[Vwdiesel] Flashing alternator light and windshield washer

[Bill Truesdell]

1991 jetta diesel (220kmiles) - German made

Yesterday, temps well below freezing in the day, the alternator warning
light started flashing. The flashes were rapid and weak. They came on
suddenly and then faded, still flashing rapidly, and went out. Later in
the trip I turned on the windshield washer and it would not go off until
I shut off the ignition and moved the wiper arm around.

Alternator light never came on again. Battery is a couple of years old
but starts car with no heating at 10F.

My guess is both are unrelated, but it was interesting that both
happened on the same trip.

After I refilled the washer fluid, I found I could stop the flow if I
moved the lever around. I am going to check out the wiper switch clean
it up and give it a good shot of WD-40 in case any water or moisture is
in the switch and to loosen it up. If that does not work, probably have
to replace the switch.

Not sure about the alternator flashing. If it is a belt slipping
problem, I would have expected a more steady light. I have had some belt
slipping (squealing) but usually it is the lower steering pump belt and
is definitely moisture related.

Would appreciate any insight on both problems.

Bill T