Battery Light Stays On

[craig_the_german]

Hi everyone,

While my wife was driving the Golf today she noticed the battery light come on and stay on.

The owners manual says that it is the alternator that has failed.

Is there any way to test the alternator or is there anything else I should be looking for. I have checked the battery fluid levels and all of the connections seem tight.

Thanks

[Transporter]

Make sure that the belt is still on. That will also trigger the battery light. Look also here.

[craig_the_german]

Hi,

Thanks transporter, that was my first thought...the belt had come off but it's still in place.

I don't have a multimeter or anything like that to test voltages

[Transporter]

Then invest $10 -$ 20.00 it is worth it. It is much easier to test charging system with DVM.

Otherwise you can;
Find out how old is the battery, if 3 or 4 years replace it
observe the interior light while cranking,
check that the battery cables and battery terminals are not lose,
while the engine is running and not fully warmed up place your hand on the alternator to check if it is not getting too hot, listen for the noises from the alternator,

Call road service if you pay yearly fee.

[craig_the_german]

I've just ordered a digital multimeter online so in a couple of days I'll be able to sort out whats going on....hopefully