My battery light is flashing on my 1988 1.3 golf,
When driving normally my battery light is flashing, if I stop the car and give it gas for high revs the light goes out.
I took a voltage reading from the alternator (at idle is around 12volts) then again tested with lights and heaters on with engine at (high revs) voltage reads 13.85 volts, battery voltage at this time is above the 13 volts at high revs.
When I mean high revs I mean to high for normal driving.
What could be the problem?
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nelson
Sounds like the alternator [or it's circuit] is beginning to fail. Is it full of oil from the usual leak in the front corner of the H/G? That eats brushes and sliprings.
With engine running at fast tickover and the same load applied as before; check the voltage drop between the main output connector on the alternator to the battery positive and also the alternator's casing to battery neg. Over half a volt either way is unwelcome but unlikely to be the problem
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I would check the lenght of the alternator regulator brush lenght, and the contact between the small wires and the battery terminal pinch bolt, it can become dirty.
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If the battery terminals are clean, and the main earth lead from the battery negative to the bodywork/engine block is clean with a good connection, it is almost certainly the diode pack/brushes.
Most golfs of that era were fitted with either Bosch or Valeo alternators and the diode pack and brushes are one easily swappable assembly, two screws and a couple of connections (takes less than five minutes). The diode/brush assemblies are on the end of the alternator by the electrical connections with two screws or bolts holding them in.
GSF or Euro Car Partscar parts sell them for around £10 (Bosch) or £20 (Valeo)
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It could also have a Femsa or Motorola alternator, depending on where it was built. Diode packs are soldered in on all types; regulators unbolt on some. Oil contamination often trashes the sliprings though.
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Screwloose has clearly been there. A new reg/brush pack may well do the trick is the sliprings are still intact. Finding a new reg/brush unit is getting more difficult except for the loacl alernator refurb gut and he may let you have one for £10/12. Regards Peter
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Thanks guys,
The battery terminals are clean , earths are clean , not sure which alternator it is , I will find out when I remove and inspect it tomorrow. I did notice some oil around the alternator so I will clean it and I will let you know about my findings ASAP.
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Yes well spotted Screwloose, when i said diode pack/brush assembly I meant to say regulator/brush assembly.....
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Thanks to everyone for their help, it was the regulator/brush assembly, it is very worn, havent replaced it yet but gave it a good clean and it's done the trick.
Thanks again.
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