Hi there - have a 2004 VW Passat estate in great condition with 44,000 miles and all the services etc done. Recent service and timing belt changed in Feb this year. “Alternator Workshop” message, beeping and picture of battery came up today on dashboard for about 5 minutes then stopped and not…

ps…update as I moved the car this morning it’s now making a strange “crunchy” noise as I turn the steering wheel so it seems there is a problem after all - my other half thinks it might be linked to the power steering (belt?? tensioner??) and not necessarily the alternator but as there’s some link b…

The likely case is your serpentine belt is loose, maladjusted or worn out. However given your recent service with timing belt hopefully they installed a new serpentine also. Take it back to where your timing belt was worked on. It is likely related.

Thanks very much - is the serpentine belt the same as a tensioner as someone else has also suggested it might be this…just checked invoice and yes it had new timing belt and tensioner fitted. Unfortunately this was done a few hundred miles away in Wales by the previous owner (in a reputable Volvo g…

Thanks for the replies - well took it for a short spin tonight and no alternator message/battery pic/crunchy sound - but now a slight squealing noise from under the bonnet that gets louder on acceleration so will see what the garage says. Other half said belts look ok to him - if anything very tigh…

Took it to the garage today and the mechanic had a quick look - he reckons it needs a new Alternator pulley, tensioner and belt so it’s booked in for Weds to get the work done. He said it isn’t a huge job and is quite common on Passats and Audis. Many thanks for all your help!

You’re welcome. Thanks for the feedback and hope that clears the trouble.

VW Passat "alternator workshop" message coming up!

Maintenance/Repairs

Cougar June 21, 2009, 10:01pm 5

The sepentine belt is different than the timing belt. The sepentine belt drives things like the alternator, power steering, AC, and water pump. It is on the front of the engine and has its own tensioner. Check to see it is there and is tight.

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VW Passat "alternator workshop" message coming up!

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