Thoughts on this problem

**06sline** · 01-25-2009 07:00 AM

Since it's been really cold here in the NE I am getting a hard start and the clock resets. The car always starts but sometimes takes a couple seconds at which time the clock resets and I have to reset the time and date which is becoming a PIA. I will be taking it in for my 25000 mi. service soon but was just wondering if anyone had similar issues.

**B5A4Kevin** · 01-25-2009 07:45 AM

i would say your battery is starting to fail causing insufficient cold cranking amps resulting in no voltage supply to the cluster while starting. if you have audi-care, they may be able to replace your battery for free, but probably not. iirc, i believe batteries are 12mo/12k after 05...

**BriAnders** · 01-25-2009 08:14 AM

i was having a similar issue because of the cold in my taurus. i know its not an A4, but different cars can still have the same problems. anyway, i put in a new battery and cleaned the terminals because they had corroded a little. now its working fine. the battery won't be covered under warranty so it'll be cheaper to do that on your own. if its still messed up chances are its something more serious and it will be covered by the warranty. in which case, the dealership won't void the warranty just because you put in a new battery.

**Subaru71** · 01-25-2009 02:25 PM

agreed ^ definitely the battery, like someone said, it is giving all the amps it can to crank your car, and cannot supply power to anything else, so the clock resets.. a new battery will solve your problem.

**Bmeister** · 01-25-2009 05:17 PM

Definitely the battery. Check your terminals for a clean connection if your battery otherwise shows proper charge. Does the car sit for long periods between trips, like for several days or occasionally sit for a week or two? If you have it sit for extended periods on a frequent basis, invest in a $30 smart charger (NOT a trickle charger) to keep the battery topped off. I use one religiously on the 930 and have an 8 year old battery in it that is still going strong. Keeping a lead-acid battery on a charge is the secret to battery longevity.

**06sline** · 01-26-2009 05:39 AM

I am going to check the terminals and clean them a little tonight. I don't drive it every day but it doesn't sit for more than a day or two. The car is an 06, Should the battery be dying this early?

**BriAnders** · 01-26-2009 07:22 AM

battery life isn't really predictable. some go fairly quickly, but others seemingly last forever as Bmeister can attest to. my guess is that 45-50 months is probably the average life of a battery. with an '06, your battery is probably 35-40 months. so it may be dieing a bit prematurely, but it could always be worse.

**06sline** · 01-26-2009 07:39 AM

I am definitely having some bad luck with car batteries this winter. My vw died out of nowhere a month ago and left me stranded without giving me warning. at least this on is letting me know that it's about to die. By the way BriAnders I noticed you were from KC. Chiefs fan? Believe it or not I'm a fan even though they are absolutely horrible. Hopefully Pioli can turn it around.

**BriAnders** · 01-26-2009 08:27 AM

actually i was born and raised in CT so i'm actually a giants fan. but living out here i've grown a soft spot for the chiefs... went to six games this past year. surethey had a bad year, but not like the lions. things will definitely turn around next year!