VW Scirocco Starting/Charging Issues Need Expert Help

Had nearly identical symptoms with my 2014 VW Golf GTI. The battery low warning kept appearing, along with unusual warning lights and electrical glitches. The voltage drop was severe enough to affect engine performance and starter motor function. After diagnostic testing, it turned out the alternator was indeed failing, causing inconsistent charging. The serpentine belt was also showing wear, which contributed to the alternator performance issues. The repair involved replacing both components since they work as part of the same charging system. This is definitely a serious electrical system problem that needs proper attention. Continuing to drive with a faulty alternator can leave you stranded when the battery eventually dies completely. It can also cause damage to other car electronics and control modules due to unstable voltage. The symptoms you describe match exactly what happens with alternator failure, dim lights, hard starting, multiple electrical warnings, and poor engine performance. Your mechanic is likely correct in the diagnosis, as this is a known issue that can occur in VW models from that generation even with low mileage. The complete repair requires: Alternator replacement, New serpentine belt, System voltage testing, Battery condition check, Clearing stored fault codes

Thanks for weighing in with your similar charging system experience. Really helpful to hear the alternator was the culprit in your case too, as my symptoms match yours perfectly. My starter motor barely cranks some mornings and those flickering lights are getting worse. Interesting that your serpentine belt needed replacing as well. Makes sense they both got swapped since they work together. Just wondering, what did the total repair end up costing you? Also, have you had any electrical issues pop up since getting it fixed? Still debating whether to get my VW repaired at the dealer given their high quote, but I know ignoring a failing alternator is asking for trouble.

After replacing the defective generator and serpentine belt, all electrical problems completely resolved. The repair cost came to 960€ total, which included parts and labor. The investment was worth it since the car now starts perfectly every time with no more warning lights or electrical glitches. The alternator issue was definitely causing all those problems, dim lights, hard starts, and sporadic electrical warnings. Getting it fixed at a reputable shop saved me from potential roadside breakdowns or more expensive damage to the car electronics. For over 6 months now, the charging system has worked flawlessly. No more problems with the starter motor struggling or battery warnings appearing. While the repair wasnt cheap, letting a failing alternator go unfixed wouldve likely led to getting stranded somewhere when the battery finally died. Suggest not delaying the repair, as running with unstable voltage can damage other electrical components over time. The symptoms you describe are textbook alternator failure indicators.

Following your visit to check my car won't start problem, I wanted to update everyone. Ended up taking it to an independent VW specialist rather than the dealer. Glad I listened to the advice here about not waiting. The charging system diagnosis confirmed a failing alternator. Tech showed me how the voltage output was fluctuating wildly. They also found the serpentine belt was cracked and needed replacement. Total bill came to 850€ for parts and labor, significantly less than the dealer quote. Work included: New alternator installation, Fresh serpentine belt, Full electrical system testing, Battery check and recharge, Fault code clearing Car runs perfectly now. All warning lights gone, headlights bright again, and starts instantly every morning. No more alternator issue or electrical gremlins. Definitely worth fixing it properly before getting stranded somewhere with a dead battery. Thanks for helping confirm the diagnosis and suggesting prompt repair. Good to know these symptoms are common with alternator failures, even on relatively low mileage VWs.