Replaced Battery - Battery Light on dash

[DUB80Y]

Hi All

Yesterday I replaced the battery in my PoG and then this morning when I started the car the battery light stayed on for maybe 5 minutes.
Once at work, turned the engine off and then back on and the light was on again.....

There is a strange humming noise coming from the alternator.....

Any ideas?

thanks
~graham

[vdubmotorworx]

did you check the charge rate after replacing the battery? looks like your alternator is stuffed..check for around 14v charge rate with the engine running....VDUB..

[DonJuan]

Replaced Battery - Battery Light on dash

The battery light on the dash only means the battery is not getting charged, therefore the problem lies with the alternator, not the battery. The battery was probably ok, just flat due to not getting a charge.

[DUB80Y]

DonJuan

I think you maybe correct!
Found a decent auto elec and bought the Bosch voltage regulator from him... $135
Next question, has anyone fitted one themselves?
I'm going to give it a crack tomorrow...
Anyone with some hits would be greatly appreciated...

~graham

[DonJuan]

Replaced Battery - Battery Light on dash

No probs mate, I've done a little work for Battery World before!

[DUB80Y]

3hrs later, reg is changed. Fire up the car and battery light still on.....
Is it possible that a fault needs to be cleared??
Now off to buy a multimeter.... Should have done that in the first place me thinks.....

[vdubmotorworx]

the light will self clear if charging...just put the multimeter across the battery terminals buddy..looking for 13.8volts plus...if you are only getting same voltage as when the engines not running the your alternators up the creek!

[DonJuan]

Replaced Battery - Battery Light on dash

the light will self clear if charging...just put the multimeter across the battery terminals buddy..looking for 13.8volts plus...if you are only getting same voltage as when the engines not running the your alternators up the creek!

+1

Battery should be 12.7 (fully charged) when sitting with car off. When car is on (idle or revving) it should read 13.5 - 14.5 to ensure it is getting charged.

[DUB80Y]

11.8 off
11.3 running
Sad day.....
Thanks for your info DonJuan!
Have been quoted $500 ish for a new one + fitting... Auto elec said he would take the cost of the reg off the price...
Wife thinks I've bought a lemon.....

[brad]

DonJuan

I think you maybe correct!
Found a decent auto elec and bought the Bosch voltage regulator from him... $135
Next question, has anyone fitted one themselves?
I'm going to give it a crack tomorrow...
Anyone with some hits would be greatly appreciated...

~graham

who diagnosed the voltage reg? you or the sparky?

Have a look on Ebay for the price of voltage regs & alternators. I think you'll find the sparky is making a nice margin out of you & not doing you any favours

[DUB80Y]

brad

I bought the reg in the hope i could get the PoG going myself....

I spent a few hours ringing around the northern beach on friday trying get a reco'd alternator and no joy at all.

VW wants $700 and on the other side of sydney they are around $350 (reco'd) and an hour drive away...

sparky is saying $500 for new aftermarket - $135 if the voltage reg didn't fix the issue....

I thought that was ok???

[brad]

Aussie sellers on eBay have Bosch voltage regs for $35-$80 depending on partno. Febi are even cheaper. New alternators for Polos are around $300.

I can understand the sparky's prices if he is doing a bit of free diagnosis for you but if you are wandering in & asking for "part X" then that's a bit rich.

There are a few good VW specialists up your way. Probably a good idea to get to know them. Will probably work out cheaper in the long run.

[DUB80Y]

brad

If you know any places to go please let me know.

Is there is the polo gti using the same motor and electrical bit as the golf?

Would that push the price higher?

[DUB80Y]

Ok so for the wash up....

Waited till monday morning to drive the PoG the 5kms to sparky, start the car and now the power steering light is on...

Wrestle the car to the sparky and leave it with him and he said he'll try for today.....

2hrs later phone rings its the sparky, one of the cables from the "power bar" (not sure of the correct name) on the top of the battery cover was not fully tight and it was the one going back to the battery...

The Gronk that changed the battery for me did undo the 2 black cables on the top in a rush to make $$....
In saying that I didnt notice that one was loose in the 3hrs I was under the bonnet...

Spose that it shows the "KISS" principle is still a good option!

Thank for everyones input.

~graham

[noone]

Replaced Battery - Battery Light on dash

Good to have it sorted cheap.