[Vwdiesel] 3 wires on alternator-whatswhat?

[Smith, Michael]

OK, this may be premature...but in case anyone knows right offhand, I'll
pose the question.

Car:  1986 Golf 1.6L NA diesel. 5 speed. No tachometer(has an ugly clock).
Shift light (seems to work)

Y'day while boosting it (and engine already running) it looked like there
were 2 (possibly 3) small wires on the alternator and that
the one closest to the radiator/front of car was rotted off.  (engine was
running/vibrating and it was hard to see....forgot to look later once I got
home)
What does this control?  I believe it was a red one. (small..perhaps 18AWG)

When car is first started you can see the alternator light come on, until
you rev it up past 1500-2000rpm, then it goes out.(I think normal)

I've only actually driven the car for about an hour and it was too cold to
work on it this morning or last night. (-25*C)

Perhaps I'll get around to it later in the week.

For now...and until I get the Bentley next week or so, I'll rely on you guys
to "feed" me info, with my greatest appreciation.

(Cold) Mike in NB