Hi Everybody,
I’m driving a 2000 Audi A6 Quattro that has 189k on it.Yesterday while I was about 8 miles into my drive to an appointment, the redbattery light came on and I heard a “ding” tone. Looking at the voltage meter Isaw that it was showing between “8” and “12”. I turned off the headlights, theheater and the radio and the needle came a bit closer to the “12” and thebattery light went off.
After 4 miles, the needle very suddenly jumped passed the “12”,showing the needle between the “12” & “16”. I turned the heater back on andthings seemed ok. Then the needle started dropping quickly—going to the “8” andwithin 30 seconds, the needle dropped all the way over past the “8” and theengine died.
I got the jumper cables out and—looking as pathetic as I could,stood on the side of the road with the cables. Thankfully someone stopped tohelp (thank you Hatch!) and we put the cables on and it started right up! Afterthanking him, I drove off…
About 3 miles later, same thing happened (needle droppedpast the “8”); car died again. Luckily, the guy stopped to help AGAIN and,after a few minutes, the jump worked and off I drove. Know what happened next?
Same thing! We jumped it a 3rd time and, when itdied, I closed the hood and he gave me a ride back home. When my roommate gothome, we drove to the car and, after tightening the POS cable on the battery,he drove it home the remaining 5 miles without issue.
So I need your thoughts and/or opinions on the diagnostics:Is this a battery-related issue or an alternator issue? I’m thinking it’s thelater but then again I really know nothing about cars.
Thank You all in advance for your help!
Bob

 

Probably the alternator failing, but you could be lucky and it might be a voltage reulator. An Autozone or equivalent will check the charging system and battery for free. A working alternator will charge at 12+ even if the battery cannot hold it. A dead battery won't start the car. Hence my guess.