intermitent sqealing aux belt and high volts

[billy g]

Hi, can anyone offer any advice please on a problem i have on my a6 c5 1.9tdi 2002 130bhp, my drive belt squeals on start up(most times)usually when cold, and have noticed recently my voltage gauge going up and down from 8 to almost 16, stays more at nearly 16 all the time. only had car few months and came with good service record, noticed alternator pulley was renewed about 18mths ago, timing belt was done 6mths ago and records state with all drive belts and tensioners(kit) replaced. is it possible some of these parts could be faulty again in such a short time. alternator pulley has done 15,000 miles since replaced or is the alternator itself the problem. not sure where to start with this, any advice, suggestions would be gratefully received. thanks billy g.

[zollaf]

your alternator is goosed. the max charge volts should be around 14.5 anything higher means the regulator isn't doing its job. you should not really use the car like this as you will probably also need a new battery as they dont like being overcharged.

[Peter D]

This may be a seized spragg clutch in the alternator pulley. This is a one way free wheel device. However 16 volts is a problem then can destroy your battery so get it checked out. Regards Peter

[billy g]

hi, thanks for the replys, had a look under the bonnet while engine running and noticed when the squeeling noise started the pulley on the alternator was intermittedly stopping for a second in time with the noise. turned the steering left and right on full lock with no jumping on the tensioner or anywhere else, volts on volt meter on dash reading between 14 and 15 more 15, so am i sure to replace the alternator? my local alternator and starter motor garage has said they will replace mine with trading old one, supply and fit for £110, is that good? 12 months warrenty too.

[NickPicks]

my local alternator and starter motor garage has said they will replace mine with trading old one, supply and fit for £110, is that good? 12 months warrenty too.

Well, ECP list a new alternator for £175, so £110 fitted with a year's warranty sounds very good!

[britbusdriver]

The alternator drive belt went on my 2004 1.9 TDi a few months ago; replace by local garage - not a specialist but a good guy nonetheless - but the volts ever since have been up towards the 16V area; was also a bit sluggish starting over the winter months but all fine now. Could there be a fault in the way it was fitted, or with the battery, or do you suspect the alternator - I would have thought that, if it was the alternator, it would have given up by now!

Thanks

[Peter D]

14.4 to 14.6 volts max when the battery is cold. Have you measured the voltage with a meter. 16V would cause the battery to overheat and use up the electrolyte. Best get it checked out. With the battery warm then 13.8 to 14 volts is normal. Regards Peter