2 batteries in Phaeton

 Wires galore

Am slowly learning the intricacies of the Popemobile.  It has two batteries, both in the trunk.  One is for starting, the other is for accessories.  But there's more to it.

1. If the starter battery's charge is depleted, the accessories battery will automatically take over to start the car.
2. At temperatures below 10 degrees C, the batteries will work in tandem to start the car.
3. When an airbag is deployed, an explosive charge (!) will detonate and disconnect the starter battery at the positive terminal.

Info via PanEuropean, Phaeton guru extraordinaire.

BTW, the frozen tie rods issue is no more.  The local mom-and-pop shop used equal parts penetrating lubricant, patience, and strategically placed thwacks of a hammer to loosen the tie rods.  Thereafter, they were able to complete the wheel alignment job.