What is this horrible sound?
#1
What is this horrible sound?
2008 A3
This grating/scraping sound has gotten worse the past couple times I've driven. This last time the car barely started, like the battery was dead (it's almost new).
Obviously I need to take it in, but wondering if anyone can tell what's wrong from the sound? The engine bay smelled like burning electronics...
This grating/scraping sound has gotten worse the past couple times I've driven. This last time the car barely started, like the battery was dead (it's almost new).
Obviously I need to take it in, but wondering if anyone can tell what's wrong from the sound? The engine bay smelled like burning electronics...
#2
It's probably the alternator... Either that or the idler pulley on the accessory belt tensioner is going bad. If it's really an electrical smell, I would suspect the alternator first. You might remove the belt a spin the thing with your hand. It should spin freely and almost silently. Any noises or rattles, there's your culprit. Also I wouldn't recommend driving it until you find the issues for sure. If it is the alternator, it very well could catch fire under the right conditions..
#3
Thanks for the info. I'm pretty familiar with the smell of burning electronics (though it could be heated/burning plastic/rubber too I guess), so sounds like it could be the alternator. I also found a piece of what can only be described as fuzz/link just inside the alternator casing. Not sure if that's relevant. I'll take it to a shop close by tomorrow.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
washyourrhands
S Car Model Line
6
02-14-2008 10:34 PM
jblum
Sights N Sounds
6
04-15-2005 02:00 AM
jblum
Audi A4
42
02-26-2005 10:19 PM