Hiya.

Got the dreaded battery light coming on while driving today, followed by every light on the dash - ABS, etc - complete with power steering failure.

Looking like an alternator problem.

Car's done 128000 miles. If it needs another alternator am I better off scrapping the car or sticking with it?

It's the 1.9 VRS TDi.

Thanks. Sorry for sounding so dumb. Guess it's because I am...

Why scrap it just because the alternator needs changing?

 

Also have you checked the load sensing wires haven't broken? Very common problem.

Alternators aren't that expensive, certainly not a cause to scrap your car!

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/334979-alternator-load-signal-wire/

A second hand one can be had for as little as £50 and can be fitted in less than 20 minutes. Be crazy to scrap a car for something so small.

Also check the battery earth connection at the strut tower is clean and tight.

 

You can get a new altenator complete with pulley for not much over £80 from a motor factors

Also it's not high miles!!!

About average for its age

Folks, thanks so much for your informed responses. I had it in my head buying an alternator and getting it fitted could cost a few hundred quid.

I'll check everything out you recommended before doing the rounds to see if I can pick up an alternator from a motor factors.

Have a GREAT weekend!

But if you wanna scrap it I'll take it off your hands

Yours is at a decent mileage. Mines currently rapidly getting to 150k, this time next year will be in 175/180k (providing she doesn't need any major bits!)

Last year I probably spent close to a grand keeping her on the road!

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Scrap it. I will give you £200 ;-)

Scrap your car because it needs and alternator?!! Mines getting a new clutch, DMF & new turbo fitted tomorrow, £££'s... Wish it was just an alternator! 

Whats the usual cost of labour for an alternator replacement at an average independent garage? 

 

and does anyone have a recommendation for a garage in the north east of birmingham? Somewhere that will be able to check a few things to check it actually is the alternator. 

 

thanks a lot 

Edited 3 August, 20178 yr by coiner

and some of our colonial cousins get well  over 200K out of that engine