Rev Counter Dances Or Doesn't Move At All.

[VonHanstein]

Hi Guys.

I've had some weird charging issues lately.
Alternator warning light staying on and battery not charging.
For a while the light got brighter/dimmer with different revs but has been fully on lately. I changed the Voltage Regulator and now it's charging again but the warning light is still fully on.
I'm now getting the rev counter needle dancing around like crazy or not moving off its stop at all.

Any ideas?

Thank you.


Robert.

[jwasbury]

Probably there is something wrong with the alternator itself...one of the diodes is fried.

Went through the same thing on a friends car. Tried the "cheap" fix first and put in a voltage regulator. Light stayed on...wacky tachometer. Then replaced the whole alt, that did it

[turbo owner]

Originally Posted by VonHanstein

Hi Guys.

I've had some weird charging issues lately.
Alternator warning light staying on and battery not charging.
For a while the light got brighter/dimmer with different revs but has been fully on lately. I changed the Voltage Regulator and now it's charging again but the warning light is still fully on.
I'm now getting the rev counter needle dancing around like crazy or not moving off its stop at all.

Any ideas?

Thank you.


Robert.

How many volts? Over14?

[VonHanstein]

Thanks Jacob.

I was hoping for some better news

[VonHanstein]

Hi Turbo Owner.

With the engine over 2000rpm meter shows 13.7-13.8v.

[VonHanstein]

Hi Turbo Owner.

Should have mentioned that it's charging at idle too.

[turbo owner]

Originally Posted by VonHanstein

Hi Turbo Owner.

With the engine over 2000rpm meter shows 13.7-13.8v.

Not enough, you should have over 14 to be working properly.

I had the same problem when I replaced my voltage regulator, it must be energized to work properly.

I took my alternator to a shop after fighting the same problem, you can take the whole car too. Find a shop that works on alternators & generators or VW's they can fix it.