Replacing The Alternator. Big Job?

[Danez 6 1 Cars]

So I am in need of a new alternator as my battery light dimly lights up when i put the blower on so im guessing its not getting enough charge (Correct me if im wrong).

 

So I was wondering, is it a big job to put a new alternator on? Or is it worth paying someone to do it? It's on an 8v 205 GTI.

 

Cheers!

[Tom Fenton 1,548]

Hard to really answer this? To me its a 30 min job, but to you it may or may not be over and above your skill/confidence/tools capability? Theres nothing especially difficult but it could be described as a bit awkward due to access.

[toolie72 67 1 Cars]

Just remember to disconnect battery in case of an oops moment. Job can be a pig if tensioner bracket is rusty

My battery light will give a hint of life (almost pink) like it wants to light up at this time of year, lights heater on full etc but it always starts-done that for years you just can't see it in summer lol

[Alan77 78 1 Cars]

Rev the engine to 3000 rpm, this should excite the alternator and see if you have 14+ volts with a multimeter across the battery.

This will tell you if the alternator is working well.

Replacement is not a hard job, although it certainly helps if you can get underneath the car to get to the lower bracket bolt and the belt tensioner bolt.

[Anthony 1,003]

Dim charge light with the blower on full quite possibly isn't the alternator however - it's a common enough issue on 205's even with a good alternator.

 

Various causes of the issue, from bad wiring between the battery and alternator, to the blower motor itself being tired.

 

If you've got a multimeter, it's easy enough to check the alternator is charging. Voltage at the battery should be 12.5-12.7v with the ignition off and with the engine running should increase to 14.0-14.5v with a good alternator (likely dropping a bit lower with high electrical load at idle)

[Danez 6 1 Cars]

Thanks for the advice chaps. I'll get my multimeter on the battery tonight. The blower fan is weak so I assumed it will be this. But I shall also refurb the fan using the guide on this website.

Thanks again!

[bondo 6]

If you have power steering then the alternator is easy - right at the top and is a 10 minute max job to replace. If not then takes a bit longer due to access.