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[JesterRT]

My Polo has already run into problems (I do seem to pick 'em).  12.6v on the battery with engine off, drops to 11.5v with engine on.  Measuring the alternator and it's not putting out more than 11.8v.  What's the diagnosis?  I'm thinking new alternator.

It happened on the way home from work yesterday, I changed gear(5th to 4th) and simultaneously the battery light appeared on the dash.  It stayed there for about 10 minutes and then everything came back (lights brightened, battery light out).  About 4 minutes after that we're back to normal.  The only thing I could think of at the time is that it's the first time I've driven it through hard rain so perhaps water had something to do with it.

Bit annoyed now.  This is the third car in a row that's likely to cost me money through faults that occur within a week after purchase.   

[Andy B]

My Polo has already run into problems (I do seem to pick 'em).  12.6v on the battery with engine off, drops to 11.5v with engine on.  Measuring the alternator and it's not putting out more than 11.8v.  What's the diagnosis?  I'm thinking new alternator.

It happened on the way home from work yesterday, I changed gear(5th to 4th) and simultaneously the battery light appeared on the dash.  It stayed there for about 10 minutes and then everything came back (lights brightened, battery light out).  About 4 minutes after that we're back to normal.  The only thing I could think of at the time is that it's the first time I've driven it through hard rain so perhaps water had something to do with it.

Bit annoyed now.  This is the third car in a row that's likely to cost me money through faults that occur within a week after purchase.   

I'm lucky that there is a very good auto spark near me, and with anything like these problems I either take the alternator to him to fix or if he tests it as OK he's then lucky enough to get the whole car to look at. 
Could just be as simple as brushes or the regulator/diode pack. Given the choice I'd have my alternator repaired rather than exchanging it for a so-called reconditioned unit (that's just been given a repaint )

[cem_devecioglu]

as said let your alternator refurbed..

also all chasis connections, terminals must be cleaned/sanded.. and if necesary change the wires from alternator to battery path.. even if you buy new may not solve your problem..

charging must be above 13.5 volts even with headlights and climate on..

[JesterRT]

Why do garages always quote a price + VAT?  All we want to know is the bottom line - how much am I about to part with to get my car back working?  How many other things do we buy where they tell you a price + VAT?  </rant>

55 quid (+VAT) later the alternator is pooped.  Needs replacing according to the auto-spark.  New alternator is 135 quid (+VAT) and they'll be able to replace it (including diagnostics charge) for 260 quid (+VAT).  I need the car back on the road as I lose about 60 quid a week running my Jag for the daily commute, and since even if I wanted to do it myself I'd not have time for another week or two I've bitten the bullet and had them replace it.

5 days and the cars already cost more than half what I paid for it in repairs  :-/

Still - fixed the 'stiff gears'.  The guy I bought it from reckoned it was a £150 clutch change required.  three sprays of WD40 and the gears all change sweet - that's the kind of economic maintenance I like! 

[Andy B]

.. 
New alternator is 135 quid (+VAT) and they'll be able to replace it (including diagnostics charge) for 260 quid (+VAT).   ....

Have you asked one of the lads breaking cars? I'd be going for a 'new-to-me' alternator. Although not a 5 mins job I don't believe it's too difficult to change yourself.

[freecall666]

there is a mobile repair man in rudgley he charges £60, for a refurbed and test old one, think it was 2years back he changed mother inlaws sisters alternator regulator £30 then did have his card but lost it with moving. that was a polo..