Hi gents, was hoping I could get some feedback on an issue I'm having. I drive a 2004 A6 2.7T S-line with about 111k miles.

After returning from a 10 day vacation, I went to start it with no luck. Didn't crank, and no lights came up, figure it must be the battery right? I had it jumped, but after driving it for a half a mile, it stalled and died on me while sitting at a stop light. Couldn't get it started so I had to get it jumped a second time. Afterwards, made sure to drive it on a faster road to make sure the battery was charged all the way for about 20-30 mins. As soon as I pulled over and let it idle for more than a few minutes, it stalled again on me.

I'm having it looked at the shop this week, but I'm curious if anyone has had a similar problem. Is it time for a new alternator? Defective battery maybe?

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

 

You don't mention how old the battery is, but I suspect it is failing to hold a charge. The fact that the car runs after it is jumped indicates it is running off of the alternator. An Autozone or equivalent can test your battery and alternator (charging system) for free. If you have to change the battery, be careful you don't lock up your radio. If the radio loses power completely, it locks in order to discourage theft. You can buy a cigar lighter gizmo with a battery that puts a small charge through the system and keeps the radio alive.