Hi all,

I have a A4 1.8T 1999. During the winter, I had trouble starting my car, so I assumed my battery was dead. I replaced the new battery yesterday. However, I suddenly loss the power when I was getting off high way after replacing the battery. I was turning off from the highway, and the battery light came up; then I lost the power. I turned off the car and restarted it. After restarting, the car was fine, and no lights on. But I am really concerned with this.

I called pepboys, and they told me there's something wrong with my alternator. My car has 120,000mi, and I had been suggested to change timing belt and water pupmp last March.

What should I do now? Do I take it in and change the alternator? Does anyone know any good mechanics near Albany, NY? I am a girl, so I am afraid they will over-charge me.

Thanks a lot

 

first find good mechanic to check on your alternator, it might be just fine… and 120k isn’t little low for changing t/b, unless it wasn’t done before and u still driving on original timing belt.

 

Edeline-

If the timing belt hasn't been replaced yet I'd get that done ASAP. Also get the water pump, a/c belt, serpentine belt, pulleys, etc. replaced at the same time. Often the t-belt wont even break, but the water pump will and then you're in serious trouble (and $). I'm sure there are plenty of good european car mechanics in Albany, or at least right outside of the city. I'd avoid the dealer if at all possible, you'll get seriously overcharged (not because you're a girl). When you find a mechanic, just make sure you're not charged more than an hour's labor to diagnose the problem, that's standard for a quality shop. Take note also that you shouldn't have the mechanic replace or fix anything until they tell you what's wrong with the car. If you've got time, just pick the car up after the diagnosis and post what's wrong in this forum and you'll get more advice. good luck!

LampyB.

 

I think your car is drive by wire. Do a throttle body alignment.