Engine-Alternator Belt Just Snapped

[Boost]

Is it my lucky month or what? first air-con plays up then just this arvo driving on the motorway the rubber belt connecting the engine to the alternator snapped. Needless top say the engine bay looks like an explosion of rubber. I didn't realised until I got home as the car drove normal and the temp stayed normal. I gather that you can still drive the car (05 GTi DSG) but the alternator isn't powered so the battery will eventually die.

I had the car booked for a check-up on Friday for the air-con thing but I'm not sure if I should even drive it or if it would even start up by Friday.

Anyone got some input?

Thanks.

[qsilverza]

Meh wudnt drive it, because it could probably invalidate your warranty if something else fails as a cause of your negligence.

Phone VW and use a spare car if you can.

[SoVeReIgN]

I don't know what else is driven off that belt - But if it is just the alternator you won't be able to do any damage still driving it.. But it won't be long before you batt is flat.

[Boost]

Can you jump start it if that's the case?

[DionM]

So I take it is not a serpentine belt that also runs the water pump (separate belt? or is the water pump electric?).

[Tim]

Can you jump start it if that's the case?

wont be able to jump it if the battery is flat. cos thats what was running the car. Normally it would be ok if your alternator was working. But. it wont be

[blutopless2]

you can jump start the car... as the car will run from the secondary battery you are jumping from.... BUT... once you disconnect the secondary battery the car will most likely stop as your battery is still dead and the alternator is not running to charge it.

[Mischa]

just get vw to tow it its their fault afterall

[Jmac]

Water pump is cam belt driven. Sounds like the Alternator mat have a seized bearing as the AC compressor is designed to shear the pulley off to stop the chance of belt strip if the AC compressor fails. If you are jump starting DO NOT connect straight to the battery!!!!!! 1 on the live and the earth to the engine mate. Straight battery to battery can fry the ECU and then you are in a world of pain.n:

[jets]

Water pump is cam belt driven. Sounds like the Alternator mat have a seized bearing as the AC compressor is designed to shear the pulley off to stop the chance of belt strip if the AC compressor fails. If you are jump starting DO NOT connect straight to the battery!!!!!! 1 on the live and the earth to the engine mate. Straight battery to battery can fry the ECU and then you are in a world of pain.n:

Can you explain a bit more Jimmy what the difference is between connecting to the negative on the battery to connecting on the engine, since they are joined together with a cable.

[Jmac]

Ok to clarify the question Jets i see where you are at mate and good theoretical point. Ok in order firstly for a good battery to function properly you need a good solid ground. Same goes for the jump start, as most modern post 1990 vehicle have lots of electronic circuitry it is just a good rule of thumb to follow. Most top of the line vehicles have poles in the engine bay not just because the battery is under the seat or the boot especially Touereg,Audi and BMW and believe me they are computers on wheels and are very sensitive to voltage variances. 2nd lwrs the chance of mixing up cables where you will 110% fry an ECU, Alternator or dash cluster.3rd is one of the most important in the line of safety, a dead or so called dead battery can be emitting gases and when you fit the cables the little spark can cause nasty explosion.(rare but can happen). Look bottom line is avoid jump starts if poss and charge the battery(disconnected) and at the least have an antispike on the leads. Jumping live to live and earth from donor to earth point on dead vehicle. and dont rev the donor vehicle, voltages surges can cause grief on the new stuff. Im open for friendly debate.
CHeers

[Boost]

I just realised on Monday that there is VW roadside assist - silly me

Called them up and had the car towed to the dealer with 2 hrs. Totally forgot that they had this service when the car is under warranty.

Thanks Guys,

[jets]

Thanks jimmy. I have always made a policy of disconnecting the -ve clamp when charging, unless very small current. I suggested this on the T4 forum & some users told me that was incorrect & you don't need to disconnect a term. Since then I have been charging my T4 almost every week @ around 2 amps after I had a total discharge while doing a driveshaft that turned out to be a 6 week job with all the interruptions. It appears the alarm/immobiliser slowly discharges the battery when laid up. If I disconnect every time there is this fiddle with the remote after reconnecting while everything resets, but maybe I need to do this.