RE: Erratic temperature gauge

[Dave Shreeve <shreevda@cannondale.com>]

An interesting indicator that my '88 5kcsqw is generating low voltage
after a cold start:
Alpine stereo head unit goes wild, with spastic displays and unique
skills like turning itself on and playing a CD...
This would indicate to me that the voltage at this point is below about
7V - beyond normal operating limits for the Alpine.

This might say something about my idle controller, but it holds at about
1000-1100 when cold.  Might this then say something about the state of
my alternator, with which I have experienced no other noticeable
problems??

-David Shreeve
Newtown, CT

> ----------
> From:
> quk@isham-research.demon.co.uk[SMTP:quk@isham-research.demon.co.uk]
> Sent: 	Wednesday, December 17, 1997 12:50 PM
> To: 	quattro@coimbra.ans.net
> Subject: 	Erratic temperature gauge
> 
> In message <E0xiIg3-0005nu-00@iglou.com> "Douglas Hurst Quebbeman"
> writes:
> 
> > > There are several reasons why the idle controller will
> deliberately raise idle 
> > > from 800 to 1100 or so.  Chief among them is low battery voltage -
> on some 
> > > cars, vehicle motion is another.
> > 
> > When the engine is running, the alternator should be supplying the 
> > electrical needs of the car, including the idle system. So why is it
> > that battery voltage would play a role?
> 
> I didn't design the system - you'll have to ask Audi.  Perhaps Bosch
> told them 
> that 800 rpm (times the pulley diameter ratio) isn't enough for the
> alternator 
> to generate its full output?
> 
> -- 
>  Phil Payne
>  Committee Member, UK Audi [ur-]quattro Owners Club
>