s positive terminal first, then connect the other end to the Audi A5’s positive jump terminal.


5. Connect the negative jumper clamp (black) to the donor car’s negative terminal, and connect the other end to the Audi A5’s grounding point (engine block or designated chassis ground). Do not connect directly to the dead battery’s negative terminal if possible.


6. Start the donor car and let it run for a few minutes to deliver a charge to the A5. If the A5 does not crank after a short period, wait a bit longer or re-check connections.


7. Try starting the Audi A5. If it starts, leave both engines running and carefully remove the cables in the reverse order: first the black clamp from the Audi’s grounding point, then the black clamp from the donor, followed by the red clamp from the Audi, and finally the red clamp from the donor.


8. Keep the Audi A5 running for at least 20–30 minutes (ideally while driving) to help recharge the battery. If the car repeatedly fails to hold a charge, the battery or charging system may need professional inspection.

In all cases, if the engine does not start after multiple attempts, or if you notice unusual smells, swelling, or smoke from the battery area, stop and seek assistance. Jump-starting is a temporary fix and may not resolve underlying battery or charging-system issues.

Important safety notes

Handling electrical systems requires caution. These safety tips help reduce risk to you and the vehicle’s electronics.

Key safety considerations:



• Inspect cables for damage or exposed wires; replace them if compromised.


• Keep the vehicles in and around flammable materials away from the battery area to reduce fire risk.


• Avoid touching the clamps together or touching metal on the battery with the clamps while connected.


• Do not attempt to jump-start if the battery case is cracked, leaking, or swollen; call for professional help.


• For a car with Start-Stop technology or modern AGM batteries, ensure the donor car’s alternator charge matches a typical 12V system and avoid overloading the A5’s electricals during the procedure.

When in doubt, consult the owner’s manual, the Audi roadside assistance line, or a qualified technician. Some A5 models require specific jump-start procedures to protect sensitive electronics and the Start-Stop system.

Summary

Jump-starting an Audi A5 relies on using the car’s designated jump-start points and following a careful, standard sequence. Whether the battery lives in the trunk or in the engine bay, identify the correct positive terminal (red-covered or labeled post) and a solid ground point for the negative clamp. Connect in the proper order, start the donor vehicle, then the A5, and remove cables in reverse order. Afterward, drive to recharge the battery and have the system inspected if the battery repeatedly fails to hold a charge.

Related resources

For model-specific details, refer to your Audi A5’s owner’s manual or the official Audi support site. If you’re unsure about any step, contact roadside assistance or a certified technician.