Idiots guide to batteries/Alternators

[Dennis_Lish]

Thanks mate. Will Suss that out too

[Ross_T_Boss]

+1 for the 200A fuse. It's in a plastic junction box underneath the expansion tank. Mine was corroded badly causing voltage fluctuation, intermittent non-starting and eventually smoke from melting plastic!

I've recently replaced the alternator (1.5hrs DIY - dealer quotes 5.5hrs) and the battery too, again due to voltage issues, all solved and she'll sit for days now without a drop on the gauge.

[rossi46]

Good work on the alternator

[Dennis_Lish]

+1 for the 200A fuse. It's in a plastic junction box underneath the expansion tank. Mine was corroded badly causing voltage fluctuation, intermittent non-starting and eventually smoke from melting plastic!

I've recently replaced the alternator (1.5hrs DIY - dealer quotes 5.5hrs) and the battery too, again due to voltage issues, all solved and she'll sit for days now without a drop on the gauge.

Thanks for the PM on that one mate. I have taken that fuse out and had a look at the terminals etc and it is all close to immaculate. I cleaned up whatever dirt there was and put it all back together and the issue remains the same. Once warmed up and idling, when put into gear, the battery light begins to flash. I have also noticed that the date/time has reset itself too?

I am going to take it up to a place nearby called "EU-Performance" in Pontyclun for a diagnostics check etc.

Does anybody have prior experience with this place? Reviews I have found seem positive and it allows me to avoid Cardiff Audi whom I have not yet forgiven for the first and only interaction I had with them... Not sure how much regular RS6 work they do but will have a chat to them and see what's what.

[subtacex]

why add additional cost of a flatbed,just ask your local stealer to change the alternator and a local kwikfit for a battery..a no brainer

[bilko1]

why add additional cost of a flatbed,just ask your local stealer to change the alternator and a local kwikfit for a battery..a no brainer

The Kwit Fit guys would never find the battery

[SuprSi]

Would be extremely fun to watch them looking around under the bonet

[Dennis_Lish]

Latest on the problem is that following some further fault finding and investigation, the battery and any electrics have been ruled out and the issue has been found to lie with the alternator, as many on here had suggested. My car has about 79k on the clock and it has not been changed previously so probably inevitable.

When tested, the alternator was fluctuating between 12.6 and 14V and was making some odd noises due to knackered bearings so complete unit has been replaced. I will put up and exact cost once I get home in a few days but I think it was £580-600 inc VAT and labour at Euro Performance in Pontyclun. It is cheaper than my local stealer and they are a great bunch of lads. I would definitely use them again.

The car is running beautifully now so I will make the most of it before the next little surprise comes about..

I now have extra work to do in convincing my wife that my "stupid car" needs a non res...doghouse here I come!

Thanks everybody for your helpful advice

[bam_bam]

I sleep very well most nights of the week, probably because I spend so much time sleeping in the doghouse.

[Dennis_Lish]

Just when I thought I was in the clear, the woes continue....

My brother took the car to collect me from the hospital and it managed about 10 miles before the FXXXing battery light began to flash again, subsequently followed by a host of others including ABS etc, before it proceeded to die in the hard shoulder.

RAC are en route and it will go back to Euro Performance who fitted a new alternator last week, and apparently sorted the original flashing battery light issue.

I cant decide which emotion is stronger-anger at the car dying or fear of what it will cost me...

Any thoughts welcome...

[SuprSi]

Any thoughts welcome...

It's cursed!

Hope it doesn't cost too much to set right.

[Dennis_Lish]

That would certainly explain a lot!

Thanks mate, I hope so too...

[amanda1]

why add additional cost of a flatbed,just ask your local stealer to change the alternator and a local kwikfit for a battery..a no brainer

The Kwit Fit guys would never find the battery

There also some dealers / AA/rac men othat don't know where the battery is either!!
Not mine I might add

[Dennis_Lish]

Having returned the 6 to Euro Performance via RAC breakdown, they investigated and found that the new alternator fitted the previous week was faulty. They are good lads in there and replaced and fitted a new one under warranty without any fuss. We also elected to replace the near 10 year old factory battery as well for good measure.

I got the car back today and it is running perfectly. Very relieved to get the issue sorted without any 4 figure expenditure...

However, now the front brake pad wear indicator light has come on. It never ends! Im just so pleased to have it back that I do not care (until the next bill arrives...)

[rossi46]

Good that all is sorted now.
Was the alternator an OE or aftermarket item? Did the EP guys get it from TPS do you know?