2014 Jetta MK VI Alternator - again in less than 4 years

[dwitjetta]

Hello, TDI forum folks:
I have a 2014 Jetta TDI Sedan that I am having to install another alternator after having done one in October 2019. I bought a Lifetime Warranty CarQuest Alternator and Pulley/clutch from Advance back in 2019. I had also replaced the battery back then and had to buy another one, two weeks ago. Two weeks ago, when I bought a new battery, my alternator was charging sporadically and even got up to 13.4 volts, when I would turn on the headlights and AC. Otherwise, the charging volts would be in the 12 volt range. Now, I'm getting about 11.5 volts, charging.

I am wondering if I should just get another alternator from Advance Auto, since it is under warranty and they will just swap it out. I HATE the idea of having to tear my front end apart again and do Service mode. So fun, taking off all that junk.
If I were to buy a Bosch regulator and brush pack, would it maybe fix my current charge issue on my current alternator? I'm told the windings are usually pretty good. I will check my alternator clutch to see if it is engaging...
I hate the thought of spending $270 on a Bosch alternator from Rock Auto, but if those alternators are better than what I get from Advance, maybe I should just bite the bullet.

I do have a parasitic draw that has been on the car for at least four years. I usually just put my charger on the car, every night to trickle charge and keep it going. I took my Jetta to a European car specialist but they didn't find the cause of the parasitic draw, hence the trickle charge...

I would appreciate your thoughts and experience.

dwitjetta

 

[Tdijarhead]

Typically those box store lifetime guarantee alternators, starters etc only guarantee that you become very proficient at changing out said part. As far as a parasitic draw goes it very well could be the alternator that is causing it.

Spending the additional dollars for a new Bosch 4 years ago would be paying dividends right about now.

 

[oilhammer]

You need to use what Volkswagen used: a genuine Bosch unit. Not something some parts store sold along with the ubiquitous "lifetime warranty".

 

[dwitjetta]

Typically those box store lifetime guarantee alternators, starters etc only guarantee that you become very proficient at changing out said part. As far as a parasitic draw goes it very well could be the alternator that is causing it.

Spending the additional dollars for a new Bosch 4 years ago would be paying dividends right about now.

Thank you for your response. It occurs to me that even the original equipment Bosch alternator only lasted until October 2019 and my Jetta TDI is a 2014 (around 5 years). The OEM Bosch wasn't really much better than my aftermarket reman unit from Advance Auto parts, unfortunately.

 

[dwitjetta]

You need to use what Volkswagen used: a genuine Bosch unit. Not something some parts store sold along with the ubiquitous "lifetime warranty".

Thanks for your reply.
I thought about it, this week and even my original Bosch alternator only lasted about 5 years. Only one year better than my reman alternator from Advance Auto.

 

[oilhammer]

How many miles and why was it originally replaced? How was the battery health? Continually driving with weak batteries will shorten alternator life.

 

[dwitjetta]

How many miles and why was it originally replaced? How was the battery health? Continually driving with weak batteries will shorten alternator life.

From July to August 2019, the battery light would come on, slightly for a few seconds and then go off for about 20 minutes. Battery was still charging 13.5 to 14.1 volts.
As far as the parasitic draw and charging,
I took my Jetta TDI to 4) different places to check the battery and charging system. Even took my 2014 Jetta TDI to a European vehicle specialist and they claimed it was my trailer lights. Pulled my trailer light fuse but it made no difference in current draw.
I replaced my battery but eventually, I had to replace the alternator in October 2019.
I will check the mileage from my vehicle maintenance log, when I get home after work.
Probably around 130,000 miles on the odometer when I changed the alternator in 2019 Vehicle now has 190,000 miles on it.
New heavier duty battery, 2 weeks ago.

 

[dwitjetta]

I do trickle charge my car, every night. I have to because of the parasitic draw.

 

[oilhammer]

So the original went 130k, and the parts-store replacement went 60k. So you confirmed my statement: genuine Bosch is best.

FWIW, I could probably bury your car with short-lived dead non-Bosch alternators and starters I've removed from VAG products over the years.

VAG does occasionally use some Valeo and even more rarely Hitachi rotating electric on their cars, often interchangeable with the Bosch, but Bosch has always proven to be the most durable from my experience.

 

[calimustang]

what he said is correct. I personally put 300k miles on my old 2011 JSW with original alternator.

now 2014 JSW sporting original alternator at 175k miles. alternator lasts a long time as long as you take care of it by keeping the battery fresh or replace when the time comes, being in Central FL with brutal heat always replace batteries every 3 years intervals. once I see longer cranking than usual, the battery gets to be ejected by fast and furious style.

Eject-o Seat - GIPHY Clips

A clip from 2 Fast 2 Furious

giphy.com

 

[06bluebeetletdi]

Is your trailer light wiring tied into the fuse for the reverse lights/rear parking lights? If so, try separating the trailer wiring and adding a separate fuse into the fuse block under the dash. Sounds like the same issue i had when i added fog lights to my 13 bug using the vw harness, it kept the comfort control module awake and slowly killed the battery.