Audi Allroad: Sawing Noise & Flickering Lights

Hello fellow diesel enthusiasts!

After replacing my Valeo alternator with a new one at 10,000 km, problems are slowly starting to appear.
I bought a replacement alternator thinking it couldn't be worse than the Valeo one, but I was proven wrong.
The company that manufactures or has manufactured the LIMAs is called Alanko GmbH.
Part number is 80442992A.
The company from which I bought the car battery has gone bankrupt, oh what a surprise .

Well, anyway, the light inside first started to flicker rhythmically while idling.
Sometimes, while driving at 3000 RPM, the battery indicator would light up.
without the tension diminishing.
Sometimes, when the car is stopped, all the lights start to flicker, and the idle speed fluctuates slightly in time with the flickering.
I would describe the idle speed regulation as being within acceptable limits: all measured values are below 0.7, with only the first cylinder showing readings between 0.9 and 1.4.

When the sawing starts, the voltage ranges from 3.8 to 4.9 volts.
As soon as you press the accelerator, the voltage goes up to 3.9, which I think is also too low.
The battery is 9 months old and it's an Optima Yellowtop.
I believe the sawing is caused by a higher voltage putting more strain on the motor, and that the two systems – the voltage regulator and the idle stabilization – are interacting in a way that amplifies each other's effects.

I suspect that the voltage regulator is not working properly.
Unfortunately, I don't even know which regulator fits this alternator, even though it looks like a Valeo clone.
Einen Lichtmaschinentausch würde ich gerne vermeiden da es nicht ganz einfach zu bewerkstelligen ist und nun schon mittlerweile die 3. Lima is installed in.
I also want to avoid increasing the engine speed, because the tiptronic transmission would then slip even more than it already does.


Is there another way to further stabilize the voltage?

Thank you in advance for your answers.

Can the regulator be replaced if necessary?

That's a good question.
I think I'll contact the manufacturer to see if it's possible.
At least, the manufacturer claimed that they were not familiar with my problem (which is what they all seem to say).
I still have a new Valeo regulator at home, but I doubt it will fit.

The regulator that belongs to this alternator is called VAG 059903803D or Hüco 130730. If you search for those part numbers on Google, you will quickly find pictures of it.

Thank you very much!

Then I'll probably just replace the regulator for now, since that can also be done...
allegedly can be installed in a built-in configuration.

Sure, here is the translation of the text from German to English:

"Best regards."

I've already done this on a Passat with the AJM engine, even while the alternator was still installed.
Disconnect the battery, unplug the connector, detach the cable, remove the black protective cap on the back of the alternator, and the regulator will be accessible. That black protective cap was the most annoying part (at least for me).
It depends on how you access the back of the Lima.
The aforementioned Passat also received a new alternator recently. The old one had served faithfully for 273,000 km (with the regulator and freewheel being replaced once or twice), and it was also a Valeo unit.

270,000 km is a good value for a Valeo [product/component].

My Audi A3 has a Bosch starter motor with 340,000 km on it, and the freewheel is still working perfectly.

I believe that the lack of free running related to the Tiptronic transmission is what kills most of the Lima cars.
The flywheel spins faster than the engine and is then abruptly decelerated during gear changes.
I really hope that the regulator can be replaced separately.
The one you mentioned, I still have a brand new one of those at home.
But is it really compatible with the Alanko part?

Look at this.
http://www.alanko.de/Lichtmaschine/Lichtmaschine::1846.html
It immediately states that it's a refurbished Valeo unit. Furthermore, the connector on the back is located at a position typical for Valeo, along the edge of the housing. In the Bosch version, the connector is positioned more centrally because the Bosch regulator has a completely different design. Ultimately, only removing the cap will provide clarity.
You should also know that there are other regulators in this Valeo design, which are listed for different car models. For example, the Hüco 130731, also known as VAG 06B903803A, is one of them. It comes from a 140A Valeo window regulator used in the Passat 3B6 BGW. There are probably many more variations. I only know about the 731 by chance.
Or, to put it another way, if your regulator fits but doesn't regulate properly, you might need to get the correct part number 059903803D. Just try it out.
I wish you the best of luck so that you don't have to change your LIMAs!

That's great news!
I thought it was because of the poor fit (I had to put shims under the lower mounting brackets).
that this is either a self-made creation or a copy.
I would almost prefer a Valeo copy.
You're really knowledgeable in that area .

Thank you for your help!

Okay. Also, in addition to that, the voltmeter reads approximately 15V after starting, and you can hear an irregular clicking sound coming from the instrument cluster in the upper left corner, like a relay.
As a result, the voltage reading will decrease slightly, by approximately 0.5V.
However, the pre-relay doesn't seem to be the problem, as the voltage drops much more significantly in that case.

Regarding that clicking sound, I'm not sure at the moment. However, the regulator is also there to prevent the L-voltage from exceeding approximately 14.5V, because otherwise liquid loss from the battery could occur, along with other potential issues. Try replacing it and see what happens!
The charging voltage from the Passat, as indicated in the signature, is 14.21V at idle after starting, with minimal electrical load. It also has a refurbished Valeo alternator installed.

"15V is a bit too much! Did you install the standard regulator, or did you use a completely different alternator?"

This morning, after starting the engine, I logged into the MSG system, and the clicking sound occurs when the alternator reaches 15 to 16 volts .
So, it's probably a safety shut-off.
The seat memory control unit indicates a "sporadic voltage level too high at terminal 30."

The new regulator will be installed this weekend, when I have access to a pit.
I recently replaced the fuel pump while it was upside down under the car, and I'm still feeling nauseous from it.

Here's my story: Last Thursday, I installed a new 140A alternator in my Passat. I let a friend talk me into ordering an alternator from Remy, a rebuilder based in Belgium. He uses them in his workshop and is very happy with them. It was 80 euros cheaper than the identical Bosch generator. So, I did it, the alternator was delivered, and inside the packaging was a refurbished Valeo unit.
It charges at 14.2V in low load, so that seems okay so far. The difference is very noticeable, for example, with the lights. Everything worked perfectly for exactly 3 days. Since yesterday, the charging indicator light has been flashing when the engine is off, and the instrument cluster is making a slight buzzing noise. When the engine is running, everything seems fine. The charging voltage readings are correct. If I disconnect the plug from the alternator, the warning light no longer flashes.
Of course, this can't stay like this. I now have to replace the Lima again, prepare it for a new one, and send the +(censored)+ thing to Belgium for a warranty claim. The successful outcome of the warranty process is not guaranteed.
Pretty awesome, right?
"That's definitely a slap in the face. In the future, we need to use Bosch products, even if it costs more. And the packaging must be sealed. Otherwise, there's no point."

I agree with your opinion.
I would definitely trade anything for a Bosch.
The manufacturer's argument will be that they will require proof of installation from a workshop because so much can go wrong during the installation process .

Hi there,
My A6 still has the original Bosch starter with the first-generation regulator... However, the carbon brushes are almost completely worn out.
And that's with over 450,000 kilometers (or miles) on the odometer.

You can really forget about that cheap stuff from Spain.

Best regards from Berlin.
olli