Date:         Mon, 24 Sep 2007 05:00:33 -0700
Reply-To:     Mark Drillock <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mark Drillock <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject:      Re: Stuck in Alturas with electrical mystery
Comments: To: "dhanson@gorge.net" <dhanson@GORGE.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <1caa4b9df9564a70a2458be8b766a8dc.dhanson@gorge.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed

Don, this sounds like the alternator brushes have reached the end of
their travel. If you remove the 2 small screws and pull out the
brush/regulator module you can see this. Also, see if you can pull the
brushes out a tiny bit with pliers as long as you have it out. This may
let you get things working again long enough to get to a parts store for
a new module or even all the way home.

Unhook battery ground lead first.

The brushes are spring loaded and connected to the reg module with a
wire braid. When the brushes get too worn, the braid is like a leash,
keeping them from coming out past a certain point. You can stretch the
leash slightly, but don't break it since it is the electrical wire for
the brush.

The same brush/regulator module is used in Bosch alternators of most VWs
and many other European cars. I carry a spare replacement in my Vanagons.

The O2 light is wired in parallel with the alternator light. If both
come on it is because the alternator has stopped charging.

Mark

dhanson@gorge.net wrote:

>   Not sure if this will get through from my motel with wifi..since it's not my normal method.
>
>   But..As I was headed home up 395 along the east slope of the Sierras, my alternator and my O2
> sensor lights started flickering..then the flickering became on intermittently..Let me elaborate..If
> the vehicle is running along at half speed the indicator (alt and O2)lights will flicker a bit, at
> full rpm, they stay on steady.  At idle...they go off..  Now here it gets a bit strange.  If you
> switch on the headlights, which I was using at the time..nothing with the idiot lights
> change..Electrical load seems to have no effect on the indicator lights..only engine rpm...
>   ..............