My g/f had to take my car back to school tonight. Ny - Va. While on the way, she stopped for fuel and when she took off, the battery light stayed on after she started the car. Lately when I start the car it would stay on until I gave it a few revs. She tried that, it stayed on. Shows just under 12 volts on the gauge. Can the belt be loose? Or is the alternator taking a crap?[/align]

alternator isn't charging the battery. If the belt isnt broken then you probably have an alternator problem. maybe you should scan your car for codes.

I'd love to have a look at it. It's in Va, I'm in Northern Pa. No problem with the steering or temp. The alternator must have gone south.

When the car gets back, check and clean all the batteryconnections and cablesbefore assuming the alternator is bad, bc it could just be a bad or corroded connection. But most likely it is the alternator. Ifshe's driving back tell her to drive in daylight, keep off the headlights, radio,anythingthat's anelectrical drain. Maybe it's safer for yourg/f to have it fixed down in VA so she doesn't get stuck on the way back.

Yeah, it totally died on her. I had her shut everything off when she texted to tell me the light was staying on. Since I'm unfamiliar with any repair shops down there, I'm thinking of having it fixed at the VW dealer.

for an alternator swap, a VW dealer should be more than capable. Check for prices so they don't rip you off that's all. Sometimes it helps to be a girl, she may even get a better price. There always seem tobe better help around in places when my wife comes with me.