Why did my Audi a6 six speed lose power while driving and continuous battery drain?

SOURCE: Oil change on 1998 audi a6 quattro

overheated and blew transmission. replace with new transmission.

SOURCE: Loss of power steering and battery light

Hey there Cyber,

Classic symptoms, belt failure. Be glad you don't have a serpentine belt, the engine would have overheated too.

If you work close to home, it may even be a serpentine and just didn't have time to overheat.

At any rate: One of your belts powers both the Alternator and the Power Steering Pump. That belt is either very loose or laying on the road between your home and workplace.

The good news:
This is one of those lucky circumstances where the more that looks like its broken, the cheaper and easier it is to fix. If it was only the Alt. or P/S that would mean all sorts of diagnostics, tests, etc.

Both at once? The belt.
The cost? Less than $20.00 if serpentine. Less than $5.00 if not.

If the old one is still hanging there, it will be useful when getting a new one (to size it).

Let me know if you feel like replacing it yourself.
If it's a serpentine, click here for the procedure (the trick) to get it on.

Once the new belt is on the only thing you'll need is a jump.

Any additional questions? Just comment me back.

Thanks for using FixYa
Mike

SOURCE: AUDI A6 SIX SPEED TIPTRONIC

I have been having similar problems. The clutch is slipping as thats how you get the variable gears when in full auto, but this is where the problem comes from, some garages (auto gearbox specialists) are now able to fix it. Do not go to Audi as all they do is replace the gearbox (very expensive). There is no quick fix though! Sorry for the bad news!!

SOURCE: 2000 Audi A6 wont start

check the battery that happens if you dontdrive it for somo time

SOURCE: AUDI A6 WINDOW PROBLEMS

This is a common problem with the C5 A6 models. Before you replace the fuse for the windows (I think it's number 14, but i don't have a manual in front of me - Anyway, it's the 10A fuse that's blown!) Look under the back of both front seats and you'll see a light that illuminates the floor for the back seats. Rem ove the light from each seat by prying it out with a flat screwdriver and disconnect both leads. Replace the fuse, and your windows (moon roof and interior lights as well) should now work. The lumbar support causes something to short out the lights. I've tried insulating the lights on mine, but the problem always comes back so I just disconnected them altogether.