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From: mpc@rayssd.UUCP (Manny P. Costa)
Newsgroups: net.auto.tech
Subject: Re: VW electrical problem
Message-ID: <1419@rayssd.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 6-Nov-85 13:03:43 EST
Article-I.D.: rayssd.1419
Posted: Wed Nov  6 13:03:43 1985
Date-Received: Fri, 8-Nov-85 06:10:23 EST
References: <525@aero.ARPA>
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> Every time I start my `78 Scirocco, the charging system idiot light
> comes on.  Once the engine has been revved (to about 2300 RPM),
> however, the light turns off and stays off.  While the light is on,
> my ammeter shows the battery discharging, and when it turns off
> the battery charges normally.  VW will examine it for $35 an hour
> or so, but I'd like to fix the problem myself (if I can find it).
> Any ideas out there?

This is just a shot in the dark but it worked for me.
The fan belt that goes to the alternator was loose.  Oh sure it turns the
alternator, but it was slipping enough so that it wasn't turning the alternator
fast enough to charge the system.  Check it out. A fan belt may be the cheapest
component of the charging system to replace.