hi all electrical VW techies ! I had an issue on the weekend where my alternator warning light flashed on and off a couple of times and then permanently stayed on . I checked obvious mechanicals with belt etc all ok . I checked across battery terminals when engine running and only 12 volts not the 14 Volts i would have expected. The Ignition lamp illuminates just fine when starting the bus. No hideous sounds from alternator either. However a slight smell of Bakelite overheating. I have now removed the internal voltage regulator and wondered if there is a way of testing this item to see If it is simply the VR that has packed up. The brushes are protruding about 8 mm from the plastic housings and seem in fair condition. It does have an odour to it that is similar to the smell I had noticed when I first checked in the engine bay. If I can save the hassle and cost of removing the alternator that would be perfect. Ta. Andy
Start with the regulator as thats an easy replacement. As the brushes sound only part worn and it smells burnt it is probably a fault in there..
