Car just died!

pabloh999

So, driving home last night and I got a warning saying "alternator workshop" Got the warning again about ten minutes later.
Then about another ten minutes later i noticed the elec windows were raising slower than usual, the headlights were very dim and then all the warnings lit up on the dash!
The abs warning light, the esp light, battery warning etc.
Managed to get it home into the driveway, turned it off then tried turn it on and nothing.

After a bit of research it seems like the alternator might need replacing,thats grand.
BUT i just got my timing belt and auxillary belt changed last week, and i am wondering may it have something to do with that?

VW passat tdi 2005 old shape

Owen

It's possible the alternator belt wasn't tensioned properly, and isn't spinning the pulley on the alternator to develop enough charge. Either that, or your alternator is on it's way out and it's an unfortunate conincidence.

burrentech

pabloh999 wrote: »

After a bit of research it seems like the alternator might need replacing,thats grand.
BUT i just got my timing belt and auxillary belt changed last week, and i am wondering may it have something to do with that?

VW passat tdi 2005 old shape

It could just be a slack belt. Have that checked first before lashing out on a replacement alternator. You should be able to get a rebuilt exchange unit from most motor factors, it'll be a lot cheaper than the VW dealer, and will be just as good.

pabloh999

Thanks, the car starts now, but still has battery warning light and "Alternator Workshop" on the screen. The headlights seem very dim. So there is some charge in the battery

Harcrid

Open the bonnet and take a look at the aux belt and alternator. See if the belt has become slack around the alternator pulley. The alternator is easy to find at the front of this engine.