Battery drain after replacing it lost all electrical components

Tiny
ETHANVAUGHN8
  • MEMBER
  • 2013 AUDI A6
  • 3.0L
  • V6
  • TURBO
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 70,000 MILES
My battery kept draining. So after testing it went ahead and bought a new one. Been doing fine for about a week, but now when I start the car I have no electronics; no gauges, nothing. The car starts up but acts like it's about to shut off for the first 5 seconds. Before running normal but still no electronics.
Monday, July 20th, 2020 AT 10:25 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,867 POSTS
Hi,

Does anything work? For example, brake lights, turn signals, horn, headlamps and so on? If nothing is working, the first thing I need you to check are the three safety fuses in the main fuse carrier in the trunk. See pic 1. These fuses power many other fuse boxes and components.

If they are good and nothing works, you really need to scan the CAN bus system. The control modules and computers throughout the vehicle are all tied together by this system. CAN stands for computer area network. If there is a break down, it can cause many other problems.

Here is a video that shows how it's done and why it's a good idea:

https://youtu.be/InIlnsjOVFA

If you look at pic 2 below, I attached a pic of the fuses I mentioned. These are not typical fuses and attach to the battery. I circled them.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Monday, July 20th, 2020 AT 7:35 PM
Tiny
ETHANVAUGHN8
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Actually found the issue this morning. It ended up being the voltage regulator control module. But thank you for the info it was very helpful.
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Tuesday, July 21st, 2020 AT 10:29 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS is one of our best! Please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.
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Tuesday, July 21st, 2020 AT 10:30 AM
Tiny
ETHANVAUGHN8
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Jacobandnickolas, so I got my part in plugged it in and nothing still having the same issue. And to answer your question all of my lights work and my power windows work as well as far as I can tell the only things not working are there hud and instrument cluster pulled every fuse I could find but everything looked fine there.
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Monday, July 27th, 2020 AT 12:47 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

Okay, we'll figure this out together. Are the main fuses I showed you in pic 2 above good?

Joe
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Monday, July 27th, 2020 AT 8:11 PM
Tiny
ETHANVAUGHN8
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Yes, those are all good. Did some research today and found out there are some more fuse boxes I wasn't aware of. I'm going to check those out this afternoon and see if I can find and issues. Any other suggestions for things I should check?
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Monday, July 27th, 2020 AT 11:09 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,867 POSTS
Hi,

Let me know what you find with the additional fuses. As far as the HUD, there was technical service bulletin a few years back, but it dealt with flickering or dimming. You indicates there is no HUD or instrument panel, so I don't feel that is going to help.

That leads me to the CAN system. I have a specific test for the instrument panel related to the CAN bus system. Have you had the scan done I mentioned in the above post? Take a look through this and let me know if it is something you feel comfortable doing.

______________________________

CAN-Bus Terminal Resistance Instrument Cluster to Data Diagnostic Connector, Checking
Vehicle Power-train Management Computers and Control Systems Testing and Inspection Component Tests and General Diagnostics CAN-Bus Terminal Resistance Instrument Cluster to Data Diagnostic Connector, Checking
CAN-BUS TERMINAL RESISTANCE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER TO DATA DIAGNOSTIC CONNECTOR, CHECKING
CAN-Bus Terminal Resistance Instrument Cluster to Data Diagnostic Connector, Checking

The Engine Control Module (J623) communicates with all data-bus capable control modules via a CAN databus.

These databus capable control modules are connected via two data bus wires which are twisted together (CAN_High and CAN_Low), and exchange information (messages). Missing information on the databus is recognized as a malfunction and stored.

Trouble-free operation of the CAN-bus requires that it have a terminal resistance. The central terminal resistor is located in the Engine Control Module (J623).

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required

Multi-meter.

Wiring diagram.

Test requirement

A CAN-Bus malfunction was recognized.

The Engine Control Module (J623) fuses OK.

Battery voltage at least 12.5 V.

Ignition switched OFF.

Test Procedure

- Perform a preliminary check to verify the customers complaint. Refer to => [ Preliminary Check ] See: Computers and Control Systems > Scan Tool Testing and Procedures > Preliminary Check

- Disconnect the Instrument Cluster Control Module (J285) electrical harness connector T32 from the Instrument Cluster Control Module.

The Engine Control Module (J623) must remain connected for the following step.

- Disconnect the Data Bus On Board Diagnostic Interface (J533) electrical harness connector T32b from the diagnostic interface.

- Using a Multi-meter, check continuity between J285 and J533.

Specified value: max. 1.5ohms (at approx. 20° C)

See pic 1

If the specified value was Not obtained:

- Check the wiring connection for an open circuit, short circuit to Battery voltage or Ground (GND).

- Check the wiring connection for damage, corrosion, lose or broken terminals.

- If necessary, repair the faulty wiring connection.

If the specified value was obtained:

- Replace the Engine Control Module (J623). Refer to Repair Manual.

Final procedures

After the repair work, the following work steps must be performed in the following sequence:

1. Check the DTC memory. Refer to => [ Diagnostic Mode 03 - Read DTC Memory ] See: Computers and Control Systems > Scan Tool Testing and Procedures > Diagnostic Mode 03 - Read DTC Memory.

2. If necessary, erase the DTC memory. Refer to => [ Diagnostic Mode 04 - Erase DTC Memory ] See: Computers and Control Systems > Scan Tool Testing and Procedures > Diagnostic Mode 04 - Erase DTC Memory.

3. If the DTC memory was erased, generate readiness code. Refer to => [ Readiness Code ] See: Computers and Control Systems > Monitors, Trips, Drive Cycles and Readiness Codes > Readiness Code.

_____________________________________________

Also, the TSB I mentioned was a programming related issue that needed updated.

Let me know.

Joe
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Tuesday, July 28th, 2020 AT 6:45 PM

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