random dash warning lights
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random dash warning lights - 10/16/2007 11:21:52 PM
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rmac.cab
Posts: 4
Joined: 10/13/2007
Status: offline
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This has been solved, but I am posting for the benefit of anyone else who runs into this behavior.
This is a 95 Audi Cabriolet.
The initial behavior was that while the engine was running the temp light and/or the oil light would randomly light up although the temp gauge showed normal and the oil level was good. After a week or so of being perplexed the engine shut off on 2 occasions and seemed to have a low battery. Various voltage tests varied but the telling thing was that when running the voltage might read <12 volts or >13.5. Obviously something in the charging circuit was intermittent.
Now suspecting a battery or alternator problem I had a local auto parts shop do a batt/alternator test on the car and it did not look right, but did not fail. I began noticing that when the ignition was turned on without starting the engine, ie the dash warning lights should be on, that the battery light sometimes did not light up. Now suspecting the alternator, I removed it and had it tested and it passed. I then took the battery in to be tested and it also passed.
Doing some internet research I found this site: http://www.faqs.org/faqs/autos/vw/technical-faq/ which explained the behavior of the battery charge light and I had my answer. The problem was the the brushes in the alternator were worn enough to make contact intermittantly and I was able to replace the voltage regulator which housed the brushes. The vr is integral to the alternator but in this case could be replaced. ~$80 vs ~$200 for the alternator.
From http://www.faqs.org/faqs/autos/vw/technical-faq/:
Q: My charge light does not behave as expected. What is wrong?
A: Taken from EC (March 1994):
The charges light is directly connected to the excitor part of the
alternator. It provides the initial power to get the alt working.
And it also provides alot of additional info:
Engine off, ignition on, no charge indicator:
- Lamp burned out, wiring break, internal alt failure, voltage regulator
bad. Alt will NOT charge!
- [From Jens]: Broken rotor wire.
The alternator brushes may be bad which means too short, they should
be at least 5mm out of their housing. If the brushes are wet or
dirty cleaning can help, if not, you have got to change:
o Bosch alternator: change only the brushes.
o Valeo alternator: you must change the complete regulator :-(
o Motorola alternator: the brush carrier has to be changed
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