Hi,
Just fitted my new battery noticed the Volts gauge is reading low. Have tried:
1. Engine off 12 volts
2. Engine Off & as much electrical load as possible 10.8 Volts
3. Engine running, first 20/30 seconds 13 volts then drops to 11.6
4. Engine running & as much electrical load as possible 11.0



Strange thing no Red alternator light and the voltage drops after 20 seconds or so.
I'm sure there has been a thread like this on 6sp before?

Any one else had this. I suspect the alternator but.....?????

Thanks
Frank

 

Not sure this helps at all, but it might.

My specific description.
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ml#post2859096
Entire thread
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...y-problem.html
ABS/PMS lights

https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ml#post2829695

 

Hey.. I have the EXACT same problem as you ... took the alternator out and guess what... I WAS NOT the alternator... You can read my thread about it and I am still seeking solution. Let me know if you find something.

Thanks
Frank[/QUOTE]

 

Probably battery or alternator. Always start with the cheapest and easiest then work up. So I would do the battery, then if that doesn't work, alternator. Alternators seem to go on these cars... This time of year seems like the time as well...

 

[/QUOTE]


Not exactly the same problem. You had very good voltage reading all the time see your previous post!
This gentleman here got probably a dead diode (10 volts ????) inside his alternator. Very low voltage all the time which was not your case.....

 

Not exactly the same problem. You had very good voltage reading all the time see your previous post!
This gentleman here got probably a dead diode (10 volts ????) inside his alternator. Very low voltage all the time which was not your case.....[/QUOTE]

Jp... I just thought about it... when I start the car and see that 13.8V, is it because my battery is freshly unplugged from charger ? And then it dies after with time... I have to try something else...

But you know what, When the car is running and I unplug the battery, I can still read 12.5-13.0V....

 

from what I understand, there's 4 things: the battery, alternator, the voltage regulator, the belt/bearing. i think any of these could cause the issue.

 

Thanks for the info,
I have replaced the Battery and Belt ?
How can I read MZ3bo's earlier post I am still a bit new to forums.
I have only just managed my AVATAR

Is the consensus saying the Alternator.
Where is the Voltage Regulator on the car, is it on the Alternator because with a fully charged battery and the engine off the volts are 12.5. Running the voltage starts to show a charge for about 20 seconds then drops to 11.

 

process of elimination, not saying that's the prob. your batts new so that just leaves the other 3 things. if the belt's slipping for whatever reason (water, wear, wheel bearing etc) alt wont charge. if the regulator's failed, it wont regulate. that's all i can think of if the batt and alt are checking out ok.

had my alt taken out. since labor's sunk in already, gonna rebuild the alt and replace the regulator.

http://www.woodauto.com/Component.aspx?Ref=VRG46444

it's on the back of the alternator. so regardless need the pull the unit off.

 

Put new belt on whilst doing all the other repairs. Only leaves 2 things then.
Just a thought, could it be the leads on the back of the alternator.
Small point, just started the car now and voltage is 13 ish. Going for a run to see what happens. Now I am confused

 

Im really no expert and you appear to have much more experience with cars than i do. but if your car is draining the battery post shut off, same as other member, reckon there's something draining the battery same as leaving a light on. that said, even if one left the lights on, the alternator should still provide a sufficient voltage charge given a normally functioning battery. in which case, would infer that the same source draining the batt when the ignition is off is same source pulling voltage from the alternator while it's charging. grounding issue or loose connection somewhere could cause this. i assume your car was working normally for a period prior, and if you didnt touch anything... difficult to understand how a ground wire should come loose or broken, so perhaps something went bad on its own like a fried circuit? if there are no symptoms other than voltage issues, then my guess it has to do with the voltage system itself (as not much else on the car by default has the capacity to drain an alternator other than itself)... and thus by pure speculation, i suggest MAY BE the voltage regulator as a possible cause.

 

so...what is the answer? my 03 TT shows low voltage now this week...it wouldn't start after 4 starts last night...started at home, went out to restaurant, valet started it and shut it off, i started it...but noticed low voltage of 12 or less from usual almost 14....and after gas, i couldn't start... had to start with a jumper...got home fine, 50miles... no alt/batt light... it's just not charging well... i have an optima yellow top battery.... it's either alternator or regulator.... from what i gather here....

does a refurb's alt. come with a new regulator or what?


ok, i have not checked the belt/bearing....

james R
03 TT x50

 

Yours sounds like a bad alternator/voltage regulator. Usually it can be refurbished - especially if it's the voltage regulator - if you find a good shop to do it. Mine cost $400 R&R. Don't let the dealer try to sell you a replacement because those are refurbished too but they charge upwards of $1400 to do it.

 

so, where is the best place to get a replacement alt/regulator for my 03 TT x50 tip ???

jim R

 

I got mines from advance auto parts for 199.