Replace your Volkswagen alternator

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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 (12,204 found)
Marks Motors | Mobile Mechanic
734 Jobs Completed
Bushey
5.0 / 5

Marks Motors | Mobile Mechanic A friendly, independent Mobile Motor Mechanic. We come to you, your home or place of work. I have many years of extensive experienc

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203 Jobs Completed
MIDDLESBROUGH
5.0 / 5

I am a independent mobile mechanic, trading under mechanical jobs done, I formed this business in April 2018. I have lots of experience covering lots of vehicle brands.

George Kessock-Philip
30 Jobs Completed
Ingol, Preston
5.0 / 5

BMW qualified senior technician, authorised MOT examiner, High Voltage certified. I operate fully mobile and can carry out work at your home address or place of work.

Tyreland Wimborne - Team Protyre
80 Jobs Completed
Wimborne
4.5 / 5

The Tyreland team pride themselves on providing exceptional levels of customer service and are proud to be a Foxy Choice approved garage, a gold level Pirelli Performance

Autoremedy - Milton Keynes
592 Jobs Completed
Bedford
4.8 / 5

Autoremedy offer a fully guaranteed and efficient service to Flitwick and the surrounding areas. All aspects of vehicle repair undertaken. 200+ Services , Upfront Pric

Niche Autos LTD
3366 Jobs Completed
Wakefield
4.9 / 5

THE FRIENDLY & EFFICIENT GARAGE FOR YOU! Established for many years, we are a family run business that believes in great customer service to encourage repeat business

Extra Mile Vehicle Services
89 Jobs Completed
braintree
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Cost Efficient, Honest & Reliable Mechanic Services, either bring your car to our workshop or we bring the workshop to you! At Extra Mile Vehicle Services, we un

Dorset (Hampshire) Response (Mobile Repairs)
1816 Jobs Completed
Poole
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Dorset/Hampshire Response is a family run mobile service that has been offering discounts for NHS and Who can fix my car customers for a while HOW ARE WE SO CHEAP? Strea

M.R Auto Services
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Bridgwater
5.0 / 5

As a workshop based in Bridgwater Somerset with over 16 years of experience we take away the inconvenience of having to get your vehicle to a garage as we can offer a col

VR Car Services
581 Jobs Completed
Colchester
4.9 / 5

VR Car Services are a newly established business, owned and ran by good friends Rick and Vladis. We have been working side by side for the last 5 years, and we have over

RAC Mobile Mechanic - We Come to You. Servicing on your drive or at work - Northampton
136 Jobs Completed
Northampton
4.4 / 5

The RAC offers complete peace of mind for 12 million drivers. We’re best known for our breakdown service. And now, our new RAC Mobile Mechanics are here to make everyday

DS AUTO AND MOT
2809 Jobs Completed
Stretford
4.1 / 5

DS AUTO, is a family run business, based in Stretford and we cover all Manchester and the surrounding areas for Recovery, Breakdown and Garage service. We work alongsi

Ewood Motor Services
1322 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

QwikFix Mobile Mechanics Ltd
109 Jobs Completed
London
4.7 / 5

QwikFix Mobile Mechanics Ltd operate as mobile mechanics, bringing the garage to wherever you are, at a time most convenient for you! We carry out the following works (an

Protyre - Durham
300 Jobs Completed
Durham
4.8 / 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

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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

4.76

66 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£388.43
Volkswagen Polo£307.37
Volkswagen Passat£495.43
Volkswagen Transporter£468.72
Volkswagen Tiguan£412.01
Volkswagen Beetle£443.70
Volkswagen Lupo£244.60
Volkswagen Fox£278.33
Volkswagen Golf C£194.99

This table uses data from quotes provided on WhoCanFixMyCar.com between 04/07/2023 and 02/10/2023.

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