Alternator failure related to mild hybrid system?

[Alrawis]

5 hours ago, Mark2 said:

The fact that thevAA ‘ found not charging’ should be enough to pin point the Alternator.

Yeh AA guy said it’s the alternator. Can’t be anything else as battery isn’t charging and you’ve just done a motorway run

[Alrawis]

5 hours ago, budgie55 said:

Finally managed as of start of this week get my car back. Was the alternator, not sure what they did to discuss with Audi UK (given it wasn't flagging fault codes post me wiping the first lot with VAGCOM (facepalm)) but it was all replaced free of charge. Shout out to Adam at Audi Bolton who actually was proactive eventually in getting it sorted and working around the "computer says no" piece.

Hope you get sorted Alrawis quickly and with as little fuss as possible.

That’s awesome, congrats!

Will be taking it in next week as currently away with work.

They've already told me the workshop is full, parts can be difficult to get, we need to examine it ourselves, can’t say anything until then.

Given up on Audi. Hopefully, once it’s fixed I’m going to sell it straight away.

I did simultaneously contact Audi UK who had this to say about online forums

” I understand that customers may wish to carry out personal research on the problem presented. However, whilst such internet sites are often a useful source of information, they do not provide a complete picture. The content of internet forums is often based on personal opinions, rather than facts established by diagnosis of the vehicle from an approved Audi Centre.“

I found that funny 🤣 

[a123simpson]

I have a 2019 Q7 and my alternator failed whilst on holiday in France just over a week ago. I have RAC European breakdown cover so my car was taken to a local garage. Fortunately for me the garage was too busy and could not do the work. My car was then taken to an Audi dealership and to my complete surprise they told me Audi would cover everything under warranty! I will be collecting my car on Tuesday this week just before we return home on Thursday. I thought I was looking at a bill of approx £3k. I also read about the lawsuit in the US on faulty alternators but could not find anything about this in the UK until I found this thread. I have owned Audi’s for years and found them to be very reliable cars with generally good service. However, not being upfront with customers on this issue and informing them faulty alternators have an extended warranty is very poor. I wonder how many owners have paid for the replacement just because there dealership initially pushed back.

[CmdtMike]

I had posted under another heading, have lost the stop start function and thought that I had reset it while connecting a trailer. However I now have the dreaded Yellow Battery warning and so fear that I am about to join this club.

Car booked into Exeter Audi on Monday

[Alrawis]

Good luck! Mine has been recovered to Cheshire Oaks Audi today.

Let the fun times begin!

[CmdtMike]

Update to previous post. On the way to Audi dealership, Red battery light on, various other alarms, now awaiting recovery ☹️

[Alrawis]

1 hour ago, CmdtMike said:

Update to previous post. On the way to Audi dealership, Red battery light on, various other alarms, now awaiting recovery ☹️

Yup that’s exactly what happened to me. Welcome to the alternator club officially.

Hoping they get things sorted for us with no headache.

[Alrawis]

Just to update. Audi Cheshire Oaks playing ball and immediately confirmed it was the alternator and have agreed to replace under extended warranty service.

No parts but on back order from Germany and expecting to take 7-10 working days for the new part to arrive.

phew! loved the car, but after this experience I’m thinking of selling 

Edited October 8 by Alrawis

[Mark2]

I think that is a reaction we all have, let’s get out. However that could be out of the frying pan into the fire as most modern cars have their issues. My thoughts have been - I have been through this now understand the warning signs will take immediate action to turn every non essential electrical circuit off and drive to a dealer or safe location. I have a spare alternator in my garage, which I take on continental trips so I can get any competent garage to replace it. That way I am comfortable to manage any future failures.

[CmdtMike]

Looks as though I am now I facing the same situation as Dadsq7

Exeter Audi can find no fault showing on the Alternator. And want me to authorise another £1000 plus while they start ripping the car to bits, in the hunt for where the fault might be.

my feeling is also that like Luke, I just go ahead and get them to change the starter/generator and keep my fingers crossed that this is the problem.???? The odds seem to be stacked in favour of this, as opposed to blindly following the wiring in the direction of the regulator and battery.

it shouldn’t come to that. The car obviously won’t start/function correctly and yet no faults can be found. Surely this is a basic fault with the vehicle, that I shouldn’t be faced with sorting.

 

[Audi Death Trap]

If there are no fault codes and yet there is blatantly a fault when there is a known issue across multiple models then surely the starting point must be the alternator whether there is a code or not. The alternator is either charging the battery or it isn't.

[Bingomighty]

I have joined the club. My UK purchased A7 55 tfsi MY 2019 had a complete electrical failure on a French motorway on Monday.

BSG failure diagnosed by French Audi dealer who was unable (or unwilling) to process warranty claim with Audi France. After some discussion, Audi UK have confirmed that it will reimburse the repair cost under the 7 year extended warranty.

French labour rates are much cheaper than at UK Audi dealers.

[Lily2024]

Another one bites the dust…

I purchased my 2020 Q3 from Wakefield  last June. I’ve done less than 30,000 miles. Dealer gave us a 12 month warranty so expired 4 months ago however yesterday the dreaded electrical failure alert came up on the dashboard. Bearing in mind it was 3pm on a Sunday meaning all garages shut, we headed for home in the hope that we’d make it but within 5 miles we watched the car fail one issue at a time flashing on the dashboard and then we were stuck without power on the bend of a country road with our 9 month old baby in the back and dog in the boot. Thank god there was a lay-by not too far ahead and we had some momentum to glide into it otherwise it would have been extremely dangerous. AA came out (at our cost…) and confirmed that it was the alternator hence I’m here doing some research & trying to understand this 7 year extended warranty.

Wakefield is not our local dealership however I phoned them this morning as a first point of call. They denied any knowledge of the 7 year warranty. Phoned our local garage in Southampton to book in for the repair and asked them about it too and they said they wouldn’t know as they aren’t warranty trained(?!) and gave me Audi customer services number. I haven’t called them yet. 

I have to admit I’m not totally clued up in the car world and I’ve never broken down before! So I suppose my question is, those that have successfully got the alternator replaced under the warranty, did you get this approved by the dealership or Audi UK? If it’s the dealership and you’ve been supported by them in getting the cost covered by Audi, do you think my local dealership will help or best to deal with the one I purchased from? How do I prove I know about the 7 year warranty being a “thing” as I can’t find any information from Audi online - only on here - so I just don’t want to get fobbed off. Trying to prepare my case as they can’t even see the car until next Monday so want to gather as much knowledge as possible ahead of time. Thanks in advance! What a nightmare for us all.

Edited October 14 by Lily2024

[Lily2024]

On 10/11/2024 at 4:11 PM, Bingomighty said:

I have joined the club. My UK purchased A7 55 tfsi MY 2019 had a complete electrical failure on a French motorway on Monday.

BSG failure diagnosed by French Audi dealer who was unable (or unwilling) to process warranty claim with Audi France. After some discussion, Audi UK have confirmed that it will reimburse the repair cost under the 7 year extended warranty.

French labour rates are much cheaper than at UK Audi dealers.

Do you mind if I ask how you got hold of Audi UK - email or phone? I’m in similar situation less the France part so it’s good to hear you’ll be reimbursed. Gives me some hope! 

[Audi Death Trap]

I didn't get any support from my local dealership. I had to deal with Audi Executive Office who were far from helpful to start with until I was able to prove with a copy of an internal Audi document on here that a 7-year extended warranty actually existed. Before I was taken seriously I had to have a letter published in my local paper, complain to endless other media outlets and seek legal advice from my insurer. It won't be easy but you must persist relentlessly. And I mean relentlessly. Good luck!

[Alrawis]

22 hours ago, Lily2024 said:

Another one bites the dust…

I purchased my 2020 Q3 from Wakefield  last June. I’ve done less than 30,000 miles. Dealer gave us a 12 month warranty so expired 4 months ago however yesterday the dreaded electrical failure alert came up on the dashboard. Bearing in mind it was 3pm on a Sunday meaning all garages shut, we headed for home in the hope that we’d make it but within 5 miles we watched the car fail one issue at a time flashing on the dashboard and then we were stuck without power on the bend of a country road with our 9 month old baby in the back and dog in the boot. Thank god there was a lay-by not too far ahead and we had some momentum to glide into it otherwise it would have been extremely dangerous. AA came out (at our cost…) and confirmed that it was the alternator hence I’m here doing some research & trying to understand this 7 year extended warranty.

Wakefield is not our local dealership however I phoned them this morning as a first point of call. They denied any knowledge of the 7 year warranty. Phoned our local garage in Southampton to book in for the repair and asked them about it too and they said they wouldn’t know as they aren’t warranty trained(?!) and gave me Audi customer services number. I haven’t called them yet. 

I have to admit I’m not totally clued up in the car world and I’ve never broken down before! So I suppose my question is, those that have successfully got the alternator replaced under the warranty, did you get this approved by the dealership or Audi UK? If it’s the dealership and you’ve been supported by them in getting the cost covered by Audi, do you think my local dealership will help or best to deal with the one I purchased from? How do I prove I know about the 7 year warranty being a “thing” as I can’t find any information from Audi online - only on here - so I just don’t want to get fobbed off. Trying to prepare my case as they can’t even see the car until next Monday so want to gather as much knowledge as possible ahead of time. Thanks in advance! What a nightmare for us all.

The note from Audi U.K. to all dealers about the 7 year extended warranty is in this thread. I attach again for convenience. You just need to make sure your car has the 9GB PR number (can usually be found on inside cover of owners manual).

I just contacted service department at deal and explained situation. They denied knowing anything but once I directed them to the note from Audi U.K. they found it on the system. Ofcourse they will tell you we don’t know if it’s this we need to investigate etc.

Them seeing this note will greatly help though as it alerts them they can claim the money back. I then  took it in they ran diagnostics found it was alternator and got approval from Audi U.K. to carry out free of charge.

No parts at the moment so a bit of a wait.

Ignore Audi U.K., they are of little help just get in touch with your preferred Audi dealer and make them aware of the attached.

Good luck!

 

Edited October 15 by Alrawis

[Lily2024]

20 hours ago, Alrawis said:

The note from Audi U.K. to all dealers about the 7 year extended warranty is in this thread. I attach again for convenience. You just need to make sure your car has the 9GB PR number (can usually be found on inside cover of owners manual).

I just contacted service department at deal and explained situation. They denied knowing anything but once I directed them to the note from Audi U.K. they found it on the system. Ofcourse they will tell you we don’t know if it’s this we need to investigate etc.

Them seeing this note will greatly help though as it alerts them they can claim the money back. I then  took it in they ran diagnostics found it was alternator and got approval from Audi U.K. to carry out free of charge.

No parts at the moment so a bit of a wait.

Ignore Audi U.K., they are of little help just get in touch with your preferred Audi dealer and make them aware of the attached.

Good luck!

 

Thanks so much, really appreciate that! Fingers crossed mine had the PR number required for it to be covered, I’ll check that today. Glad you managed to get it sorted. Out of curiosity, did Audi give you a courtesy car free of charge as it’s a manufacturer problem? 

[Mark2]

Just an update for everyone that you must pursue Audi UK and do not give up.

Audi UK have now paid for-

recovery charges from the breakdown to delivery to Audi Bath

a courtesy car while the car was in for repair for 6 days

the repair and replacement costs

MY EXTENDED WARRANTY PREMIUM FOR 12 MONTHS GOODWILL GESTURE OF £1000

I think it is quite obvious Audi UK know they have a problem and will do what they can to keep customers on side. So do not give up make a lot of noise as there is no reason my treatment should be any different from anyone else.

[Audi Death Trap]

Audi went out of their way to keep me as far offside and alienated as physically possible. Never again.

[Alrawis]

1 hour ago, Lily2024 said:

Thanks so much, really appreciate that! Fingers crossed mine had the PR number required for it to be covered, I’ll check that today. Glad you managed to get it sorted. Out of curiosity, did Audi give you a courtesy car free of charge as it’s a manufacturer problem? 

They were very quick to tell me we don’t have any cars and left me with nothing

[Alrawis]

1 hour ago, Mark2 said:

Just an update for everyone that you must pursue Audi UK and do not give up.

Audi UK have now paid for-

recovery charges from the breakdown to delivery to Audi Bath

a courtesy car while the car was in for repair for 6 days

the repair and replacement costs

MY EXTENDED WARRANTY PREMIUM FOR 12 MONTHS GOODWILL GESTURE OF £1000

I think it is quite obvious Audi UK know they have a problem and will do what they can to keep customers on side. So do not give up make a lot of noise as there is no reason my treatment should be any different from anyone else.

That’s awesome. Is this because your car was under a particular warranty? Or would this apply to us who are getting things sorted under the 7 years extended warranty?

[Audi Death Trap]

Mine was also entitled to the 7-year warranty but I had to fight tooth and nail to make it happen. The scale of denial, obfuscation and evasion of responsibility from both the dealership and Audi UK reached levels only possible from a premium manufacturer. I don't imagine Dacia or Kia owners have ever hit such a total and complete brick wall. 

[Mark2]

54 minutes ago, Alrawis said:

That’s awesome. Is this because your car was under a particular warranty? Or would this apply to us who are getting things sorted under the 7 years extended warranty?

My RS6 was out of warranty by 3 months, I had no breakdown cover so was exposed. I just made a nuisance of myself writing to Mr Doyle and threatening to write to Audi Germany etc. so I was in the same boat without a paddle as everyone else. I know you should not have to do this but telling Audi UK you are not going quietly got all my costs and a good will settlement so this should be open to everyone.

[PocketsAintEmptyCuh]

19 minutes ago, Mark2 said:

My RS6 was out of warranty by 3 months, I had no breakdown cover so was exposed. I just made a nuisance of myself writing to Mr Doyle and threatening to write to Audi Germany etc. so I was in the same boat without a paddle as everyone else. I know you should not have to do this but telling Audi UK you are not going quietly got all my costs and a good will settlement so this should be open to everyone.

I wonder whether the fact you have a RS6 (although you still had to fight tooth and nail) sways a bit more in your favour than someone claiming this issue for a Q3. I’m 100% of the agreement it shouldn’t as it’s the same issue with the same outcome regardless of vehicle but curious whether that played a part 

[Mark2]

That is also my view that is why I put it out there so anyone else can use my example with Audi UK, if they can do this for one owner they can do the same for everyone. Let’s face it the trauma is the same whether you drive a Q3, RS6 or RSQ8