[V6-12v] 95 audi alternator / temp gauge issue

[Thomas G. Leppke-Hennig]

> Date: Tue, 22 Dec 2009 04:31:15 -0600
> From: Steven Kramer <skramer at mac.com>
> Subject: [V6-12v] 95 audi alternator / temp gauge issue
> To: "v6-12v at audifans.com" <v6-12v at audifans.com>
> Message-ID: <FB2E0195-8D3D-4DDD-A780-1F48EA59A8BB at mac.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed; delsp=yes
>
> Hey guys
>
> Winter time here again in Chicago and having electrical problem with
> my 95 cabriolet. 157k miles.
>
> Car stalled today in traffic. Had combination indicators battery/
> brake. Did not go away with revving engine.
>
> Been noticing it over past few weeks since
>
> Also temp of engine
> Goes up more quickly.
>
> Had sears check their battery and alternator. They said they were
> fine. Maybe the serpentine belt is loose but I don't hear a squeal. Do
> all belts squeal?
>
> Any thoughts
>
> Thanks
>
> Steve Kramer
>
> Sent from Steve's iPhone
>
> On Mar 18, 2009, at 3:56 PM, "Thomas G. Leppke-Hennig"
> <printhead at usinternet.com
>  > wrote:
>


Sears didn't do anything wrong, but the alt could still be bad. A marginal
set of alternator brushes act exactly like that. Fine one day, (or
minute), bad the next.

At 157K, if the alt has never had the brushes replaced, they are almost
certainly worn out. The brushes are part of the voltage regulator. Usually
the brushes are worn out and the regulator is fine. You can replace just
the regulator/brushes and call it a repair, or replace the bearings while
you have it out and call it a rebuild. On the V6s, it is pretty tucked up
in there, so I would be impressed if you could replace the regulator with
the alt installed in the car.

I also agree as was stated in a previous post that all the connections
need to be checked. Battery (+) and ground, battery to chassis ground,
starter wire, alternator wire, alternator chassis to engine block etc etc.
Unfortunately, there is no easy answer here. The system has to be dug
into. Fortunately, it isn't that bad once you are into it. With the car on
jack stands and the belly pan off, the alternator looks really hard to do
but actually come out in a short time. Unhook the (-) lead of the battery
first.

Tom LH
1995 90q