2005 3.2L A6 Alternator replacement help

[Ntatum]

So I have a 2005 A6 3.2L that has been throwing random codes and most recently ESP faults while driving. I know from a previous experience at the dealership that the alternator is not providing continuous stable voltage, and according to a TSB from several years ago, an ESP fault can be directly related to a faulty alternator. I'm assuming that if I replace the alternator I can clear up 99% of the problems DTC's and the ESP fault. Working on that assumption I plan on replaceing the alternator, however I cannot find any concrete information on the good old interwebs about replacing the alternator. I was looking at it and I assume that I can remove the splash guard from underneath the engine/wheel well area to get at it. Is that a viable option? I've seen mention of a service position( but nothing about a c6 service position), but I just can't find any information on the proper procedure to remove/replace the alternator. I'm stuck!

[huffy15]

Hi,

I made some screenshots from ElsaWin for you. That's the official guide used in dealership

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Happy new year

Julien

[Ntatum]

Thanks a ton! I was tinkering around with it this morning and was wondering how to slack the belt. I blasted the alternator with QD contact cleaner, hoping that a little cleaning would clear it up. No change to the ESP fault. Has anyone else had an ESP fault while driving?

[huffy15]

You can scan your car with vcds if you have the chance.

[mk1scott]

Ntatum - Did you source a replacement alternator yet? I'll need to replace mine shortly and curious where you sourced the part and for how much...

[NeunElf]

Ntatum - Did you source a replacement alternator yet? I'll need to replace mine shortly and curious where you sourced the part and for how much...

These guys have good pricing and great service;

http://www.rmeuropean.com/

[Fmscell]

Usually a poor alternator will throw a battery light. You should be looking for ESP or ABS codes & diagnose the code.

[mk1scott]

http://www.rmeuropean.com/

Thanks! Although this sparks a follow-up question (and I hope I'm not derailing this thread) but is it a 150amp or 180amp alt? The site linked shows 150 where other sites were showing 180. Can someone shed some light?

[Ntatum]

I got a 180 amp replacement from autozone of all places, it was $200. I had the A6 in the dealership to T/S a failed rear window defrost, and the verdict was a faulty alternator. Supposedly it was not supplying a steady voltage. I suppose if this doesn't fix the overall electrical problem I will take her back to the dealership. I was considering just ordering the rebuild kit myself. I was looking through several TSB's and they noted that an errant ESP fault was attributed to a fault in the electrical system. If this doesn't work, back to the dealership......

[Ntatum]

I got the alternator changed out and she fired up stronger than she had been. I think the replacement might have a slight fitment issue however. There is a chirp from the belts, and the belt slides partially off the idler and tensioner pulley. No change to the ESP fault however. I don't have an OBD2 or vagcom, so I have to wait until tomorrow to get the codes scanned, as well as bench testing the old alternator.

[FL C6 Avant]

I think the replacement might have a slight fitment issue however. There is a chirp from the belts, and the belt slides partially off the idler and tensioner pulley.

This is precisely the reason why one must be extremely vigilant when sourcing/installing non-OEM parts.
Generally more expensive, sometimes have to wait--but they always fit and 99+% of the time work properly from the get.
be careful with an AZ scan of your alt. they typically like to tell you "good' or "bad"--like that is quantifiable.
ask for measured output voltage and current.

[Ntatum]

It wasn't that the alternator had fitment issues, the belt wasn't 100% lined up on the pulley. Had the DTC's read, and it was P2296. Ordered a new fuel regulator and hope to have that installed today. I scheduled an appointment at the dealership for monday to have the ESP fault checked out.

[Perlera]

Did you ever figure this out? i have the same problem with the same car.