i got an 01 quattro and just like the title reads, one day it starts fine, next day ill need a jump anytime i wana drive somewhere, then day after that itll fire rite up all day long-fine as wine. the alternator has been replaced roughly a year ago and the battery was replaced roughly 6 months ago so im wondering if its a loose connection of somesort or electrical related?? it hasnt been really cold here (ohio) been around 35*-40+* for the most part and ive heard these cars start and act funny during the cold but its never been like this.

the volts will read up and above 14v on most days then other days itll fluctuate aropund the 12ish area. certain days it seems like it has a weak start, kinda forcing itself to start and other days itll fire rite up and just purr. what are some areas you guys could suggest on checking?? thanx for the help

 

called a parts store and he suggested i have a bad ground somewhere?? id rather get some more solid sugestions from some pros like yourselfs.

 

It could be an exposed ground or power wire somewhere. Check the obvious wires, the main + and - cables from the battery, the thick wire going to the alternator, etc. Check them for any splices or exposed wires. Also with the car running disconnect the ground cable from the battery. If the car dies your alternator is bad, if it stays running then you most likely have either a wire exposed somewhere or a bad battery. You can get the battery tested at any parts store for free if you haven't done that already.

 

Like said above, check all the battery's connections for corrosion. Could also be the starter relay aka ignition switch relay but less likey if you can jump the car.

 

awesome man thanx for the help. i had to have it jumped a few times yesterday but the day before and as well as today, ive just fired it right up-no hesitation or nothin. I had the battery just tested and charged at Auto Zone and they said it was a good battery and all that, and i also pulled the ground wire off while it was running and nothing happened. No idle change , no stall out , nothing so im assuming the alt is ruled out for sure as well? again man, thanx alot for the info/help

 

Alt seems fine. My a4 has a volt meter in the cluster so I can always tell the volts or the battery (key on) and the alt (car running). When it's running you should shee about 14v's. Also, the wires, both pos and neg can get corroded and go bad over time.

 

Yea got the voltmeter too and on a "good" day itll read 14v and on the other days its reading around 12v. Im gona look at the wires as soon as I get a chance too. Got a jumpbox n the trunk for the meantime,thanx for the info. Any particular spot the wires go bad at? Again bro thanx for the info

 

Diehard battery service at sears like 15 bucks will tell you exactly what's wrong