Possible electrical fault.

[Colspur66]

I was driving on motorway in my 1.8TSI '08' Passat when the battery light came on. Within a few moments first radio went off, then airbag light came on followed by traction control, abs, then lost power steering. Called RAC they diagnosed faulty alternator and towed me home. I have replaced alternator and jump started car but it still has warning lights showing and battery will not charge. Will putting a new battery on solve problem or do I have some other issue. Any suggestions please.

[Flash2]

If the alternator isn't charging a new battery isn't going to help much. Have you checked the main fuses on front of the engine bay fusebox? The alternator fuse is the first on on the left (150/180A).

Do you know that it's normal to have some warning lights on after the battery has been disconnected? The ABS, ESP and steering lights come on after the battery has been disconnected and should go out after the car is driven a few yards.

Jim.

[Colspur66]

Thanks Jim, I will check all fuses in the morning. I was wondering wether the faulty alternator had drained the battery beyond repair? Is that possible?
Vince.

[Flash2]

Even if the battery was faulty, the alternator should still show a charge when the engine is running. If the alternator is not showing a charge then it wont be the battery that's causing that.

[Martynas26]

Abs/es light can be also if alternator not providing power. U need check with vcds alternator load if its shows 0 its can be wire broken to altwrnator load signal

A4 B6 1.9 QUATTRO 07463021112

[Colspur66]

Thanks for help Jim, not had a chance to reply till now. It was infact as you said the 150amp fuse. Biggest problem and this absolutely astounded me, my local VW main dealer in Colchester, Inchcape don't stock these fuses!!!!! Had to get it on Ebay!!!.

[Flash2]

Just a fuse, eh. And you managed to fix it without VCDS too

No, my dealer don't normally stock those fuses either. You'd think they'd keep a couple, for all they cost.

Glad you got it sorted.

Jim.

[Doctle Odd]

And a great ad for the AA mans skills!

[Rob69]

Thats a big fuse to blow though- any thoughts why? Is it common on the b6?

[Flash2]

And a great ad for the AA mans skills!

AA man & skills...there's two words you don't often see in the same sentence

To be fair, the fuse might have got blown during replacement of the alternator, so the original diagnosis might have been correct.