warning lights, alarm problems?? whats going on??

[vincenzo_2k]

This thread was moved from general automotive to the B6 forum where it belongs.

Audi A4 1.9 tdi B6

Can anyone tell me what is going on with my car? We had a pretty good relationship until recently. There was a lot of trust, loyalty etc. but now I dont know...
I've been having non stop issues for the last while. Thought it was battery related, made more complicated by all the cold weather etc, but it appears to be a little more complicated than that.
The airbag light was flashing, the esp light was flashing, intermittently but often.
Battery needed recharging every 7-10 days, was checked by mechanic but seemed fine, charging etc. Tho there did seem to be something in the car that is slow to shut down when engine is turned off.
Inside lights (boot/interior)dim a few times when opening/starting car with old battery and now with new battery.

Replaced the battery when old one went kaput in hope it would sort it...
That machine(Vag com?) was connected up to look for fault codes but it couldnt make connection re ESP light.
The airbag light was flashing since battery replaced and now its on solid the last week...
Tonight alarm was going off incessantly, had to disconnect the battery so neighbours might get some sleep. had similar issue with previous battery before christmas.
Ive been looking through past posts to try and get an inkling but I dont know...
Whats all this about leaks? Not sure if I have any but there have been spills it appears- left front passenger floor, floor of the boot? While I mention spills sometimes if temps get v low (e.g. -2), there can be a bit of frost inside windscreen, would that be a sign for damp inside car?

And to top it all I fear that it is burning a bit of oil. getting the smell the last while, and it recently needed to be topped up.
I thought I was doing good to get it serviced every 10k, is it possible there is a simple cheap solution... I am going back to mechanic but if at all possible to find a quick and comprenhensive solution(s) rather than months of messing around?

I know I probably should have kept a better eye on routine maintenance but recently...

Very bad timing for this kind of trouble, but has anyone ever had car trouble that was good timing?

My thanks in advance!
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[vincenzo_2k]

An UPDATE:

Quattrojames told me I need to get faultcodes checked, which has to be done yet.

Recently the alarm is going off near constantly, have to leave it unlocked or disconnect battery. It appears that alarm light on driver door goes on solid instead of the normal flashing, and that alarm will then sound(but no flashing hazard lights). The alarm wont turn off with fob either until car is started and then turned off. Once before I got the new battery the alarm went off while I was driving the car which was very strange..had to turn off engine to get it to go off.
Is there an easy way of disabling alarm?

 

[quattrojames]

When you changed the battery was the bulkhead dry? There are two bungs under the battery which it's worth removing, as they block and flood the area causing water to drip into the footwell and fry the convenience module under the passenger seat.

Some but not all of your symptoms are pointing towards that.

 

[vincenzo_2k]

That is the kind of direction I needed. When the battery was changed I remember it being very difficult to get in there, but not about it being wet underneath, but i will check the footwell for dampness. I think there could be something in what you say.

If it is the convenience module(?) will a mechanic be able to replace it handy enough? Is the part expensive?
Its a relief to have an idea what going on, even if it doesnt prove to be the correct one.

There probably are a few other things I need to get done as well, just finding the time and the money, but hopefully in the next week or two. I am just dreading the thought that car needs a lot more work than it may be worth.

 

[Woorlord]

Sounds like Convenience Module issues.

The Alarm siren is in the rear right section of the boot - Siren can be unplugged at this point.
You could just disconnect the convenience module under the carpet under the passenger seat but would lose elec windows, mirrors, remote locking, etc.

Convenience Module around £200~£230 to buy new then you need to fit it experienced VW/Audi mechanic ~1hour, then programme the unit with VAG-COM ~0.5hour. Not sure what Audi would charge in terms of time?