Battery Drain and Other Problem (2005 A5 4.2L Quattro)

[jacemace]

[EDIT] Car is a 2006 model, not 2005

Hello fellow Audi-os!

I'm looking for some help related to a battery drain problem. About two weeks ago, over a period of five days, my car started to crank slower and slower and ultimately exhibited the classic-dead-battery sound. Yes, yes I know that it's really stupid to let a battery drain all the way. Lesson learned ...

BATTERY BACKGROUND: The dead battery was only 25 months old and, when tested, the equipment indicated that the battery was good but needed to be charged. The little green eye on the battery also indicated the same thing. However, I opted to replace it with an OEM battery from Audi. This is when the fun started.

OTHER BACKGROUND: About a year ago, my phone disconnected from the Audi Bluetooth system and I was never able to pair the phone again. I chalked it up to the latest iOS update. If you're reviewing the logs, check out the phone section at the very end. Shows that the system is entirely offline. Might be nothing, could be something. I'm trying to learn quickly about what means what.

Here's a play-by-play of the last week:

1. DAY 1 - Battery was plumb dead. Clickity clickity clickity said the solenoid.
2. DAY 1 - Replaced battery with a new, OEM Audi battery (Varta brand).
3. DAY 3 - Using VCDS, I coded BEM using the code from the battery.
4. DAY 3 - Started the car and it ran TERRIBLY! The engine light was blinking and the battery and ESP light came up.
5. DAY 4 - Ran VCDS diagnostic. All sorts of errors included cylinder 1 and 3 misfire, CAN error, battery management error and telephone error (kept a copy of the log).
6. DAY 5 - Went through the process of clearing DTCs and ran the diagnostic again without starting the car. Far less errors this time. The 01 Engine codes were clear but I hadn't ran the car yet so that doesn't say much (kept a copy of that log and the log attached below).
7. DAY 7 - Decided to run the car for a few minutes. The first 3-5 seconds ran smooth. From about 5-15 seconds it ran rough--lots of RPM searching from 700 to 1000 RPMs. After the 15 second mark, the car started to misfire just like it did before. SIDE NOTE: I noticed that the car cranked slowly!! Wait, what!? Does running VCDS a lot without running engine kill the battery?
8. DAY 7 - Pulled logs after running vehicle. Cylinder 1 and 3 misfire returned (kept a copy of that log, too).
9. DAY 8 - I'm certain that the new battery is losing juice. Lights are somewhat dim and battery light is on now.

Here's the latest log. Note that this was the log prior to me firing up the car this morning. The only difference between this log and the one after running the car, were misfires on cylinders 1 and 3.

Wednesday,15,June,2016,19:55:19:04550
VCDS -- Windows Based VAG/VAS Emulator Running on Windows 7 x86
VCDS Version: 15.7.0.2
Data version: 20150820
www.Ross-Tech.com


VIN: WAUDL74FX6N102706   License Plate: 



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chassis Type: 4F (4F0)
Scan: 01 02 03 05 07 08 09 0E 0F 15 16 17 19 36 37 42 46 47 4F 52
          53 55 56 61 62 65 67 72 76 77

VIN: WAUDL74FX6N102706   Mileage: 172990km-107491miles

00-Steering Angle Sensor -- Status: OK 0000
01-Engine -- Status: Malfunction 0010
02-Auto Trans -- Status: OK 0000
03-ABS Brakes -- Status: OK 0000
05-Acc/Start Auth. -- Status: OK 0000
07-Control Head -- Status: Malfunction 0010
08-Auto HVAC -- Status: OK 0000
09-Cent. Elect. -- Status: OK 0000
0E-Media Player 1 -- Status: OK 0000
0F-Digital Radio -- Status: OK 0000
15-Airbags -- Status: OK 0000
16-Steering wheel -- Status: OK 0000
17-Instruments -- Status: OK 0000
19-CAN Gateway -- Status: Malfunction 0010
25-Immobilizer -- Status: OK 0000
36-Seat Mem. Drvr -- Status: OK 0000
37-Navigation -- Status: OK 0000
42-Door Elect, Driver -- Status: OK 0000
46-Central Conv. -- Status: OK 0000
47-Sound System -- Status: OK 0000
4F-Centr. Electr. II -- Status: OK 0000
52-Door Elect, Pass. -- Status: OK 0000
53-Parking Brake -- Status: OK 0000
55-Headlight Range -- Status: OK 0000
56-Radio -- Status: OK 0000
61-Battery Regul. -- Status: Malfunction 0010
62-Door, Rear Left -- Status: OK 0000
65-Tire Pressure -- Status: OK 0000
67-Voice Control -- Status: OK 0000
72-Door, Rear Right -- Status: OK 0000
76-Park Assist -- Status: OK 0000
77-Telephone -- Status: Cannot be reached 1100
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 01: Engine        Labels: Redir Fail!
   Part No SW: 4F0 910 560 E    HW: 4F0 907 559 
   Component: 4.2L V8/5V      G   0020  
   Revision: --H01---    Serial number:               
   Coding: 0007772
   Shop #: WSC 02335 785 00200
   VCID: 24A2399F27D4AF328156D9-8070


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 02: Auto Trans        Labels: 09L-927-760.lbl
   Part No SW: 4F1 910 156 Q    HW: 09L 927 156 A
   Component: AG6 09L 4,2 MPI USA 0040  
   Revision: --H01---    Serial number:        4101327
   Coding: 0000002
   Shop #: WSC 02335 785 00200
   VCID: 328ECFC76D20318203CA7F-8066

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 03: ABS Brakes        Labels: 4F0-910-517.lbl
   Part No SW: 4F0 910 517 L    HW: 4F0 614 517 L
   Component: ESP 8.0 quattro H04 0090  
   Revision: 00000000    Serial number: 00000000000000
   Coding: 0021352
   Shop #: WSC 02335 785 00200
   VCID: 2DB4DCBB741E6E7A5EF8A4-8078

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 05: Acc/Start Auth.        Labels: 4F0-910-852.clb
   Part No SW: 4F0 910 852     HW: 4F0 905 852 B
   Component: FBSAUDIC6 ELV   H31 0180  
   Revision: 30070501    Serial number: 10600700278090
   Coding: 0000015
   Shop #: WSC 02335 785 00200
   VCID: 63207A83625AE80AB8DC12-8036

   Subsystem 1 - Part No: 4F0 910 131 L
   Component: FBSAUDIC6 EZS   H45 0070

   Subsystem 2 - Part No: 4F0 910 335 
   Component: FBSAUDIC6 KSG   H27 0080

   Subsystem 3 - Part No: 4F0 910 220 G
   Component: FBSAUDIC6 IDG   H45 0060

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 07: Control Head        Labels: 4F0-910-7xx-07-H.lbl
   Part No SW: 4F0 910 732 Q    HW: 4E0 035 729 
   Component: Interfacebox    H43 4610  
   Revision: 00000000    Serial number: 303JL057510456
   Coding: 0000003
   Shop #: WSC 02335 785 00200
   VCID: 318CC0CB68260A9A7AD048-8064

   Subsystem 1 - Part No: 4F0 910 609 E
   Component: Bedienteil MMIC6H08 0050

   Subsystem 2 - Serial number: 00000000262998

   Subsystem 3 - Serial number: 0125.10.050000000100010778ÿ

   Subsystem 4 - Serial number: 010778ÿ

1 Fault Found:
00003 - Control Module 
            005 - No or Incorrect Basic Setting / Adaptation
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Status: 01100101
                    Fault Priority: 5
                    Fault Frequency: 1
                    Reset counter: 112
                    Mileage: 172991 km
                    Time Indication: 0
                    Date: 2005.02.12
                    Time: 15:45:07


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 08: Auto HVAC        Labels: 4F0-910-043.lbl
   Part No SW: 4F0 910 043     HW: 4F1 820 043 S
   Component: KLIMABETAETIGUNGH12 0160  
   Revision: 00000027    Serial number: 00000030067646
   Coding: 0000040
   Shop #: WSC 02335 785 00200
   VCID: 5B5042635A2AD0CAF0ACBA-800E

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 09: Cent. Elect.        Labels: 4F0-910-279.lbl
   Part No SW: 4F0 910 279 C    HW: 4F0 907 279 A
   Component: ILM Fahrer      H15 0190  
   Revision: 00000000    Serial number: 4F0907279     
   Coding: 0114123
   Shop #: WSC 02335 785 00200
   VCID: 29BC28AB40F6725AB2A090-807C

   Subsystem 1 - Part No: 4F1 910 113   Labels: 1KX-955-119.CLB
   Component: Wischer AudiC6  H05 0150  
   Coding: 00062736
   Shop #: WSC 02335  

   Subsystem 2 - Part No: 4E0 910 557   Labels: 8K0-955-559.CLB
   Component: REGENLICHTSENSORH10 0050  
   Coding: 00141886
   Shop #: WSC 02335  

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 0E: Media Player 1        Labels: 4E0-910-111.lbl
   Part No SW: 4E0 910 111 F    HW: 4E0 035 111 A
   Component: CD-Changer      H44 0470  
   Revision: 00000000    Serial number: AUZ5ZBE7251469
   Shop #: WSC 00000 000 00000
   VCID: 1CD2017F1FA497F2392661-8048

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 0F: Digital Radio        Labels: 4E0-910-593-XM.lbl
   Part No SW: 4E0 910 593 G    HW: 4E0 035 593 C
   Component: SDAR XM         H04 0670  
   Revision: 00000000    Serial number: AUZ4Z7E4038058
   Shop #: WSC 00000 000 00000
   VCID: 2BB0D2A34A0A604A408C8A-807E

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 15: Airbags        Labels: 4F0-910-655-8R.lbl
   Part No SW: 4F0 910 655 F    HW: 4F0 959 655 A
   Component: 66 AIRBAG AUDI8RH29 0300  
   Revision: 12H29000    Serial number: 00359D0A6PPA  
   Coding: 0013878
   Shop #: WSC 40233 444 59028
   VCID: 2ABED7A745F07942BB9A87-807E

   Subsystem 1 - Part No: 4F0 910 339 A
   Component: BF-Gewichtsens. H02 0050

   Subsystem 2 - Serial number: 6332CSME0C6B5A60B

   Subsystem 3 - Serial number: 6342CSME0C6A387DL

   Subsystem 4 - Serial number: 6352QSME0612250D6

   Subsystem 5 - Serial number: 6362QSME061337176

   Subsystem 6 - Serial number: 63734SME06167749+

   Subsystem 7 - Serial number: 63834SME0550781F0

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 16: Steering wheel        Labels: 4F0-910-549.lbl
   Part No SW: 4F0 910 549 A    HW: 4F0 953 549 C
   Component: J0527               0310  
   Revision: 00H01000    Serial number: 90026052690186
   Coding: 0012241
   Shop #: WSC 02335 785 00200
   VCID: 27B82E9356E2442AA4B4E6-8072

   Subsystem 1 - Part No: XXXXXXXXXXX 
   Component: E0221           H07 0090

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 17: Instruments        Labels: 4F0-910-xxx-17.lbl
   Part No SW: 4F0 910 930 A    HW: 4F0 920 980 N
   Component: KOMBIINSTR. M73 H16 0630  
   Revision: 00200000    Serial number: 4PY3A1LA5     
   Coding: 2129201
   Shop #: WSC 00581 210 64475
   VCID: 21AC308B38C6BA1AEA7038-8074


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 19: CAN Gateway        Labels: 4F0-910-468.lbl
   Part No SW: 4F0 910 468 A    HW: 4F0 907 468 D
   Component: Gateway         H11 0070  
   Revision: 11          Serial number: 1300805A2881C1
   Coding: ECFE73CD1B7904
   Shop #: WSC 02334 785 00200
   VCID: 27B82E9356E2442AA4B4E6-8072

1 Fault Found:
01303 - Telephone Transceiver (R36) 
            004 - No Signal/Communication
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Status: 01100100
                    Fault Priority: 3
                    Fault Frequency: 1
                    Reset counter: 112
                    Mileage: 172991 km
                    Time Indication: 0
                    Date: 2005.02.12
                    Time: 15:46:08


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 36: Seat Mem. Drvr        Labels: None
   Part No SW: 4F0 910 760     HW: 4F0 959 760 
   Component: Sitzmemory FS   H04 0050  
   Revision: 00000000    Serial number: 00000000896400
   Coding: 0082954
   Shop #: WSC 02334 785 00200
   VCID: 612C708B7846FA1AAAF078-8034

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 37: Navigation        Labels: 4E0-910-88x-37.lbl
   Part No SW: 4E0 910 888 M    HW: 4E0 919 887 C
   Component: MNS US          H45 1100  
   Revision: 00000000    Serial number: 355JU057556205
   Shop #: WSC 02335 785 00200
   VCID: 389AFDEF8B5CDBD23D0E3D-806C

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 42: Door Elect, Driver        Labels: 4F0-910-793-42.lbl
   Part No SW: 4F0 910 793 E    HW: 4F0 959 793 E
   Component: TSG FA          H12 0080  
   Revision: 00000000    Serial number: `

   Coding: 0051947
   Shop #: WSC 02335 785 00200
   VCID: 2CB2D1BF4F0467724986B1-8078

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 46: Central Conv.        Labels: 4F0-910-289.lbl
   Part No SW: 4F0 910 289 G    HW: 4F0 907 289 G
   Component: Komfortgeraet   H22 0170  
   Revision: 01700022    Serial number: 01008257040000
   Coding: 4618301
   Shop #: WSC 02335 785 00200
   VCID: 2EB6DBB77918156267F2AB-807A

   Subsystem 1 - Part No: 1K0 951 605 C
   Component: LIN BACKUP HORN H03 1301

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 47: Sound System        Labels: 4F0-910-223-BO.lbl
   Part No SW: 4F0 910 223 J    HW: 4F0 035 223 G
   Component: DSP-High C6     H09 0240  
   Revision: PROD_01     Serial number: 00000000807306
   Coding: 0000026
   Shop #: WSC 02335 785 00200
   VCID: 25A4249B2CEE563A9648CC-8070

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 4F: Centr. Electr. II        Labels: 4F0-910-280.lbl
   Part No SW: 4F0 910 280     HW: 4F0 907 280 B
   Component: ILM Beifahrer   H10 0080  
   Revision:             Serial number: 00000000010391
   Coding: 0012114
   Shop #: WSC 02335 785 00200
   VCID: 5E564B774938C5E297925B-800A

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 52: Door Elect, Pass.        Labels: 4F0-910-793-52.lbl
   Part No SW: 4F0 910 793 E    HW: 4F0 959 792 E
   Component: TSG BF          H12 0080  
   Revision: 00000000    Serial number: qh

   Coding: 0051947
   Shop #: WSC 02335 785 00200
   VCID: 2CB2D1BF4F0467724986B1-8078

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 53: Parking Brake        Labels: 4F0-910-801.clb
   Part No SW: 4F0 910 801     HW: 4F0 907 801 
   Component: EPB  C63C0030   H03 0030  
   Revision: C63C0030    
   Coding: 0006022
   Shop #: WSC 02334 785 00200
   VCID: 5D544C7B443EDEFA8E9854-8008

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 55: Headlight Range        Labels: 4F0-910-357.lbl
   Part No SW: 4F0 910 357 C    HW: 4F0 907 357 C
   Component: AFS 1           H01 0030  
   Revision: 00000001    Serial number:               
   Coding: 0000016
   Shop #: WSC 02325 785 00200
   VCID: 26A6239751E85D229F42F3-8072

   Subsystem 1 - Part No: 4F0 941 329 B
   Component: AFS-Modul links H02 0020

   Subsystem 2 - Part No: 4F0 941 329 B
   Component: AFS-Modul rechtsH02 0020

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 56: Radio        Labels: 4E0-910-541.lbl
   Part No SW: 4E0 910 541 T    HW: 4F0 035 541 B
   Component: TUNER EU/US/RDW H42 0630  
   Revision: 00000000    Serial number: 394JO057630005
   Coding: 0000002
   Shop #: WSC 02335 785 00200
   VCID: 318CC0CB68260A9A7AD048-8064

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 61: Battery Regul.        Labels: 4F0-910-181.lbl
   Part No SW: 4F0 910 181 E    HW: 4F0 915 181 A
   Component: J0644 BEM       H12 0590  
   Revision: 00000000    Serial number: 00000000144973
   Shop #: WSC 40233 444 83861
   VCID: 23A03A8322DAA80AF85CD2-8076

   Subsystem 1 - Part No: 009 151 05D L
   Component: von VA0  35070440US       
   Coding: 3030393135313035444C2056413033353037303434305553
   Shop #: WSC 84010 444 12345

2 Faults Found:
02272 - Quiescent Current Stage 1 
            000 -  -  - Intermittent
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Status: 00100000
                    Fault Priority: 7
                    Fault Frequency: 3
                    Reset counter: 255
                    Mileage: 172991 km
                    Time Indication: 0
                    Date: 2005.02.12
                    Time: 15:57:53

02273 - Quiescent Current Stage 2 
            000 -  - 
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Status: 01100000
                    Fault Priority: 7
                    Fault Frequency: 2
                    Reset counter: 255
                    Mileage: 172991 km
                    Time Indication: 0
                    Date: 2005.02.12
                    Time: 16:47:21


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 62: Door, Rear Left        Labels: 4F0-910-795.lbl
   Part No SW: 4F0 910 795 E    HW: 4F0 959 795 E
   Component: TSG HL          H21 0050  
   Coding: 0051754
   Shop #: WSC 02327 785 00200
   VCID: 2EB6DBB77918156267F2AB-807A

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 65: Tire Pressure        Labels: 4F0-910-273-BA.lbl
   Part No SW: 4F0 910 273 B    HW: 4F0 907 273 A
   Component: Reifendruck 3   H05 0100  
   Revision: 00050100    Serial number: 00000900013381
   Coding: 0062422
   Shop #: WSC 02335 785 00200
   VCID: 22AE3F873DC0A102F36A2F-8076

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 67: Voice Control        Labels: 4E0-910-75x-67.lbl
   Part No SW: 4E0 910 754 Q    HW: 4E0 035 753 A
   Component: SDS 3501 US     H45 0630  
   Revision: 00000000    Serial number: 00000510190072
   Shop #: WSC 12336 024 394758
   VCID: 3482C9DF97343FB2113669-8060

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 72: Door, Rear Right        Labels: 4F0-910-795.lbl
   Part No SW: 4F0 910 795 E    HW: 4F0 959 794 E
   Component: TSG HR          H21 0050  
   Coding: 0051754
   Shop #: WSC 02327 785 00200
   VCID: 2EB6DBB77918156267F2AB-807A

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 76: Park Assist        Labels: 4Fx-910-283.lbl
   Part No SW: 4F0 910 283 B    HW: 4F0 919 283 B
   Component: Parkhilfe 4-Kan H09 0030  
   Revision: 00H09000    Serial number: 11720528704083
   Coding: 0001206
   Shop #: WSC 02335 785 00200
   VCID: 23A03A8322DAA80AF85CD2-8076

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 77: Telephone
Cannot be reached

End-------------------------(Elapsed Time: 03:25)--------------------------

Please and thank you for all your help! I miss my ride!

[SinCityA6]

Sorry to hear about the issues you are facing. I know it can be frustrating. In looking at your scan, the one thing that jumps out is the Battery Regulator (the large black module connected to the positive cable at the battery for those that don't know). If this module is failing, then that may be your issue. The regulator controls the amount of juice going into the battery from the alternator and out to the car. When it detects that the battery is running low, it will start to shut down systems to preserve battery power to run emergency lights, etc. I am a little surprised that the car would actually "click, click, click" the starter solenoid and that you were able to see a visible dimming of the lights. In theory, this should not happen if the regulator was working properly. And yes, it is possible to drain a battery using VCDS extensively when the car is not running (I know from personal experience). Since the battery regulator is an expensive part (IIRC $1500 OEM) start by ruling out other issues:

Have you had the new battery tested? I know it is "New" but it is not outside the realm of possibility that you got a defective battery.
Do you have a battery tender/booster? If so, connect it to the jump points in the engine bay, let it sit for a bit and give the car a start. What are the results?
If no battery tender, use jumper cables (connected to the jump points in the engine bay, not the battery). Start the car, any difference?
Can you get the car to an Euro Indy shop (or dealership in no Indy available) to have the charging system tested? Please don't take to Autozone, Pep boys, etc as they wont have the proper equipment.

Keep us posted on your findings.

[jacemace]

SinCityA6,

Thanks very much for the help. You're absolutely right. It's been incredibly frustrating.

I'm afraid I have left out a few details. Let me provide some additional insight.

- I haven't had the new battery tested but I actually received a brand new replacement battery for the prior Bosch battery that died. There is no difference between the replacement Bosch battery and the OEM Audi Varta battery. Car runs badly with both.

- I don't have a battery tender but I can certainly try connecting my LR3 to the car.

- I actually had the car at my trusty Euro Indy shop for a week prior to personally digging into the problem. They were completely stumped and wanted to start tearing into one side of the engine as they felt the cylinder 1 and 3 misfire were related to a physical timing problem. That's when I had the car towed back home and began doing my own diagnostic.

I shiver over the concept of bringing it to the local Audi dealership in SLC. I did end up calling them but they can see the car for a few weeks!

Is there a way to test the battery regulator?