Replace your Volkswagen alternator

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Compare Volkswagen alternator repair cost and specialists near you


The car’s alternator plays a crucial role in keeping the battery charged.

You may be able to spot that it isn’t working properly if your headlights are dimmer, you can small burning rubber or a growling/whining noise.

Your car battery acting up may also be the result of starter motor failure.

Top garages for Volkswagen Alternator Repair (12,360 found)
Car Care Centre - Wembley Ltd
224 Jobs Completed
Wembley
4.6 / 5

A.T. Mobile Auto Repairs Ltd
763 Jobs Completed
Cornwall and Devon
4.9 / 5

My name is Andy Tomkins mobile mechanic I carry out all forms of on site vehicle repair work and servicing on all makes and models around the Cornwall and Devon area.

White Rose Garages Ltd
69 Jobs Completed
Liss
5.0 / 5

We are White Rose Garages and we’ve been the South of England's Favourite Garage for THREE Generations... Genuinely! There has been a Garage of varying scale on our site

Ewood Motor Services
1467 Jobs Completed
Blackburn
4.9 / 5

Ewood Motor services is conveniently based in Blackburn near Ewood Park. Our garage is home to the latest equipment and facilities enabling us to carry our repairs and se

Express Tyre & Auto Centre
2310 Jobs Completed
Ossett
4.7 / 5

"We are based in Ossett, just outside Wakefield and only 2 minutes from Junction 40 of the M1. From our purpose built garage we offer a full and comprehensive range of m

Pak Motors Glasgow Ltd.
1529 Jobs Completed
Glasgow
4.1 / 5

Pak Motors Glasgow Ltd , Scotland - South West PAK Motors has been operating since 2014. We are a local business for the local people and we care. The garage offers a 5

Coombe cars ltd
130 Jobs Completed
London
3.4 / 5

Protyre Wellingborough
396 Jobs Completed
Wellingborough
4.2 / 5

Protyre has a history going back over 50 years in the tyre industry and we pride ourselves on the level of service we provide to our customers. All our centres have comf

Protyre Ashford (Victoria Rd)
404 Jobs Completed
Ashford
4.6 / 5

Gary, the current centre manager has years of experience fitting tyres and advising customers of the best tyres to meet their driving needs. Protyre Victoria Road has gai

Protyre Talke
92 Jobs Completed
Stoke On Trent
4.7 / 5

Protyre has a history going back over 50 years in the tyre industry and we pride ourselves on the level of service we provide to our customers. All our centres have comf

Automaster repair centre limited
2 Job Completed
Chadderton
5.0 / 5

CPS Automotive Ltd.
790 Jobs Completed
Byfleet
5.0 / 5

We are a family run business with over 15 years of experience in all vehicle makes and models. We have a good reputation and positive feedback throughout all of our custo

ESY LTD
36 Jobs Completed
Leicester
5.0 / 5

If you require car services such as advanced professional car diagnostics, electrical repairs, dash cam installation, cambelt replacement, clutch replacement, tire punctu

Merlin Motors Huddersfield Limited
18 Jobs Completed
Huddersfield
5.0 / 5

We are a garage based in Milnsbridge Huddersfield, We offer full vehicle service and MOT from motorbikes, cars and vans up to class 7 vehicles. Car diagnostic, tracking,

VauxMaster-Tech
48 Jobs Completed
Bevereley
4.9 / 5

Vauxmaster-Tech has been in the industry for over 32 years. We have over 20 years of experience as a main dealer, and have been working as master technicians for the last

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Replace your Volkswagen alternator
Frequently asked questions
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What is a car alternator?

The car's alternator performs a simple but vital job: to keep your car's battery charged. The battery is responsible for starting the car, spark plugs, lights, electrics, and sometimes power steering - quite a job - so it's essential that it's topped up - and that's what the alternator does.

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What are common problems with an alternator?

The alternator acts like a small generator: the engine spins, and the alternator turns that spinning motion into electricity. The most common problems are worn brushes (the component that maintains constant electrical contact with the spinning alternator) and a failing voltage regulator (which ensures that the charge is sent to the battery at the correct voltage.)

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What are the common symptoms of alternator problems?

Common signs of car alternator problems include the 'charge' or battery lights flashing on the dashboard, flickering or dimming headlights and interior lights and a growling or whining noise under the bonnet.

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What is the average alternator repair cost?

An alternator can be rebuilt as opposed to replaced, however in truth the difference in cost is often quite small. Either way the most common repair cost is around £150-200.

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How to test an alternator for problems

A simple way to test an alternator for problems is to do what's known as the headlight test. Park your car with the headlights on or run it in neutral, then rev the engine. If the headlights dim you could well have an alternator problem. A better test is to take your car to a garage, where a car alternator can be tested using a multimeter tool.

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What happens if my alternator breaks?

If your alternator fails, your car battery won't charge and, very soon, will have insufficient charge to start the car.

Average rating for  Volkswagen Alternator Repair  bookings

4.69

68 reviews

Volkswagen Alternator Prices

Alternator repair prices can vary depending on your Volkswagen model due to differences in labour time and parts needed but you can expect to pay between £250-£300. Take a look below at the average quote on WhoCanFixMyCar.com for some of the top car makes.


Alternator Repair Cost by Volkswagen Model
Volkswagen ModelAverage PriceGet Quotes
Volkswagen Golf£435.78
Volkswagen Polo£364.97
Volkswagen Transporter£533.37
Volkswagen Passat£544.73
Volkswagen Tiguan£568.95
Volkswagen Touran£510.20
Volkswagen Scirocco£454.96
Volkswagen Crafter£432.28
Volkswagen Sharan£506.67
Volkswagen Jetta£425.93
Volkswagen Golf Gt Tsi S-A£551.63
Volkswagen Golf Plus£486.25

This table uses data from quotes provided on WhoCanFixMyCar.com between 20/12/2023 and 19/03/2024.

Although the alternator is a relatively simple Volkswagen part, it plays a critical role in your vehicle’s operation, so it’s essential any alternator problems are diagnosed correctly and fixed.


Here are some of the most common signs that your Volkswagen alternator is on the blink:

  • The alternator warning light will be on – in most cases this is shaped like a battery but some cars will show ‘ALT’ or ‘GEN’
  • You may experience extremely bright or dimming headlights, or a speedometer that stops working
  • Drivers sometimes complain of a growling or whining noise before the alternator gives out
  • You may experience a smell of hot wires or burning rubber


The average Volkswagen alternator repair cost is between £200 and £300, depending on the model of your Volkswagen, so it’s important you make sure you find the best deal. And that’s where we can help.


Here’s how it works:

  • Simply enter your car registration number
  • Give us some details about your vehicle and the kind of repair work you require
  • We’ll send you a great selection of quotes from mechanics in your area
  • We use our network of 7,000 mechanics and garages across the UK to find you the best deal. You can then compare the quotes, read reviews from previous customers and book your alternator repair online.
  • Enter your registration to compare alternator repair prices, read reviews and book your car in online.
Gary from Complete Mechanics explains the workings of the alternator