Date: Sat, 5 Feb 2000 12:21:45 -0800
Reply-To: andrew swingler <andys@ECE.UBC.CA>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: andrew swingler <andys@ECE.UBC.CA>
Subject: Re: Alternator woe? (Not Vanagon)
> My Jetta TD (180k+) has been parked for 8 days in sub-freezing/snowy
> weather here in NC. Prior to parking, everything worked great. This
> evening, it started right up, and sounded great. The alternator light would
> not go out though. The alternator was rebuilt about 11 months ago, and the
> battery is 2 months old.
Everything is pointing to no charging current from the alternato as you
have already determined.
>
> So I jiggled the wires on the back of the alternator, and tapped lightly on
> the brush holder. Nothing. Light stayed on. I figured I'd study the
> schematic when I got home, as everything worked fine. Bright lights, strong
> blower, rear defog, everything worked like the alternator was doing its
> thing. Me & Mrs. B. drove 75 miles back to Raleigh in it.
>
> About 5 miles from our soon-to-be-former apartment (we're in the midst of a
> move to a great house with a big ugly fence), the lights dimmed
> considerably, and various things acted as if there weren't enough electrons
> flowing. We made it, and the battery recharger is.
>
> I am thinking the brushes might be stuck in their holders, but I am looking
> for other guesses, as I have never seen this happen. I just know
> (theoretically) they could. But why would I have (apparently) full
> electrons for most of the journey, then suddenly none?
>
Lead acid starting batteries with their thin plates display discharging
characteristics as you described. With the load as you described the
battery will hold 12V until it is almost drained and then 'bam', the
voltage starts to rapidly drop.
I spent a good portion of this summer testing batteries and this is what I
noticed. Sounds normal to me. Good luck fixing your alternator.
ps did the belt break? ...just kidding.
ANdys
> Heppme.
>
> G. Matthew Bulley
> Bulley-Hewlett
> Corporate Communications Counselors
> www.bulley-hewlett.com
> Cary, NC USA
> 888.468.4880 tollfree
>
> "I, the undersigned, shall forfeit all rights, privileges, and licenses
> herein and herein contained, et cetera, et cetera . . . fax mentis
> incendium gloria culpum, et cetera, et cetera . . . memo bis punitor
> delicatum!" It's all there, black and white, clear as crystal! -Wonka
>
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