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What to do if the alternator of the Volkswagen Polo is not properly charging the battery

Model: Volkswagen Polo MK IV, Polo 4, 9N, MK 4, Polo IV - Years: 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009
Part: Alternator

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Video tutorial

In this video, we see how to behave if the alternator of the Volkswagen Polo is not charging the battery correctly: it is a common problem on this car and it is due to a cable that breaks in the connector near the starter motor. In the area under the gearbox, just in front of the starter motor, we find a small metal bracket with a connector that has two wires: one purple and one blue.

The latter easily breaks due to vibrations and corrosion, interrupting the excitation signal of the alternator, and we need to rev the engine to over 2000 rpm. The repair is easy and inexpensive. Look in front of the starter motor, find the metal bracket with the two-wire connector, check the blue one, cut the sheath and restore the connection.

Solder the cable or use a clamp, then protect the cable with heat shrink tubing. This way the alternator will start charging immediately.

Many immediately think of a faulty alternator, but as you can see, it is just a defective cable.


Posted on 11 August 2025 by ScegliAuto


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