Ok thanks, I really hope it is my battery....

However, in saying that, isint it true that just before you start your engine, when you turn your key around, that all these lights come on anyway?

Do batteries usually just quit out of the blue?

Bevan

 

My dash lite up like a xmas tree while i was parked with engine running- then the car died. I didn't try jumping, just bought a new battery and problem solved. That was Sept '07. My alternator went a few weeks ago and the only light came on was the warning lighte and my meter was at 10 volts. I was able to get it to the shop before the battery lost all of it charge. All works fine now- BYW the battery in my car was the original '99 w/ approx. 192K.

 

That reminds me of a question you might be able to help me with. Im originally from New Zealand, and when you buy a battery there, the date of purchase is usually stamped on the battery.

Whats the process of working out the age of a battery here in the US? My battery is an audi branded one, but im not to sure how to determine the age...

Bevan

 

It should be stamped on the battery too (not sure where). I never checked the date because I am the original owner.

 

I dont know how much audi is different form other cars but sounds like ur battery is gone. And usualy they dont just die, but it could of been abad alternator that got it to this point. I would replace battery, it should crank and start. I would also check alternator.

 

They can if not taken care of. Batteries are filled with , among other things, distilled water. They need regular topping off to get their full life. If serviced properly they can last many many years. The battery in my car is original.


As I said before, simply get it checked. Its free at pretty much all auto stores. If its bad, replace it. If its good, charge it (the auto store usually do this anyway) and and put it back in.

THEN, when you start your car, look at your volt meter on the dash. If you've only got 12 then the alternator is shot. If you've got over 15 then your voltage regulator is shot. IF you have 14 volts then the alternator is fine.