Magnet

Don’t worry about your headlamps Kristian, until you have had the car inspected by a trusted garage. I think you will understand it would only be possible for anyone on here to simply guess the cause, without examining the car. Personally, I wouldn’t be using it until it has been inspected. Kind regards, Gareth.

Thanks Stuart, I would suggest you get the car into a trusted garage without delay - having topped up the coolant to fill the reservoir to get it there, and stopping regularly to carefully top it up. Take extreme care when removing the cap, when the system is hot, since it will be under pressure - use a heavy rag to put over the cap and to protect your hand. Apologies if you already know that. Kind regards, Gareth.

OK Alex, Mann filters will be fine. I don’t know whether this particular number is correct for your engine, so you will need to pass your registration number on to the supplier for confirmation. Who are you getting it from? Oil grade? It surprises me that your printed copy of the handbook doesn’t recommend the correct oil grade and specification for your year, model and engine, but for the final result, just go in (rather than telephone) to your local main dealer’s Parts Dept. and ask to buy 1 ltr of the correct oil for your model, and engine. Obviously go armed with your registration number, and the VIN incase needed. Let us know what they come up with. Kind regards, Gareth.

Hello Kristian, I don’t want to unduly alarm you, but going through water up to your headlamps is serious territory, and you were in danger of drawing water into the air intake. Regrettably, I don’t think your guessing answer lies on the forum, and the best advice I can offer is to get this into a trusted local garage - without delay, and ideally not using it until it’s been looked at. Kind regards, Gareth.

Hello Nawaz, Chris joined and last posted on the same day some 7 months ago. It would probably be better to send him a PM. Perhaps you could let us know the outcome. Kind regards, Gareth.

Thanks Stephen, Always used it in the now 174K A3 on annual changes. Kind regards, Gareth.

Thanks John, 13.6v output from the alternator is certainly too low - I would be looking for around 14.5v. Personally, I would put a possible parasitic drain second on the list, and concentrate on getting the alternator/charging system professionally assessed. I would consider getting yours repaired rather than fitting an aftermarket replacement. Seems it’s time for an auto electrician. Perhaps you would let us know how you get on. Kind regards, Gareth.

Thanks Alex, You just won’t go wrong then using VAG’s Quantum Longlife 3 5w/30. I think it may well be on Amazon as well now, but certainly available from a few EBay sellers. What make filter was you thinking of using Alex? Kind regards, Gareth.

Hello Alex, As Cliff says. So are you saying you haven’t got, or can’t get, a hard copy of the owner’s handbook? That would surprise me. It used to be 5w 30, but you would need to check that, either by obtaining a copy of the handbook, or buying a litre of the correct oil at your local dealer. As well as needing to know the grade, you will also need to know the VAG specification within that grade - used to be …..504?. from memory, so don’t quote me on that. Do you need this oil to top up, or do you want it to do an oil change? If the latter, then I always use the VAG brand by Quantum - available from a number of EBay suppliers. Perhaps you could come back to us. Kind regards, Gareth.

Where is the badly leaking coolant leaking from Stuart?

All within half an inch to have missed it Colin - I feel sorry for him - it could happen to any of us. Perhaps we have more choice down this end of Wales, but £880 to deal with a minor-ish short scrape, does seem a little heavy on the pencil, as we say down here. Still, it’s done. Kind regards, Gareth.

Tried the main dealer, or Audi Customer Services?

What 10 digit code Wayne?

See post of 16 hours ago Hanees. Come on catch up! Only joking.

Should be all good on the Varta front John. Was it coded to the car? Whereas it would be reasonable to assume that the alternator is perfectly serviceable, it can only be an assumption until proved to be so, so on a one thing at a time principle, it would now be well worth getting it checked - and hopefully eliminated as an aggravator. Kind regards, Gareth.

Thanks John, My thinking was based on ‘..recharged (old battery) issue went away ….’ replaced battery …. cleared…2 months on the problem has returned’. Simple test to get a verdict on the alternator, so worth checking. Make of new battery by the way John - ? If the alternator tests OK, it might be worth checking for a parasitic drain. Kind regards, Gareth.

Thanks thanks Michael, Unfortunately the image doesn’t download for me, but I’m sure it’s very very smart. Moving up to 21inch wheels? Have you checked the rolling dia. of the 21 inch wheels and their tyres will be the same as your current wheels and tyres? Apologies for the negatives, but have you compared prices of your current tyres against those you will need for the 21inch? Also, I take it you will be happy with the adverse affect on ride quality due to the reduced tyre profile. Kind regards, Gareth.

Great Kevin, You will notice that most members complete their profile to include their area. So, it would be great if you could now amend your profile. Many thanks again, Gareth.

The south of the U.K. covers one heck of an area Kevin! Why not alter your profile and input the actual town/city? Kind regards, Gareth.

Welcome John, Alternator output checked before moving on to more complex reasons? Kind regards, Gareth.

Sorry Richard, this might be too direct a question, but why did you accept the car with so many of the ‘must check I have’ elements missing? Kind regards, Gareth.

Hello Kevin, Appreciate you may want an internet connect with others, but it may help to be more specific with your location, Incase there is someone not too far away.

Blinking heck Hanees, - I conclude you really don’t have any respect for your wallet! Kind regards, Gareth.

Hello Si, Welcome and thanks for joining. Adaptor? I seriously doubt it. It would be well worth noting the part number on your original motor, and seeking a direct replacement. Have you tried EBay, and registering your ‘want’ on the on-line breaker link systems, such as Partsfinder? - there are others. Kind regards, Gareth.

Hello Hanees, ’Halfords as good bet’ - Am I allowed to say no, unless you disrespect your wallet? Kind regards, Gareth.