SparTTan

What a great way to start the week.

On the way into work, the alternator warning light came on (battery symbol). The car seemed to drive fine/normal. I immediately turned off the lights, radio, heater, etc. I checked the manual, which is rather vague on the topic, and it said it is due to a drop or rise in voltage, or the accessory belt is broken. Well the power steering is still working, so I figured it's not the belt. I switched my Passport 8500 to voltage mode and the message "LOW VOLTAGE" displayed. Then after a few minutes, the alternator warning light went out. Then the 8500 showed 10.5 V, then 10.6, then 10.5. Then the alternator light came back on.

I thought maybe a battery terminal was loose, but checked that when I got to work, and both were solidly connected. Any ideas? Is my alternator failing? Anyone else had this happen? How tough is it to replace? Does anyone know how much a new alternator costs?

TTschwing

13.5-13.7 Rich, when car is running. Sounds like something is amiss.....

RafaTT

I just got one from them 3 weeks ago, it's a BOSCH rebuilt, drop in. So far so good and 12 months warranty. Change is easy, about 45 min.

SparTTan

I remember trying to remove the alternator last year when trying to replace the thermostat, and the damn thing wouldn't budge, even after removing all the bolts. It's like it was just wedged in there...

Here are the pictures from that episode. I remember I couldn't even put it back together and had to have it towed in. Would like to avoid that this time.

<img src="http://www.msu.edu/~lytleric/IMG_1966.JPG">

<img src="http://www.msu.edu/~lytleric/IMG_1969.JPG">

SparTTan

Could it be caused by anything else that I wouldn't normally think of? Coolant temp sensor maybe? I'll have to check the codes when I get home tonight -- assuming I make it home!

JustJeff

You sure the belt is tight?

SparTTan

I took a look when I got to work and it was turning fine. I replaced the belt when the timing belt was done this summer. I'll have to take a closer look at it this evening.

JustJeff

Doh! that's right, it's a constant-tension device. Get the alt. load tested. it's easy/fast

SparTTan

Any thoughts on this one? Does this look OK?<ul><li><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Alternator-2000-AUDI-TT-120-amp_W0QQitemZ110003505512QQihZ001QQcategoryZ33573Q QrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem">Alternator on eBay</a></li></ul>

RafaTT

I have a 180 so I did remove he throttle body to gain access, remove the tensioner and the solenoid tray in front of the intake manifold, that's what you'll need to access it. A little PB-Blaster of the slip-nuts will help the removal. Takes about 45 minutes.