Hi,

I have a 2001 Audi A4 Quattro. This morning I couldn’t start the car and after giving a couple of tries it did start fine and the radio went into a safe mode. I would think this is could be a battery problem. Is that right?

As I have the extended warranty I called the dealer and he said battery will not be covered under the warranty I have. He gave an estimate of $250 for replacing the battery and resetting the radio code. Is that $250 a fair price? Sorry I never had a problem with the car so I am not aware of all these charges.

Is there any place other than the dealer that I can test the condition of my battery? The dealer will charge anyway for his time if I take this problem to him. If yes then where can I test the battery before going to the dealer and how much do they charge to test?

Thanks in advance for all the inputs.

 

Do you have your radio code?

$250 is a rip-off. Just buy your own battery and install it your self.

 

Thanks for the inputs. Yes, I think I do have the radio code.

Any recommendations on the battery (brand name, model etc.)and a place where I can buy it. Will they install it for free if I buy a battery with them? Will this void my additional warranty.

Thanks,
RCil

 

I paid $65 for a Duralast #48 at AutoZone last year.
I think Costco and WalMart may also carry this size.

 

Thanks. I went to AutoZone and the folks recommended using the Duralast #94 ($119) which is bigger in size as I have the bigger battery in my car. After installing the battery everything worked fine and after running some test the AutoZone service person told me my alternator is bad and it will never charge the battery as it is charging at the max of 6.6.

Is the alternator covered in the extended warranty? If not can I know where can I buy one and who can install? Any estimate how much does the dealer charge?

Thanks in advance for all the inputs.

 

optima red top FTMFW. best battery money can buy.

 

Not sure what is covered under your extended warranty. That is between you and the company your bought it from. Read the details of the warranty you signed. It will tell you what is covered. If the car is Audi certified pre-owned extended warranty, you may be golden.

 

if not under your warranty for the altenator,,, why not go to a local parts store order one then get a local mechanic to fit it . !!! save some $ ,
just remember to park on a slope for the time being!!!

 

If the voltmeter reads 14V , while daytime driving, no heavy
draw, your alernator should be good.

 

Thanks to all.

Yes I do have the Audi pre-owned extended warranty till Aug 07. Do guys think will that be covered in this warranty? Will the dealer get mad as I changed my battery on my own?

Thanks