Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Please note that it is not permitted to have referral links posted in your signature. Keep these links contained in the appropriate forum. Thank you.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2055940817/signature-rules
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

VW Golf Battery Warning Light

  • 11-12-2013 4:10pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11


    Hi

    New to boards and need some advice on a warning light I have on my dash for my battery.
    Have spoken to a few garages and they seem to think it's probably either the alternator or belt and brought it to one but they gave me a midtronics reading they took off the battery and told me that its ok for now but no idea how long the battery/alternator has but I don't really get what this readout is telling me.

    Anyone know how long I might have before the battery/alternator will jack in and stop me dead and what exactly this midtronics readout is telling me?

    Midtronics readout
    Battery Test
    GOOD, RECHARGE

    Volts 12.33V
    Measured 578A EN
    Rating 680A EN

    Bat. Time REGULAR
    Bat. Location IN VEHICLE
    START TEST
    VOLTS 10.27v
    CHARGING TEST
    VOLTS 12.09v

    Any help appreciated


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,196 ✭✭✭✭jimgoose


    The battery is at about 75% charge but the loaded (starting) voltage looks good. However, the charging voltage is way down - it should be around 14.3 volts. Looks like an alternator issue right enough.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11 hotelpolo


    Thanks for the reply Jim.

    Is it possible to gauge from this readout how long I have until the alternator stops charging the battery altogether and car wont run any more or is it a lucky dip. The battery is prob 24-30 months old.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,196 ✭✭✭✭jimgoose


    hotelpolo wrote: »
    Thanks for the reply Jim.

    Is it possible to gauge from this readout how long I have until the alternator stops charging the battery altogether and car wont run any more or is it a lucky dip. The battery is prob 24-30 months old.

    It's Rafferty's Rules, I'm afraid.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11 hotelpolo


    You seem to know your stuff Jim, any ideas on replacements prices if it is a new alternator that's needed.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 876 ✭✭✭TheBully


    hotelpolo wrote: »
    You seem to know your stuff Jim, any ideas on replacements prices if it is a new alternator that's needed.

    There's a lad down my way in mayo that reconditions alternators for 40 quid! If ur nearby, he's not the type of lad that that does the whole post and courier thing! Ud have to drop in and collect! He's old school


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11 hotelpolo


    TheBully wrote: »
    There's a lad down my way in mayo that reconditions alternators for 40 quid! If ur nearby, he's not the type of lad that that does the whole post and courier thing! Ud have to drop in and collect! He's old school

    In Kildare/Dublin but might be able to swing something. Where abouts in Mayo is he?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 876 ✭✭✭TheBully


    hotelpolo wrote: »
    In Kildare/Dublin but might be able to swing something. Where abouts in Mayo is he?

    Just outside ballina! Price a new one in an auto factors and ul know from there if its worth ur while before u do anything!!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,196 ✭✭✭✭jimgoose


    hotelpolo wrote: »
    You seem to know your stuff Jim, any ideas on replacements prices if it is a new alternator that's needed.

    Changing an alternator is straightforward enough - a competent mechanic should sort it in about an hour. What model/year is the Golf?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,088 ✭✭✭sean1141


    I paid 200 to get one on a seat leon fully refurbed. There is a clutch pulley on them which can give bother and is expensive enough to replace


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,196 ✭✭✭✭jimgoose


    sean1141 wrote: »
    I paid 200 to get one on a seat leon fully refurbed. There is a clutch pulley on them which can give bother and is expensive enough to replace

    Mmm. New one be a couple hundred Euro I reckon, and possibly a bit more.


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11 hotelpolo


    jimgoose wrote: »
    Changing an alternator is straightforward enough - a competent mechanic should sort it in about an hour. What model/year is the Golf?

    Its a 2.0 litre 2000 Diesel Golf Jim. Was quoted 250 refurbed and 450 new in 2 places in Sandyford. Both seem a little steep and will struggle with either coming up to Christmas so will be looking to buy and have fitted seperately if it works out cheaper. Is there any issues with going with refubed rather than new?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11 hotelpolo


    TheBully wrote: »
    Just outside ballina! Price a new one in an auto factors and ul know from there if its worth ur while before u do anything!!

    Cheers Bully, will do a bit of scouting about tomorrow but may be back in touch with you on that man from Ballina


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,088 ✭✭✭sean1141


    hotelpolo wrote: »
    Its a 2.0 litre 2000 Diesel Golf Jim. Was quoted 250 refurbed and 450 new in 2 places in Sandyford. Both seem a little steep and will struggle with either coming up to Christmas so will be looking to buy and have fitted seperately if it works out cheaper. Is there any issues with going with refubed rather than new?

    There is no 2.0l diesel golfs in 2000. It must be a 1.9. I know its not much in the difference but it might matter when your pricing one. The one I got refurbed for the leon for 200 was everything done, basically the same as new.

    You might pick up one cheaper in a breakers yard but your taking a chance on it


Advertisement