T0M3K

For some time after I started the car, the battery icon would be lit for extended time. Today I was playing with Vag-Com for few hours with ocassional starts, and then this evening sat in the car for almost an hour listening to music (not loud) and the car wouldn't start. The cluster would blank out and time resets. Feels like it's about to crank but I get clicking noise. I will trying jumping and charge the battery. So I have two questions. How can I check alternator if it's working properly (w/o multimeter) and if everything is good, then what battery is perfect replacement

Merkin

unplug the battery with the car running and see if it dies

initialA4

i think block 3 has a battery slot.

Stephen Kormilo

The alternator could give a large voltage spike that would almost certainly 'fry' some electrical components in the car = $$$$$ !

Take the car to an auto electric shop. Most will perform battery/alternator load tests for free.

kevinr

agreed! I was hoping someone would post asap. I was about to...

Merkin

localized at the battery since the entire system is linked

kevinr

you're disrupting the current path, taking away the ground, that will send voltage all over...

Merkin

engine and ECU have 3-4 ground points all over the car.

T0M3K

I always thought battery regulates and provides power to the system.
Anyway, I jumped the car, started w/o problems, run it for two minutes, stop, restart (works fine).
So I guess alternator works, it is just a matter how well battery handles it.
Another thing, my cluster seemed to reset (including Symphony, but didn't ask for code). Now fuel shows as zero and no traction/traction OFF light is lit, I hope all I have to do is just drive around to get it to normal.

Thanks for input

Subliminal

If it's low you'll know your alternator is on its way out.