2000 Audi A3 Possible Battery/Alternator issues
Discussion
I just had my A3 serviced last week (annual service), came through fine.
Last nite, the battery light came on about 10 minutes later followed by my ABS light and then soon after my Airbag light.
Got home and it seemed to go away by itself, especially when switching the headlights on and off.
On the way to work this morning, same thing happened. Dashboard lights dimmed, heated switched off, radio went off...so I revved the car while stationary and everything went away. I have a feeling this is a temporary fix though.
Anyone have any ideas what this could be? I had my thermostat replaced during the service and maybe there's been a consequent bad earth of the battery? I'm hoping it's not the alternator as it's not cheap
Last nite, the battery light came on about 10 minutes later followed by my ABS light and then soon after my Airbag light.
Got home and it seemed to go away by itself, especially when switching the headlights on and off.
On the way to work this morning, same thing happened. Dashboard lights dimmed, heated switched off, radio went off...so I revved the car while stationary and everything went away. I have a feeling this is a temporary fix though.
Anyone have any ideas what this could be? I had my thermostat replaced during the service and maybe there's been a consequent bad earth of the battery? I'm hoping it's not the alternator as it's not cheap
Got the battery and alternator checked yesterday:
Alternator only providing 10V to the battery which is less than it should be - alternator is failing - a nice £250 bill (at least)
Had a feeling it was the alternator, had the telltale signs as per this page http://auto.howstuffworks.com/under-the-hood/diagn...
Alternator only providing 10V to the battery which is less than it should be - alternator is failing - a nice £250 bill (at least)
Had a feeling it was the alternator, had the telltale signs as per this page http://auto.howstuffworks.com/under-the-hood/diagn...
Did the same, people who fitted the thermostat check the alternator.
Is most probably coincidence that the alternator has gone faulty, but..........
The official insructions to replace the thermostat say remove alternator, its in the way on the 1.8T, (most people dont and use a special socket to get to the thermostat housing bolts) is posible there is simply a loose connection if they had the alternator off. I take it the alternator belt isnt slipping.
Is most probably coincidence that the alternator has gone faulty, but..........
The official insructions to replace the thermostat say remove alternator, its in the way on the 1.8T, (most people dont and use a special socket to get to the thermostat housing bolts) is posible there is simply a loose connection if they had the alternator off. I take it the alternator belt isnt slipping.
Tame Technician said:
Did the same, people who fitted the thermostat check the alternator.
Is most probably coincidence that the alternator has gone faulty, but..........
The official insructions to replace the thermostat say remove alternator, its in the way on the 1.8T, (most people dont and use a special socket to get to the thermostat housing bolts) is posible there is simply a loose connection if they had the alternator off. I take it the alternator belt isnt slipping.
I didn't know that about the official instructions for replacing the thermostat. I shall be taking it back to the same garage if it does indeed need a new alternator, but I'll most definitely ask about this before getting the work done.Is most probably coincidence that the alternator has gone faulty, but..........
The official insructions to replace the thermostat say remove alternator, its in the way on the 1.8T, (most people dont and use a special socket to get to the thermostat housing bolts) is posible there is simply a loose connection if they had the alternator off. I take it the alternator belt isnt slipping.
Many thanks
Well well...
Turns out there was a loose wire and the alternator is indeed fine - I shall reconsider taking my car back to the same place (even though they did remedy it for free (at the 2nd time of asking))
Tame Technician, you just saved me spending £250 needlessly - many thanks indeed
Turns out there was a loose wire and the alternator is indeed fine - I shall reconsider taking my car back to the same place (even though they did remedy it for free (at the 2nd time of asking))
Tame Technician, you just saved me spending £250 needlessly - many thanks indeed
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