xgfuy

Here's the codes from right after the car was dropped off. B+ is the alternator output, right?

SloopJohnB@mac.com

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Airbag

Staying on the Alternator thread for a moment i would highly recommend anyone replacing the alternator on a 2.8 pull it out the front NOT out the bottom. Due the location of the auxillary cooling pump on the 2.8 and associatd bracket it makes taking it out the bottom a real nightmare.
I would highly recommend getting the front far enough forward that you can pull it out the front and up . As mentioned this is not a job for the faint of heart but is definitely doable by a motivated individual as that thing is wedged in there pretty good.

I did it both from the bottom and the front and the front wins hands down ..

Tonytomasi

I have a c5 a6 with the 2.7. Not a A3
read the post, and what A3 has a side mount innercooler. Haters gonna hate, why are you on here, if your not helping others? Time to change your pad.

Ronan McCarthy

To the experts out there or those who have had same problem?

I have a 2011 S5 4.2 on just 53k miles, the alternator is deemed by the garage to need replacing; around £465 ($615) for the part and about the same for the labour.

Symptoms are that you are in idling traffic / stationary, all dashboard illustrations suddenly go out, this seizes up the mechanics so you are stuck, holding up traffic behind. Only way is to switch off, wait a few second and then start again. Sometimes this takes 2-3 attempts. Orange engine warning light comes on then you're good to go. Sometimes then orange warning light doesn't come on next day and car works as perfect for a week or so, until the next random relapse.

Garage says there are too many electrics in modern cars, they have diagnosed the alternator as the common factor in all the electronic issues thrown up by the diagnostic check - not enough power.

Does anyone know if it's right that a car as 'young' as this should need a new alternator / any other ideas or advice welcome.

Regards, RM in London