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Date:         Fri, 4 Jan 2008 20:33:51 -0500
Reply-To:     Greg Potts <greg@POTTSFAMILY.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Greg Potts <greg@POTTSFAMILY.CA>
Subject:      Battery Light
Comments: cc: Gord Potts <gord@pottsfamily.ca>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed

Hi Volks,

I was driving the vanagon on the highway tonight and as I cruised up the off-ramp I saw the battery warning light was on. I figured it had spit the belt, and made a note to deal with it as soon as I got home, since I was only a few miles further. And then as I pulled away from the off-ramp, the light went out. Uh-oh, says I... That's the sign of a wonky alternator, or a VERY loose belt. So I kept watch on the tachometer to get an idea of how bad the problem was... it seemed to vary a bit, lighting up when below 2,200 to 3,000 RPM.

But it didn't last 7 minutes before the engine quit completely. I still had dash lights and emergency flashers (dim, and fast- flashing), but the starter wouldn't even click. I checked the belts and they were OK, but the battery connection was pretty loose. I pried off the + terminal without much trouble at all. Luckily I was very close to my brother's house at the time and he and I were able to tow the vanagon back to my house.

So what's the prognosis? Did the loose battery terminal allow the battery to run flat, or does this pattern indicate a failed alternator? I can throw a spare marine battery into it tomorrow to get it running again; once it's lit up I can put a voltmeter on it and see if it's charging.

Happy Trails,

Greg Potts 1973/74/77/79 Westfakia "Bob The Tomato 1985 Sunroof Vanagon Automatic 8-passenger Vanagon (Winter custodian) www.pottsfamily.ca www.busesofthecorn.com


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