Bad Alternator

[busafied05]

So my alternator died again (replaced about a year ago). First, is anybody else seeing this. John at import palace (Missoula) used a bosch part and it is under warranty so once I get it to him he will fix it free of charge. He did say he has been having trouble with some of the bosch parts but I thought they were one of the best?

On another note once my battery died the car electronics went crazy. All my idiot lights were blinking and and chiming, my speedo and tach froze and the engine went to idling.....all while on hwy 200 outside of Great Falls. I guess our diesels can't run without an alternator. Makes sense when you think about it though.

[Mikewire]

Whats the condition of your battery?

[kompressorgolf]

we use alot of bosch alts at the dealer, most show weak batterys (load test) and are replaced together bat and alt.

[MT-Getto]

You running a big stereo or other power hungry electronics?

[YASHA7FOLD]

I know it's not a euro but my friends Z71 did the same thing as far as the check engine lights and tach and it turned out to be the battery. You could also check for any corrosion on the batteries power and ground wires.

[DieGTi]

The bosch voltage regulators tend to last longer in my experience. The generics are good for maybe 30k miles if you're lucky.

[busafied05]

Well we got the car towed to Missoula. first the battery is in good condition, in the 20 below weather it would not hesitate at all to start (several starts to go to work). I run a 550 watt amp so I don't think that is an issue. Also, before we left town I stopped twice and it started right up then down the road the battery light comes on 20 miles later everything went haywire. It's interesting you mention the voltage regulators because that is what went out on the first alternator. Oh and to be clear the alternator now on the car is a remanned bosch with lifetime warranty.....thanks for the replies

[busafied05]

Well got the TDI back and it was the alternator. Battery was fine and works great now. Even though it was put on a year and a half ago and the Labor is only covered for a year, John didn't charge any labor. Hopefully this one won't peter out for awhile.