[20v] Low voltage

[Christopher Gharibo]

I replace the voltage regulator on the stock CQ alternator every few years. The original one lasted like 7 yrs. 

What's the longest lasting voltage regulator out there?

My wife's A6 has 240k miles and has never had the voltage regulator changed. Do they make alternators for CQ that doesn't need the voltage. regulator changed every few years?

On Oct 30, 2015, at 11:08 PM, "theringmeister at triad.rr.com" <theringmeister at triad.rr.com> wrote:

From experience ... VR can be replaced in about 5-10 minutes very easily...and inexpensively. I'd start there if it were me. Alternator can stay put while doing the swap so it's almost a no-brainer. 


Wylie Bean
Too many 20v cars to list at this hour

----- Reply message -----
From: "Christopher Gharibo" <cgharibo at usa.net>
To: <quattro at audifans.com>, <20v at lists.20v.org>
Subject: [20v] Low voltage
Date: Fri, Oct 30, 2015 9:14 PM

I have a '91 coupe. I got a low voltage warning as I am about to start the car but the car started. The voltage gauge went from 10 to 12v. 

As I am driving I noticed the lights are not that bright and the voltage gauge reads 10v and is dipping. I got another low voltage warning. Somehow I got home and started checking the car. 

Alternator belt is tight. Battery is two years old and has never died. I pulled the alternator voltage regulator and the brushes have 1/4" and 1/16" length left. Clearly unevenly worn. 

What should my next step be? I am thinking either swap the voltage regulator or the alternator.

Thank you in advance. 
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