AUDIos my migos

My battery has died in my car, I bought a new battery today and this light came on, could it mean the alternator isn't charging my battery properly?

Walpole5

Check the voltage at the battery terminals with the car running. You should see around 14V, it you see 12V, then the battery is not being charged and the alternator could be the problem.

AUDIos my migos

it's a 12v battery though, I went to Audi because no place had my battery where I live and it's the oem battery. I'm guessing it works the same way? It would save like 10v if it wasn't charging?

B5in

Yes your battery is 12v but your alternator puts out 14v to help run the electronics and charge the battery. Sometimes you just need to drive it a day or 2 and it should go away

AUDIos my migos

Okay I understand now, but yeah the first couple starts it wasnt going off. But this morning I started it and it's off. If it comes back up I'll get it tested

Coosagal

IF you replace an alternator do you have to replace with an Audi alternator or can you use an aftermarket one?

Mister Bally

My son replaced his original alternator in his '03 TT that was 15 years old with 190,000 miles. He bought and aftermarket (new, made in Mexico) from Auto Zone with a "lifetime warranty". It lasted less than 3 years. He was given a replacement and told by Auto Zone that this free replacement is your warranty claim. No additional warranty coverage.

Buy the OEM Bosh part if you can afford it.

Coosagal

my mechanic put an OEM in. Light came back on, they warrantied it and put another OEM in. Light came back on. I took car to another shop and they said need Audi alternator. I mean the failed alternator light came on within a week each time. I’m putting an Audi alt in now but I’m stressing as to whether this is going to fix the problem. Shop has checked grounds, wiring harness and fuses so not sure what else it can be. Anyone else had this problem.