mmasner

Hi Everyone,

Back again for more advice. Here is what happened (I didn't know until it was too late!) Wife started 2001 Audi Allroad. Battery light came on, voltage was below 12, she was driving to work and voltage dipped down to 8 while accelerating, lost power steering and car basically died in parking lot. Battery is now dead. I'm thinking classic bad Alternator. I haven't made it to the car yet, or run Vagcom. I'm also going to check the alternator belt, battery terminals, anything else? Thanks in advance for any advice.

G0to60

Sounds like an alternator problem to me. Also check the wiring to the alternator. Slim chance that something came loose.

mmasner

Will do, I should have noted that my wife got the oil changed and a fuel injector treatment, and this issue arose a day later. Wonder if something was knocked loose? Thank you for the feedback.

PaperToast

+1

whats the miles on your ar?
if its 130k+, my money is on the alternator, mine died right around 150k

mmasner

It's around 110k but it's an '01, so time has also taken it's toll. Pulled the battery out yesterday, charged it at home, then put it back in so I could drive to the mechanic. Started right up and ran fine off the battery, so pretty sure it's the alternator. Thanks for the reply.

09mehashaw

Voltage regulator, but due to how big of a PITA it is just replace the entire alternator.

all(over)road

yep, X2...a bad voltage regulator would be my bet. BTDT.

Re-manufactured ones from Audi aren't exactly cheap. Is there anyone local to you that can re-build and/or put in a new regulator?

mmasner

Thanks Guys, that's what I figured, appreciate the response, I'll update once I hear from the mechanic. Wish I could fix myself but I just don't have the time for this one!

Kristopher

I just went through this as well on my 2002.

After re/re the alt 3 times, I've learned that the 'aftermarket' jobbers don't play well with the Audi electronics.

The exciter wire in my case and others I've researched don't send out quite 12v to kick the alternator's regulator into charging mode on aftermarket alternators (the bosch reman I picked up).

I had the OEM alt rebuilt and all is well.


food for thought.

mmasner

Thanks for the heads-up. I did have the alternator replaced and everything runs fine now. I'll definitely hang onto the original just in case. Appreciate everyone's advice.