There seems to be a vast range of diagnostic pointers from members here about particular charging concerns that some of us V10 owners experience.
I'd like to put an end to it. I am a ASE Certified Mechanic and also a GM Certified Mechanic so I have somewhat of a grasp on the technical/mechanical operation of automobiles.
My concern that got here:
Noticed the Air Conditioning no longer put out COLD air. It wasn't warm either, just HOT air. It was 104 degrees here in Phoenix that day; which the Touareg usually has no issues cooling the cab down.
I immediately blamed the AC Compressor clutch. Continued driving and a message came up on the DIC, "Consumer Electronics Turned Off." That right there threw a red flag in my face, I must have a charging/battery issue. I glanced over to the factory Voltage Meter, it was hovering around 12.5 plus/minus 0.5 volt. Remembering that there's two batteries in this land-yatch of a vehicle, I then blamed the rear battery. (Front one under driver seat is one year old, Duracell AGM Platinum)
Pulled the rear panel, inspected the battery, it was 3 years old and the sides were bulging indicating the cells were expanding and near failure/possibly failed. As preventative maintenance, I replaced the rear battery to a Duracell AGM Platinum. Fired the vehicle up, same issue, Low voltage! I came on the forum and read for some related issues but didn't find a definitive answer.
Drove the vehicle home from work and noticed the voltage would move slightly up the higher the RPM's. Clearly correlating to engine RPM/Generator speed, I knew I had an issue with the Generator/Alternator. I called the dealership and got a price on some parts. Generator was $680 and some various couplers and belts needed for the job were $50 together. Luckily there's a local generator rebuilding shop near by that'll repair the generator at a much lower price so I opted out of the factory generator and ordered the couplers only.
Onto the R&R, I realized these V10's are scary and a giant pain in the rear. I don't care, I've done MUCH more difficult repairs in my life. I've replaced the passenger side tandem pump from up top, pain, but do-able.
I did not take photos during the process but I will update this thread with pics as I assemble. I will also walk ANYONE through this procedure. Just for a quick overview on what to remove.
Require 10mm Socket, 13mm Socket, 16mm Wrench, 6mm Allen, 5mm Allen, 30Torx, Tripe Square socket set, pliers, hook tool for connectors and hoses.
Intake tubes to throttle bodies.
Throttle bodies.
EGR hard vacuum tubes.
EGR pipes from EGR Cooler to EGR valves.
EGR pipes from EGR Cooler to Exhaust manifold EGR tubes.
EGR Valves
EGR Heater assembly with top actuators intact
Intake Manifolds (BE CAREFUL OF GLOWPLUG WIRES)
Fuel rails (bolts are tough to loosen, be careful. They dont come out completely, just loosen all the way)
Then the four Bolts for the generator are easily accessible!
Lift the REAR of the alternator which is facing the front of the vehicle and pull upward. The coupling sleeve has enough slack to do so.
Reassembly will begin once I get this generator to the rebuilders. Should be a couple days before I go back together.
I'd like to put an end to it. I am a ASE Certified Mechanic and also a GM Certified Mechanic so I have somewhat of a grasp on the technical/mechanical operation of automobiles.
My concern that got here:
Noticed the Air Conditioning no longer put out COLD air. It wasn't warm either, just HOT air. It was 104 degrees here in Phoenix that day; which the Touareg usually has no issues cooling the cab down.
I immediately blamed the AC Compressor clutch. Continued driving and a message came up on the DIC, "Consumer Electronics Turned Off." That right there threw a red flag in my face, I must have a charging/battery issue. I glanced over to the factory Voltage Meter, it was hovering around 12.5 plus/minus 0.5 volt. Remembering that there's two batteries in this land-yatch of a vehicle, I then blamed the rear battery. (Front one under driver seat is one year old, Duracell AGM Platinum)
Pulled the rear panel, inspected the battery, it was 3 years old and the sides were bulging indicating the cells were expanding and near failure/possibly failed. As preventative maintenance, I replaced the rear battery to a Duracell AGM Platinum. Fired the vehicle up, same issue, Low voltage! I came on the forum and read for some related issues but didn't find a definitive answer.
Drove the vehicle home from work and noticed the voltage would move slightly up the higher the RPM's. Clearly correlating to engine RPM/Generator speed, I knew I had an issue with the Generator/Alternator. I called the dealership and got a price on some parts. Generator was $680 and some various couplers and belts needed for the job were $50 together. Luckily there's a local generator rebuilding shop near by that'll repair the generator at a much lower price so I opted out of the factory generator and ordered the couplers only.
Onto the R&R, I realized these V10's are scary and a giant pain in the rear. I don't care, I've done MUCH more difficult repairs in my life. I've replaced the passenger side tandem pump from up top, pain, but do-able.
I did not take photos during the process but I will update this thread with pics as I assemble. I will also walk ANYONE through this procedure. Just for a quick overview on what to remove.
Require 10mm Socket, 13mm Socket, 16mm Wrench, 6mm Allen, 5mm Allen, 30Torx, Tripe Square socket set, pliers, hook tool for connectors and hoses.
Intake tubes to throttle bodies.
Throttle bodies.
EGR hard vacuum tubes.
EGR pipes from EGR Cooler to EGR valves.
EGR pipes from EGR Cooler to Exhaust manifold EGR tubes.
EGR Valves
EGR Heater assembly with top actuators intact
Intake Manifolds (BE CAREFUL OF GLOWPLUG WIRES)
Fuel rails (bolts are tough to loosen, be careful. They dont come out completely, just loosen all the way)
Then the four Bolts for the generator are easily accessible!
Lift the REAR of the alternator which is facing the front of the vehicle and pull upward. The coupling sleeve has enough slack to do so.
Reassembly will begin once I get this generator to the rebuilders. Should be a couple days before I go back together.
