joec500

Well my car did not start after I went to the store today, so I got Audi Roadside to get me a jumpstart. After the jumpstart I drove the car around for about 10 minutes to insure a good charge. I get home and turn the car off and restart it right away to make sure it starts. And nothing, but while I was driving, I notice the battery voltage drop from about 14 when the car was just started to under 12 volts after I had been driving around. Does this seem like a battery problem? Would a bad battery drop voltage while driving around?

This battery seemed to die without warning, which seems to be typical of the stock batteries.

I have a 6speed 2001.

Thanks guys.

P. Bauer

either a bad battery or alternator.

joec500

would solely a bad battery cause voltage drops while the engine is idling. When the car started it was at around 14ish volts (according the Volt gauge on the dash) and while the car was idling in my garage it dropped to aabout 12 volts.

Or would this sound more like a typical alternator issue? What are the typcial signs of a failing alternator?

Thanks.

-joe

S4_Cinci (I S'edTFA)

that level (actually 13.5 V) then you have a problem with either the alternator or the voltage regulator (which is integral to the alt.). A battery is bad when it won't hold a charge of more than 12.2 Volts. BTW, 10 min of driving isn't really enough to charge the battery. But based upon your symptoms, I would suspect the alt/regulator for sure - but the problem can be compounded by also having a dying battery at the same time.

Best way to measure battery voltage is with a voltmeter on the battery terminals with the car off. When the battery starts to die, it pulls more current from the alternator - this in turn can cause the alt to fail due to increased output demand. Thus, when you know your battery is dying you should replace it, as waiting will not save you anything and can actually hurt in the long run. Good luck!