Glowing Battery/OXS light

[Tom Feller <tomf@mxim.com>]

Arun Rao ask about glowing battery and oxs light. First, most audi's and 
VW's will light both the batter and the OXS/EGR when there is a problem 
in the alternator, this is not a desgin problem. 
Second, the problem you describe is a classic -- the alternator bushes are 
worn out. This is very easy to check, simply remove the voltage regulator 
and look at the 
bushes. The fix is simple if the slip rings are in good shape, go to your 
local auto electical rebuilder and buy a bush set for $3 or $4 and solder 
the new ones in. If the slip rings are deeply grooved you are best off 
getting the alternator rebuild or buy a Bosch exchange unit. In general I 
find the Bosch to have the longest life and lowest failure rate.

- Tom Feller