VW Polo vibrates at idle and increases with electrical cons

[GGeorge]

Hi,

I am the 2nd owner of a 2008 VW Polo , 1.2 engine, 69 HP. Whenever I start it up it has a very small vibration at idle(aprox 800 RPM), but if I use electrical stuff, especially turning on the AC or steering the wheel, the vibration becomes much more powerful. These vibration seem to go away if I accelerate over 1500 RPM.

Other symptoms (not sure if related).
-The alternator belt squeaks when it rains.
-Headlights and interior lights intensity trembles and the lights seem to dim for a second when the RPM drops.
-Whenever I try to accelerate suddenly or when I am going uphill, I also get some vibrations (knocks) even if the engine has over 2-3000 RPM.
-The first owner had a frontal accident so some of the parts have been changed.

Any ideas/clues to what could be triggering the idle time vibrations and if the symptoms are all related ?!

[g__humm]

Engine mounts by the sound of it mate. That's where I would start. My mounts are worn out on my diesel ATM and changing gear it knocks. Get a mate to bring car to bite point whith hand brake on and watch for engine movement should move 5 degrees or so

the alternator may need tensioning or a new belt

[david burton]

Does the 1.2 have a dual mass flywheel or is it just diesels?

[zedzo]

i had a problem like this on my first ever polo. 1.2 9n it was. in the end found out it was one of the fans ( was a bit bent ) so when it would kick in the whole car would vibrate as he said start with the engine mounts, work your way to the exhaust it might be loose and also check the fan