George D

I have a 1999 A6 2.8 and the strangest thing happened. The battery light came on and the voltage gauge showed that there was 12 volts . After I drove around for a bit the voltage went up all the way to around 14 and the battery light turned off. Again I started the car the next day and the battery light was on again. It did the same thing again after and the gauge went back up to normal. Then finally today i noticed the battery light was on so i kept on driving and eventually the battery totally went out. I had to get somebody to follow me with jumper cables , I would stop after driving for about 5 miles and need a jump to keep going until i finally reached my destination. I'm thinking the alternator could be bad but is there any other suggestions on what i can check for? Help is greatly appreciated.

4Driver4

Alternator brushes are shot. Replace or rebuild alternator.

2.7Lturbo

x2 deffinantly the alternator brushes

PPGOAL

Autozone can test the alternator and battery for free. Symptoms sound like a failing alternator. Rebuilt units are the way to go unless you have deep pockets. I used a remanufactured 66k miles ago and it's still fine.

nemesisa6

for about 40 dollars shipped, on ebay.

ilsaccente

same happened to me, how difficult is it to repair the alternator on this vehicle?

is it diy?

4Driver4

I would have a shop repair it.

To remove it, you will need to put the nose in service position and pull it out the front.

ilsaccente

OMG, how much is this gonna cost?

4Driver4

Usually a rebuild is between $100 and $200

ilsaccente

just got off the phone with the local import mechanic- labor alone is 3.3 hours! does that sound right? i saw a diy on this forum that had it at 2 hours max, and with basic tools.