Audi Q2 Charging System Failure Signs & Solutions

Having some experience with car electronics, I faced a very similar issue with my 2016 Audi Q3 diesel last winter. The symptoms match exactly, warning lights, limited power, and the car would barely start. The voltage drop was particularly noticeable during cold mornings. The repair shop first performed a complete diagnostic test of the charging system. They confirmed the generator (alternator) was failing through voltage measurements at different RPMs. The output was well below specs, causing the battery to drain even during normal driving. Total repair cost was 960 Euro, which included: Complete generator replacement, New drive belt, Diagnostic fees, Labor costs The repair took about 4 hours and solved all issues. The car electronics returned to normal, no more warning lights or starting problems since then. Before suggesting specific solutions for your Q2, could you share: Current mileage on the car, When did these symptoms first appear, Any recent repairs or battery replacements, Specific error codes from your diagnostic scan This would help determine if your case is similar and whether a generator replacement might be the right fix.

Thanks for the detailed repair cost info. My Q2 has 11805 KM and just had its annual service last month. The battery low warning and alternator issues started about 2 weeks ago, getting progressively worse. The cost breakdown you shared seems reasonable. My main concern is whether a complete alternator replacement is truly needed, as intermittent issues with the voltage regulator can sometimes cause similar symptoms of car won't start situations or dim lights. The error codes point to charging system faults but I want to be certain the repair shop does thorough testing first rather than jumping straight to an alternator replacement. Engine misfire symptoms only show up when the battery gets really low.

Thanks for providing those details. Based on your low mileage and the sudden onset of symptoms, I still lean towards a faulty alternator as the root cause. When I had my Q3 fixed, the shop initially suspected the voltage regulator too, but testing revealed the entire alternator assembly was failing. The charging system diagnostic on my car showed alternator output dropping to 11.8V while idling, way below the normal 13.5-14.5V range. This matches your symptoms of voltage drop and flickering lights. A few key points from my experience: The repair shop should perform load testing at various RPMs, They need to check the serpentine belt condition, as it affects alternator performance, Testing the voltage regulator alone might not reveal the full issue In my case, trying to fix just the regulator would have meant paying for labor twice if the whole alternator needed replacement anyway. The complete alternator replacement was the most cost-effective solution long-term. Given your car is showing identical symptoms to what mine had, including the same error codes and progressive worsening, I would prepare for a full alternator replacement. However, insist on complete charging system diagnostics first to confirm. The repair shop should document the voltage readings before and after repair. This helped confirm the fix was successful in my case, voltage stayed steady at 14.2V even under load.

Thanks for sharing your experience. The voltage readings and testing procedure details are particularly helpful. You're right that a proper diagnosis is essential before replacing parts. My Q2 error codes specifically mention P0562 and P0563, which do point to charging system problems. The alternator issue seems to be getting worse each day. This morning the car won't start without a jump, and the engine misfire symptoms are more frequent. I will schedule an appointment with a repair shop tomorrow and request detailed charging system diagnostics before authorizing any repairs. The 960 Euro total cost you mentioned seems to be the going rate for this type of work. Will make sure they: Test voltage output at different RPMs, Check the serpentine belt, Verify voltage regulator function, Document all readings If they confirm the alternator is failing, I will proceed with the complete replacement rather than trying partial fixes. Better to solve it properly now than risk getting stranded with car electronics issues later.