2000 Beetle TDI, Changing Battery

[mrsparky637]

My battery terminals are corroded and I was going to take them loose to
clean them. Couldn't figure the terminal out. How do I get them off? I
took the nut off with the battery cable going to the terminal block on
top of battery box and the nut off of other side. I couldn't see anything
else to loosen them off of the battery posts. I know it is probably simple,
but its too cold outside to piddle with it!
Any tips, tricks,pictures or links to info would be appreciated!
Thanks

[BTM]

I am having that exact same problem on my 98 Beetle. Cold weather and everything. While cleaning the cake of corrosion on the positive terminal, I noticed further damage. The cable going from the positive terminal to the electrical box which sits on top was so corroded that it broke off. I cannot find the replacement part online and am considering splicing and applying electrical tape to bond the wire.... unless someone else has better advice for me.

[veedubmechanic]

Purchase the wire from the vw dealer. ITs problably a 5-10$ part. That wire is very needed because it supplies power to the main fuse box (on top of battery) which supplies power to all your main electrical consumers-
-coolant fans
-interrior fuse box
-headlights/tailights
-ecm

[BTM]

I bought a wire from Wal-Mart which I thought would fit. Unfortunately, I could not get the electrical box open without breaking it. So I just spliced the wire coming from the box with the new wire I bought and attached it to the battery. It works like a charm now. I had to charge the battery first, but at least my wire is not going to break again.