Rotating electrics specialist Autoelectro has identified problems that can sometimes cause faults with the starter or alternator on the VW Tiguan.  Autoelectro’s experts point out that both the starter motor and alternator installed on the Tiguan have known faults, which can cause the premature failures of the alternator clutch pulley and/or the bearings, as well as the starter motor.

With regard to the alternator issue, Autoelectro technicians believe the failure can be caused by contributing factors between the drive belt and drive belt components. They advise that all components within the drive belt system are inspected before fitting the replacement alternator (Autoelectro AEK2914). In particular the fitter needs to ensure the belt is not stretched or damaged, ensure the tensioner is operating correctly and ensure all pulleys are functioning correctly. If any of the checks flag up any faults or suggest potential faults, the component must be replaced, as failing to do so will result in the premature failure of the alternator and may invalidate the warranty. To check that the clutch pulley is working as it should, the fan should be turning when the pulley is rotated.

Meanwhile, the Tiguan has known faults which can cause the starter motor to burn out. The fault is often misdiagnosed as a faulty starter motor or solenoid. The following defects on the starter motor will give a strong indication of a vehicle fault that has caused the failure of the part:

•    Blue colour on the gear shaft and pinion area.
•    Rattling inside the starter motor when shaken, indicating components have exploded.
•    Burning smell from the starter motor, suggesting a varnish or insulation leak.
•    Damaged pinion teeth or a broken nose cone.
•    Burning, discoloured or melted broken wire from solenoid to starter body.
•    Shrivelled or burnt label.

If the starter motor shows any of these issues , then a vehicle fault needs investigating, diagnosing and rectifying before fitting the replacement part (Autoelectro AEY2174).

Technical information on these references, along with many others, can be found on Autoelectro’s new website: www.autoelectro.co.uk.  It is free to sign-up, easy to use thanks to the one-click navigation.