Battery Advice

[Tintopracer]

I'm looking for some advice please as my other half has just inherited a 1.6 auto following her aunt's death.

Unfortunately due to illness the aunt wasn't able to use her car for almost a year; as a result the battery's well and truly dead. Also the car's in a garage facing in so can't get jump leads to the battery to try that or even get some power for basic functions (more below). I don't have a booster so will look to replace the current battery. Also, its an auto so it seems to have locked in park due to the dead battery ??

I've read Capncol's advise on what to do but have a couple of further questions:

1. as the battery's had it, there's no power to lower the window as recommended; if the mrs sits in the car whilst I replace the battery will this be ok to then do the next steps after connecting a new battery;

2. is the dead battery likely to be the reason that the car's stuck in Park?

Also, if anyone has any recommendations for particular battery brands (and retailers), I'd really appreciate it. At the moment its got an AA one, but I'd pick a Bosch as a default option.

Also, should there be a battery cover. There isn't one at the moment but from the handbook it looks like there should be one. I know, a bloke reading the handbook whatever next!

[Capncol]

If battery is so dead you don't even have dash lights, you can just replace it as the BSI will be well & truly asleep.
You should have gears when engine is running.
Make sure you get the proper taller battery for the 'CC.
Bosch is good.
Yes, there should be a battery cover.

[Tintopracer]

Thanks for the advice, Col. I'll be back once she's up and running.