Alternator failure related to mild hybrid system?

[Izzykizi]

On 2/14/2024 at 12:27 PM, ASHAH12 said:

Hi the Alternator on the mild hybrids is covered now from Audi UK for 7 years extended and unlimited mileage. My Q7 is being repaired as we speak under the same issue.

Is that all Q7’s with the hybrid alternator or some? Mine just with Audi now and they said only some batches will be fixed under warranty. But makes no sense, esp if my car of the same year and same failure may not be addressed because batch number doesn’t match. 
 

worried they will just come back with ‘sorry batch number doesn’t match, so can’t help’ 

 

 

 

 

 

[DADSQ7]

I think you’re looking at the sticker in the boot well, or the inside of your handbook, for the code 9G8 to have any chance. Not that it worked out for us, even having that code. 

[Alrawis]

Just to update I had a punt with Audi U.K. asking them to reimburse me for hire car costs (£220) that I incurred as a result of this fiasco and they were great actually and agreed to reimburse.

 

make sure you ask Audi U.K. after your repairs for any expenses you’ve incurred.

 

Seems to be worth a shot (albeit mine was only few hundred pounds)

[DieSel-Q]

3 hours ago, Izzykizi said:

Is that all Q7’s with the hybrid alternator or some? Mine just with Audi now and they said only some batches will be fixed under warranty. But makes no sense, esp if my car of the same year and same failure may not be addressed because batch number doesn’t match. 
 

worried they will just come back with ‘sorry batch number doesn’t match, so can’t help’ 

 

 

 

 

 

Look above to the scan by BingoMighty. If the PR code is the same as that shown on page 1 of your owners manual (which for a 2020 q7 it should be), then wave it in the dealer's face ! Which dealer?

Edited November 25, 2024 by DieSel-Q

[Izzykizi]

20 hours ago, Alrawis said:

Just to update I had a punt with Audi U.K. asking them to reimburse me for hire car costs (£220) that I incurred as a result of this fiasco and they were great actually and agreed to reimburse.

 

make sure you ask Audi U.K. after your repairs for any expenses you’ve incurred.

 

Seems to be worth a shot (albeit mine was only few hundred pounds)

Good shout. Just the main Audi UK number?  Previously it all brought me back to local dealerships 

[Izzykizi]

18 hours ago, DieSel-Q said:

Look above to the scan by BingoMighty. If the PR code is the same as that shown on page 1 of your owners manual (which for a 2020 q7 it should be), then wave it in the dealer's face ! Which dealer?

My Q7 is with Audi, waiting to go into workshop to be diagnosed. 
 

I’m at the Reading Audi branch. Sadly, this branch is known to be a horrible and not very accommodating, which is worrying. 
 

I’ve heard other branches can be a lot more easier to deal with. 

[DieSel-Q]

I would print off a copy of that Audi memo that BingoMighty uploaded and in the meantime get the email address of the service / aftersales manager from reception. If they start mucking about, email them the copy in black and white.

My 2020 A8 TDI goes in, in January when my dealer has a loan car available ! No more yellow warnings or noises recently........

 

[Alrawis]

2 hours ago, Izzykizi said:

Good shout. Just the main Audi UK number?  Previously it all brought me back to local dealerships 

Did it all via email.

 

emailed them on [email protected]

[bobzey]

Happened to my Audi A3 yesterday. Came with the dreaded run the battery whilst stationary. drove for 5 minutes then said to me to come to safe stop with red warning. Managed to get it down to mates garage who told me it was a alternator issue as battery wasn't charging. As soon as he tested and switched car on the full car collapsed and everything switched off. On the phone for Blackburn Audi the part alone is £1600 and labour for a 8 hour job is £1500. Said we could run diagnostic and get you some goodwill from AUDI UK but not guaranteed. Reading up on these forums it seems its a common issue on the MHEV. Need to get it recovered to AUDI garage now but wont be able to run a diagnostic for  1.5 weeks. What a joke of a company. 

[Alrawis]

47 minutes ago, bobzey said:

Happened to my Audi A3 yesterday. Came with the dreaded run the battery whilst stationary. drove for 5 minutes then said to me to come to safe stop with red warning. Managed to get it down to mates garage who told me it was an alternator issue as battery wasn't charging. As soon as he tested and switched car on the full car collapsed and everything switched off. On the phone for Blackburn Audi the part alone is £1600 and labour for a 8 hour job is £1500. Said we could run diagnostic and get you some goodwill from AUDI UK but not guaranteed. Reading up on these forums it seems its a common issue on the MHEV. Need to get it recovered to AUDI garage now but wont be able to run a diagnostic for  1.5 weeks. What a joke of a company. 

Good luck. We’ve all been there. If you follow the steps outlined in the thread you should be ok to get it sorted. It will take some time though.

 

Ive now sold my A8 as a result

[Naughty1]

First time poster on this forum, I own a 2020 AllRoad A6 C8. Looks like I'm joining an elite band! Just before New Year I experienced the initial "electrical fault" warning which I typically ignored, drove home turned off, turned back on again to check and it had disappeared. Normal story. Two days later having driven for an hour or so, almost home and same thing comes back on, then almost immedately I get a red alert warning and instruction to pull over immediately. Within seconds it cycled through every possible electrical error in quick succession and then disengages gear. Fortunately able to drift off the road safely, can't select any gears but engine remains running, electronic handbrake won't select. Killed the engine crossed my fingeres and restarted - phew.  Drove home (still with yellow battery fault showing). Then started googling and came across this thread - excellent information all round. Just delivered it to Tetbury Audi this afternoon, being tailed by the mirs with tow rope at the ready (thankfully didn't break down on the way, and not even the battery warning light showing). Explained the situation and proudly produced the Warranty Extension kindly provided by @Bingomighty. The comment back from the service lady was yes, we've seen a few of these, "if" that transpires to be the problem, you may be covered. Some of them are, some are not.. They've told me it will cost £150 to get it diagnosed but will get this back if I'm covered and this is what's caused it. Thanks again to everyone on this chat.

[LauraW1994]

Hi All,

My audi q3 broke down over Christmas on a busy motorway with my two children in the car. AA recovered it and took it to my local garage (not Audi) and both confirmed alternator along with new battery required. My car is 4 years old 40k miles but is out of warranty and I have had the worst customer service from Audi. I’ve been told I had to have it towed to my local Audi (which is 20 miles away) have a diagnostic report and then they’ll see what they can do. I clarified I would not be paying a penny for any of this. Annoyingly I then get an email to say they’ve closed my complaint as I’ve refused their goodwill gesture but unfortunately they never put in an email or said on the phone anything was goodwill. It was all at my cost. I’ve got a report from the garage and AA so why try and make me pay for Audi to diagnose it? So I’m not very happy at all right now. 
 

I need some confirmation and proof of people who have had this repair completed at Audi full cost outside of warranty that I can go back to them with all my facts. I won’t be discriminated or let other branches of audi carry out these repairs in the exact same situation I am in. I am carless with a full time job and a young family. I’m ready to put up a fight. 
 

Thanks in advance 

Edited January 7 by LauraW1994

[Audi Death Trap]

Hi Laura,

Mine was finally repaired at no cost to myself but it was a long, drawn out fiasco involving so many different organisations, consumer groups and the media. Initially I got a goodwill contribution but eventually I was refunded in full. They didn't seem overly concerned that I could have been killed. If you scroll back far enough you'll find my story. I should approach your dealership with a copy of the extended warranty (top right) and find out if your model is covered first of all.

 

[LauraW1994]

Thankyou @Audi Death Trap. When involving different organisations, consumer groups & media did they ask for proof of all of this and did they all side with you? I’ve read this whole forum and it’s so helpful. The alternator in the car is a 48v mild hybrid it’s currently at the garage but will ask them to double check the RG8 reference number tomorrow. 
 

do you mind letting me know how much the goodwill gesture was compared to the full costs recovered. I don’t want to pay out anything with no hope of getting it back. 
 

Audi customer service have been so shocking and rude and as you say no care if we were killed! I’m hoping my local branch are more helpful but I’ve heard they can be quite difficult so was just hoping these other users who have had the repairs at no cost to them have some proof I could provide to fight my case. I’ve read about (Hereford, Bath, Bristol etc.) 

 

again, thanks for your help. 

[Audi Death Trap]

The original goodwill gesture was £600 but even this was annoyingly reduced to £500 by the dealership due to VAT. I still can't work that out! The total cost was about £1,900 but it was months before I was refunded. I believe I caused Audi that much of a problem it was my case that finally led to the roll out of the extended warranty. Audi Hull told me they have honoured a number of such claims now. 

[NikHussain]

On 11/26/2024 at 11:03 AM, Izzykizi said:

My Q7 is with Audi, waiting to go into workshop to be diagnosed. 
 

I’m at the Reading Audi branch. Sadly, this branch is known to be a horrible and not very accommodating, which is worrying. 
 

I’ve heard other branches can be a lot more easier to deal with. 

Hi, how did you get in with Reading Audi on this matter.  I've been using Slough Audi who were of no help when this issue happened to me but Audi Slough no longer exist now and my service booking has been shifted to Reading so I'll be using them going forward.

[DieSel-Q]

I'm about to be on my second new battery in 13 months (covered under warranty, then extended warranty or replacement battery warranty!).

I've asked them to check the BSG (again) otherwise, what is the root cause. I'm wondering if it's difficult to diagnose unless it's already failed ...?

[Mooogie]

My Alternator failed over 2 years ago. Car was grounded for 6 months waiting for a spare due to supply chain issues in the UK.  Car was eventually repaired in May 2023 and has been fine for the last 20 months. I got a 2 year warranty with the spare alternator and the bill was over £1.5k (since my car was out of warranty when the alternator originally failed.) I fought hard with Audi UK trying to get them to admit it was a safety issue/recall, tried to get compensation, I showed them evidence Audi USA were extending warranties to 7 year etc. but kept getting fobbed off. I ran out of energy and for the last year or so, I've taken my eye off the forums about this issue. I came across this thread and am pleased to see some admission from Audi UK there is a problem and extending warranty of UK alternators to 7 years as well. This looks to have happened after I had to pay for my repair in 2023. Has anyone retrospectively made a claim to get their money back now that Audi UK have changed the warranty period, and if so, how do I go about doing this. Thanks guys!

[Audi Death Trap]

I was refunded by Audi Executive Office when they finally accepted the 7 year warranty actually existed. The warranty wasn't announced to Audi staff with any kind of fanfare. It was just sneaked in as if it had always been there but everyone was in denial to start with as I suspect they genuinely knew nothing about it. Even now I doubt it will be easy for you but you must keep fighting. They even told me that once my original alternator had been disposed of there was no way of identifying whether it was covered by the warranty or not. Good luck!

[Mooogie]

14 hours ago, Audi Death Trap said:

I was refunded by Audi Executive Office when they finally accepted the 7 year warranty actually existed. The warranty wasn't announced to Audi staff with any kind of fanfare. It was just sneaked in as if it had always been there but everyone was in denial to start with as I suspect they genuinely knew nothing about it. Even now I doubt it will be easy for you but you must keep fighting. They even told me that once my original alternator had been disposed of there was no way of identifying whether it was covered by the warranty or not. Good luck!

Thanks! I see your photo of the 7 year warranty extension article. Is there any more info to support this being a UK warranty extension? I have a copy of the USA extension letter (dated Feb 2023) that you also probably found online. I'm also reading that replacement alternators now have a part number beginning with 4N1 .... supersedes the original part and is supposed to be a permanent fix for the issue. If your repair was fitted with the same part number that came out (ie, 4N0 903 028P) then it has the original flaw and will eventually fail again.... so I'm still driving a time bomb...

[Audi Death Trap]

My replacement part came with a two year guarantee that takes me up to the car being seven years old. I'd rather not go through the same experience again as I might not live to tell the tale a second time around but at least the cost would be covered by Audi. Once the part is out of warranty you are on your own and it's just a question of when rather if it will fail. I always disable the automatic stop/start on every journey to hopefully extend its life. I expect to go back to full petrol for peace of mind when the time comes. Mild hybrid technology is a failure.

Edited January 14 by Audi Death Trap

[Naughty1]

Update after 1 week. Having displayed all the symptoms of an alternator failure (a million warning lights, disconnection of gearbox etc). The only difference was my engine did at least keep running and the brakes worked but couldn't do anything till I turned it off and on again. Mine did restart and I was able to drive 2 miles home albeit with yellow battery light and "electrical failure" showing on dash. I then risked the drive to Audi Tetbury. They submitted information and error codes back to Audi "Technical" who for £150 told me it was NOT the BSG / Alternator / Starter failure as per the warranty. They said if it had been, I wouldn't have been able to start it again... 

So what is it? I asked, they said they'd need to do further tests on the 2 x battery's / wiring  - would take approx 4 hours! and I had to agree to pay another £750 for the pleasure. I mean seriously, how long does it take to test the voltage output on a couple of battery's?! "oh no it's much more complicated than that"

I asked for the codes that they had seen and they have sent me these

23759 - U012000 Lost Communcation with Starter

Voltage Converter 00C4 4K0959663 DCDC_GEN_2

Convenience System Central Module 0046 4N0907064CP 

 261 U112100 Data bus Missing Message

There had been a shed load of standing water on the road, had driven through a couple of fords earlier on that day, I'm wondering if it had all just got a bit wet and freaked out ...Any of you OBD buffs out there? Let's see what they come back with :)

[Mark2]

I do hope you told the dealer that if your diagnosis turned out to be correct and the alternator is at fault then they will reimburse the diagnostics they have undertaken which have proved worthless?

[MikeyW]

1 hour ago, Naughty1 said:

Update after 1 week. Having displayed all the symptoms of an alternator failure (a million warning lights, disconnection of gearbox etc). The only difference was my engine did at least keep running and the brakes worked but couldn't do anything till I turned it off and on again. Mine did restart and I was able to drive 2 miles home albeit with yellow battery light and "electrical failure" showing on dash. I then risked the drive to Audi Tetbury. They submitted information and error codes back to Audi "Technical" who for £150 told me it was NOT the BSG / Alternator / Starter failure as per the warranty. They said if it had been, I wouldn't have been able to start it again... 

So what is it? I asked, they said they'd need to do further tests on the 2 x battery's / wiring  - would take approx 4 hours! and I had to agree to pay another £750 for the pleasure. I mean seriously, how long does it take to test the voltage output on a couple of battery's?! "oh no it's much more complicated than that"

I asked for the codes that they had seen and they have sent me these

23759 - U012000 Lost Communcation with Starter

Voltage Converter 00C4 4K0959663 DCDC_GEN_2

Convenience System Central Module 0046 4N0907064CP 

 261 U112100 Data bus Missing Message

There had been a shed load of standing water on the road, had driven through a couple of fords earlier on that day, I'm wondering if it had all just got a bit wet and freaked out ...Any of you OBD buffs out there? Let's see what they come back with 🙂

I'm not an expert on the error codes so I cant add much there but as someone who has had this occur on 2 separate vehicles with a full alternator melt down I have to say that what has happened to you doesnt sound like the same fault.  On both occasions both cars I had were literally dead - they could not restart.  The yellow warning was followed about 10 mins maybe slightly longer by the red and every error and light then complete loss of power and then anything inside the car, even the SOS.  A jump start if I recall got it running, but without the alternator I would simply not have got far at all - perhaps a few miles which the AA did suggest to get it to the nearest dealer.  I would be suspicious of an issue with the wiring loom or other component that suffered from the water exposure - its one thing to hit surface water but quite another to potentially submerge components in a ford.  Whilst i'd still be saying to audi it is a fault and needs investigating, my own experience of the failures was that there was absolutely no way that you could continue to drive the car - but you seem to be able to - it had to have a new alternator.....just my 10 pence worth - I would however push them to investigate the issue FOC assuming you have no warranty or extended warranty as it feels like a safety issue - maybe raise this with executive relations at audi and slant it towards the alternator and see if they will apply goodwill to check the fault ?

[DieSel-Q]

On 1/8/2025 at 6:37 PM, DieSel-Q said:

I'm about to be on my second new battery in 13 months (covered under warranty, then extended warranty or replacement battery warranty!).

I've asked them to check the BSG (again) otherwise, what is the root cause. I'm wondering if it's difficult to diagnose unless it's already failed ...?

Mine has been at the dealer for a week now. Confirmed there's a drain, but don't know why...