Daremo_06

Alternator is acting oddly last few days. I will notice the battery light coming on while idling at a light or stop sign and I am only seeing 8-10 V while its on. If I crank up the RPMs, I can get it to go out and it will stay out for a period of time and voltage comes back up to around 14. I drove it the whole way to work this AM (32 miles) and didnt see the light at all.

So this is most likely the voltage regulator. Couple of quick searches this morning netted me a few part numbers.

On ECS's site, I found this.

Mfg Part#038903803EX
ECS Part#ES#2580920

And its listed for the B5 S4 2.7t which is the same motor as the A6. This regulator should work correct?

Also, is it possible to change the regulator in the vehicle? I haven't crawled under it yet to look, just doing the internet research this morning.

Lastly, if thats not possible, or if the VR isnt replaceable, I am assuming pulling the alternator is an order of magnitude more annoying than the C4 2.8 v6? In other words, I MUST put the nose in service position to access it correct?

Thanks!
R.

4Driver4

For the amount of labor involved, just change the whole unit. Call Joe at Axis Motorsports to make sure you get a good unit that fits.

Daremo_06

And replacing the regulator if that's whats failing, gets me back on the road with minimal downtime. Unless of course, you *HAVE* to pull the alt to get at the regulator. On the type 44, you could swap the VR in the vehicle, so curious if that is still possible with the C5?

4Driver4

Same labor either way, hence my suggestion.

You're going to need to put the nose in service position and pull the whole unit out the front.

Daremo_06

Joy... well that will give me something to do on this rainy Saturday...

Airbag

service position really isnt that bad and nothing to be afraid of . i can do it in about 15 minutes, but i have done it before many times. Only "special" tool i would say is a pair of hemostats so you can pinch off the line for the headlight squirters.. or use channel locks with a rubber sleeve over them. other than that its pretty easy ..

4Driver4

...and you're not rockin' twin intercoolers. ;-)

Daremo_06

Yep...

Its a little longer than 15 min, but not the end of the world...

Airbag

true ... but what speed i lack on the road .. i gain in the driveway