VW Touran Alternator Failure Signs, Quick Diagnosis

Had nearly identical symptoms on my 2020 VW Tiguan last winter. The battery light, dimming headlights and difficult starts clearly pointed to alternator issues. The engine would barely turn over in the mornings, which is typical when the alternator stops charging properly. After diagnostic testing confirmed the alternator failure, a complete alternator replacement was necessary, no rebuilding or partial fixes were possible. The original alternator had an internal voltage regulator failure, quite serious since it left the battery constantly undercharged. The repair process involved: Full diagnostic scan to verify alternator issue, Removing front components for alternator access, Installing new OEM alternator unit, Testing charging system operation, Checking battery condition The car has run perfectly since the alternator replacement, with stable electrical output and no more starting problems. This is not something to postpone fixing, as continuing to drive with a failing alternator can damage other electrical components and leave you stranded when the battery eventually dies completely. For proper charging system diagnosis, voltage readings at idle and under load are essential. Modern VW engines are particularly sensitive to electrical issues, so using OEM parts for alternator replacement is strongly recommended.

Thanks for sharing your experience. I had very similar issues with my VW Touran last year, the battery light, starting problems and voltage drop symptoms all match what I went through. The car would struggle to start and the headlights would dim, especially when idling. My alternator also needed complete replacement, and the car has been running great since the repair. Would you mind sharing how much you paid for the full fix? Just wondering how costs compare. Also curious if youve had any other electrical issues pop up since the alternator replacement? The charging system in these VWs seems sensitive, so its good to hear your repair solved the problem completely. Let me know about the cost when you can.

Just had my alternator replaced at the dealer a few weeks ago, total cost was 960€ for the complete fix. Since the alternator replacement, all electrical systems are working perfectly with no voltage drop or engine misfire issues. The car starts immediately every time, headlights are bright and steady, and the battery warning light has stayed off. The repair cost included the new OEM alternator unit, labor for removal and installation, and system testing. While it was expensive, using genuine VW parts was worth it to prevent future alternator issues or electrical problems. No additional electrical problems have occurred in the weeks since the repair. The charging system maintains proper voltage now, and the battery gets fully charged during normal driving. If you are experiencing similar symptoms, I would recommend getting it checked soon, driving with a failing alternator can lead to the car not starting when you least expect it.

Thanks for the input. I took my car to a reputable shop last week after the starter motor kept struggling. The mechanic confirmed it was indeed an alternator issue through proper diagnostics. They found the voltage regulator had failed, causing the electrical system problems. The total repair came to 890€ including the new OEM alternator, labor and testing. While not cheap, the car now starts perfectly and all the electrical issues are gone, no more dim headlights or car electronics acting up. The battery is getting properly charged again. The shop did a great job explaining the alternator replacement process and showed me the worn components. Been driving for a week now with zero problems. Definitely worth fixing it properly rather than risking getting stranded with a dead battery. Thanks again for helping confirm my suspicions about the alternator being the culprit.