Hey yall, I have a 1996 A4 Quattro and just replaced the alternator (wow that was a long job). So I took the car out since I also flushed the coolant out and added new stuff. The voltage gauge was reading 14 for a few miles, then I gunned it and the gauge dropped to 11.5 or 12. I am stuck at the in-laws house which is about 200 miles from home so my tools are limited. How do I verify the battery is being charged? Thank in advance.

 

Update: I took the car out again and the voltage gauge showed 13.8ish volts and didn't waiver from that. I'm assuming all is good now but only time will tell.

 

If it comes back:

Bad/old battery?
Bad/old serp belt that is slipping when you rev?

 

The battery is brand new. I believe the belt was just slipping. I just got this car and once I pulled the front clip off, it was obvious there was a power steering leak. I think some ps fluid got on the belt cause I've been driving it with no issues. I bought this car for $750 so I knew there would be things to fix.

 

Yep, I too bought mine for not a lot knowing it would take some money to be running again.

Good to know it's a cheap fix if it comes back. Heck you could probably just pull the belt off and clean it with some rubber-safe cleanser instead of buying a new belt.