I posted this last night on Renntech, but haven't received an answer yet. Because of the time-sensitive nature of this problem, I thought I'd cross post this for more eyes to see.

Battery Warrning Light came on while driving tonight. Visual inspection of the battery shows a ship date of June 23, 2006. I plan to take the battery in this morning to make sure it's not the problem. I'm suspecting it's the alternator.

1) Could it be anything else that I should investigate?
2) Is the alternator on a MY02 C2 a common component across manufacturers... Audi, VW? I'm not in a large city and am hoping that I can find a rebuilt one to install in the next day or two.
3) How tough is it to swap out the alternator on this engine? I've done an intake and the IPD plenum so far by myself with little problem (for reference).
4) Can you direct me to any instructions on swapping this, either in the shop manual (which I have), or on the site? So far I've come up with nothing in my search.

Thanks guys.

Joe

 

Ya learn something every day... the alternator is referred to as the generator in the shop manual.

Answered question 4.

27 22 19 - Removing and installing generator - 27-3

 

My generator failed last year and I have an 01 so I'd say it's not out of the realm of possibility for yours to have failed now. The swap isn't a big deal as you can see in the manual. The toughest part is getting the old part out because the "arms" that the bolt goes through squeeze together when you install the part and make it "grip" the attachment points. So you need to spread those arms back out to make removal easier. I purchased a reman part from Advanced Autoparts. Lifetime warranty, looked identical in every way to the stock part, and 1/3 the price of a reman part from the dealer.

 

I posted a DIY of the removal procedure a year or two ago here on rennlist. It is super easy to do. I bought a Bosch reman unit online, same brand as OEM. I did this job and haven't been brave enough to do an oil change, you also want to buy a new belt.

edit:

https://rennlist.com/forums/996-forum/326660-diy-alternator-removal-pics.html

https://rennlist.com/forums/996-forum/327743-diy-alternator-install.html

Sorry but pics have all been delted.

 

Battery is good... next step, pull the alternator.

 

Isn't there a way of checking the alternator before you go thru the trouble ogfpulling it?

 

While the car is on, the meter should run at 14 while charging, with a full charge it should read 12. Even with a failing battery a good alt will still read 14.

 

Deleted by poster - turns out it is a bad idea.

 

Choices...

Go to local stealership... $1000 for new alternator plus install... 4 business days.
Have local alternator shop bring in a rebuilt... $400... 3 weeks
Have local Auto Electrics shop rebuild the alternator... ~$225, done tomorrow.

That's an easy one.

 

@ $225 for a rebuild the decision is easy. But make sure they offer some sort of warranty. If you choose to r/r yourself and have any questions let me know. I

 

Lerxst,
Wpg is not far from US boarder. Call Sunset in Portland Oregon and see how much they sell it for. Ground shipping usually around $10 to $20 for small items. Get it ship to the boarder, auto part usually no duty. But you will have to find a address to ship!

Good luck.

 

This should NOT be done on modern cars. The electronics do not appreciate the disconnection. There are plenty of other ways to safely determine if the generator is charging.

 

Correct...this from the workshop manual...
Effect of disconnection or total discharge of the battery on
electrical systems in the vehicle, subsequent measures

ˇ All loads must be switched off beforehand!
ˇ Never disconnect battery with engine running!
ˇ Never start engine without securely connected battery!
ˇ Do not use a boost charger to start the engine!
ˇ Whenever possible, use jump leads with overvoltage protection!
ˇ Always disconnect both battery terminals before carrying out welding work on the vehicle!

 

Thanks for the feedback guys. That suggestion came from my dad, who's used to working on older cars. I've deleted my post to make sure no one reads just half of the thread.

 

If I had more time, I would've gone through Sunset or Pelican. Pelican had it for $375. But because I'm a Canadian and am shipping to an address that's different than what's on the credit card, I have to mail them a bank draft first.