Audi A1 Alternator Issues, Warning Signs & Solutions

Having some experience with car electronics and alternator issues, I faced nearly identical symptoms with my 2019 Audi A3. The charging system warning light was the first indication, followed by dimming headlights and starting problems. The alternator replacement was necessary in my case. The serpentine belt was also replaced as a precautionary measure since it showed signs of wear. The total repair came to 960 Euro, including parts and labor. The work took about 4 hours at an independent workshop specializing in European vehicles. Early warning signs included: Battery warning light on dashboard, Electrical accessories working inconsistently, Slight whining noise from engine bay, Car would sometimes struggle to start Before committing to any repairs, could you share: Current mileage on your A1, Whether you hear any unusual sounds from the alternator area, If the battery has been replaced recently, Whether the car runs smoothly once started These details would help confirm if your symptoms match what I experienced with the failing alternator. The car won't start properly and weak electrical system performance are classic signs of alternator failure, but its best to verify with complete information.

I had my latest service at 163000 KM, just about 3000 KM ago. I can confirm that I hear a distinct whining noise coming from the alternator area, especially when accelerating. The battery is original and has never been replaced. Once started, the car runs rough and the power feels inconsistent, like its struggling to maintain proper electrical output. The charging system warning light comes on intermittently, and multiple diagnostic scans keep pointing to alternator-related issues. Similar to what others mentioned, my headlights flicker noticeably at idle and dim significantly when using other electrical accessories. Since posting my initial question, the car won't start reliably anymore, it often needs multiple attempts, especially in the morning. The serpentine belt looks worn but intact. Given these additional symptoms and the consistent charging system errors, Im leaning towards scheduling the alternator replacement soon.

Looks like were dealing with the same alternator issue. The whining noise you described, combined with the starting problems and voltage drop symptoms, perfectly matches what I experienced. At that mileage, alternator failure is quite common on these models. The original battery being unchanged is significant here. When my alternator started failing, it likely stressed the battery by not charging it properly. In your case, with the charging system continuously underperforming, your original battery has probably degraded faster than normal. Recommend getting both the alternator and battery replaced together. This resolved all the electrical issues in my case. Also, since youre mentioning a worn serpentine belt, replacing that during the same service makes sense, it needs to come off anyway for the alternator replacement. After my repair, the immediate improvements were: Strong, consistent starts, Stable idle, Normal headlight brightness, No more warning lights, Proper voltage readings, No starter motor strain The flickering lights and rough running should clear up completely once the charging system is properly restored. Getting this fixed sooner rather than later will prevent potential damage to other electrical components.

Thanks for all the feedback and confirming my suspicions about the alternator issue. After comparing symptoms with others who had similar problems, Im convinced the charging system is failing and needs immediate attention. The consistent voltage drops, whining noise, and starting problems match exactly what others experienced with alternator failure. Im scheduling the alternator replacement this week and will have them replace both the battery and serpentine belt while theyre at it. The total estimate of around 1000 Euro seems reasonable based on what others paid for similar repairs. Its especially important since Im still running the original battery, which has likely been strained by the failing alternator. The engine misfire symptoms and electrical issues have gotten worse just in the past few days. The car barely starts now and the battery drains extremely quickly. Between the charging system warning lights, diagnostic codes, and all the classic symptoms of alternator failure, Im confident this is the right repair path. Will update once the work is completed.