Battery Light.

[MusicalGenius]

So I went to drop my sister off at the C-Train station, and on the way my battery light came on. So I dropped her off, chanced it and jet back home (which is only a few minutes away), and parked the car. I checked the Alternator belt, it's still very tight (as in I had to push fairly hard to get it to give even a little). So I'm left wondering what might be causing it. I'm guessing either the Alternator itself, or the wires leading to it.

Any suggestions guys?

[Kordain]

Re: Battery Light.

Is your alternator whining or humming? after you went for a drive was the alternator too hot to touch? often the bearings go in the alternator which causes it to over heat which in turn overheats the circuit board on top and that fails.

maybe

[MusicalGenius]

Re: Battery Light.

While I was on the way home I did hear a whine coming from the engine. As for touching the alternator I could feel the heat radiating from the engine and alternator so I didn't even get close.

Thanks for the tip about the bearings bud.

[Vulcan]

Re: Battery Light.

Over tightening the belt can kill the bearings.....You need to have a little deflection in the belt. For a quick test to see if your alternator is putting out any power stick a volt meter on the battery with the engine idling...turn on the headlights. You should see the battery voltage drop...now rev up the engine to 2K RPM and you should see the battery voltage climb up. 13.4 volts is perfect. If you don't see the volts climb pull the alternator and take it to Crappy Tire etc for a free alternator test.

[MusicalGenius]

Re: Battery Light.

Okay good to know, the Serpinetine best was changed right before I bought the car so I'm not sure if it would be overtightened as you mentioned.

I'll have to check the alternator voltage when I find my multimeter then.

On an aside, does anyone know for sure which alternator was used from the factory on a 2000 GLS Jetta? As in the 90A or the 120A.

[MusicalGenius]

Re: Battery Light.

Alright so I've figured out I do have a 120A alternator, and as of tonight I'll have a multimeter to do some rough diags.

Now a new question for you guys. I called up Partsource and checked out the availability on a new Bosch 120A Alternator, they quoted me just shy of $600 for one. So I'm wondering if you guys can think of anywhere else that might carry one.

Edit:

Okay **** it, I'm just going to order a new Alternator from German Auto Parts out of NY and save some big time cash. Hell even if I pay for it to get expedited I'll still be way ahead.

[Stonewall]

Re: Battery Light.

I would make sure your alternator is 100% bad before you go and buy a new one. If it is bad my bet is you can get it rebuilt for a heck of a lot cheaper then buying a new one.

[MusicalGenius]

Re: Battery Light.

I've got one coming for $250. Exact same model as the one I was looking as getting in town, but $450 less. After checking the voltage on the battery leads dry, under no load, and under load the alternator is toasted. If not it's probably about time for it to get replaced anyway.

[nordex]

Re: Battery Light.

how much did shiping run you?

[Stonewall]

Re: Battery Light.

Did you have the charging system tested and the battery tested? Most placed do it for free.

[Kordain]

Re: Battery Light.

Yeah i fyou run to wall mart they will do a battery and charge system test for free i believe

[MusicalGenius]

Re: Battery Light.

Battery test yes, charging system no.

Shipping unknown yet, the invoice should be coming in a few hours via e-mail.

[MusicalGenius]

Re: Battery Light.

There's only one problem with driving down to Wal-Mart or anywhere else to get it checked. The driving aspect. With a bummed alternator I don't know if I'd make it there and back.

[VWSM]

Re: Battery Light.

There's only one problem with driving down to Wal-Mart or anywhere else to get it checked. The driving aspect. With a bummed alternator I don't know if I'd make it there and back.

it might be just a voltage regulator,50.00 dollar repair bill.
get it properly tested.
could also be a voltage drop across the b+ very common in these vehicles.

[MusicalGenius]

Re: Battery Light.

True enough, I'll have to get that done tonight. I've got no regrets about getting a new alternator though. My old car was plagued with alternator problems. Which even though it doesn't directly translate to any other vehicle it's still reassuring.