The Audi Gods smile...

[Enzeder]

I thought the alternator on my 5k was dying.  After 5 minutes, it would 
stop charging.  However, it's the only vehicle I have with a hitch, and I 
needed to haul a trailer.  I was about to post a request for ideas as I'd 
checked the things I knew to look for (blue wire, connections, ground 
strap, etc) without success.  I was beginning to think the brushes or 
rectifier was toast.

The car had been sitting for several weeks while I drove the V8.  So last 
night I hooked up a charger, and also prepared a charging pack.

However, I got up this morning, made my run (about 30 mins), and the 
alternator kept charging.