[Vwdiesel] Flashing alternator light and windshield washer

[Bill Truesdell]

Nate Wall wrote:

>For the alternator, remove the external voltage regulator (2 screws on the
>back) and look at the brushes. I bet they wore too short. For about $4, you
>can get a set and solder them in. Check the condition of the copper slip
>rings they ride against for smoothness. These brushes seem to go about every
>100,000 miles, or so.
>
>By "Wiper arm", I take it you mean the "stalk" on the steering column, not
>the arm the blade is attached to. There is a set of contacts that "contact"
>each other as the lever is pulled back. Take a close look as you pull on it.
>You nay have to remove the steering wheel (24 MM socket, I think). No puller
>is needed, the wheel just lifts off. Remember to do it w/ it straight, so
>you install it on the same splines. You then may have to remove the wiper
>switch. If its BEHIND the turn signal switch, that has to come out first.
>You may be able to repair it.
>
>There may be a relay to check if that does not fix it.
>
>--Nate
>
>Bill Truesdell wrote:
>
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>
>>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
>>
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>>
>>
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Nate,
What is the size of the brushes? Problem is this is our only car and
cannot remove the brushes to take with me to get new ones. Does sound
like the fix for the problem.

Bill T