I have a 2002 Audi A6 which is not driven much - I average 3000 miles per year. Thus, it sits in the garage much, which does the battery no good.

Regardless one morning it would not start. I brought out my trickle charger and charged the battery, 30 minutes later it started fine.

A few days after this occurence, I noticed that while driving the car, the dashboard volt meter was reading 6-8 volts (while driving down the highway). Obviously when I turned the car off, it did not restart.

Thus, I plugged the trickle charger back in and 30 minutes later the volt meter showed 14 volts, car started and I drove off again.

Then I did not drive it for a few days, now when I attempt to start it, all I get is a repeated, fast, clicking sound.

I have tried charging the battery until all of the lights are on, the stereo works, etc. Still will not start.

I am perplexed if this is just a severely dead battery, an alternator, or the starter - or all three.

Any ideas?

Thanks,
-Marc

 

Dead battery.

Bob

 

When the voltimeter is showing significantly less than 14 volts, your alternator is bad. I know mine drops to 12-13 when I put a very heavy load on it (e.g., Xenon brights, radio, fan, running radar detector and GPS). Otherwise it barely moves.

If the goes-outa voltage is greater than the the goes-inta voltage, the battery will drain.

Take it to Autozone for a free test of the battery and alternator. They do sell batteries for Audi for about $139 with 8-year guarantee.