I have a 99 2.8QMS A4 with 106k on it. I had the alternator replaced in August, then two weeks ago the battery light came on. I took the battery to O'Reilly's and they said it was fine. so I dropped the car off back at the shop that did the install of the alternator since there was a warranty. They finally called me today to let me know the car was done. they replaced the alternator for free but charged me $300 for labor to do so. They then told me that my battery is bad and won't hold a charge so that is why the alternator failed, but they didn't replace the battery and it is holding fine at 14V. So the what the hell? Did they just tell me my battery was bad so they could charge me for the alternator labor?

 

if u have a short it could coz it… unplug the battery, measure V on it twice 5-6 hours apart… if it drains bad change your battery…

 

Thanks, I'll try that when I get home...and then 5 hours after that.