Here's a wee VW/Bosch puzzler.

My Jetta TD (180k+) has been parked for 8 days in sub-freezing/snowy
weather here in NC. Prior to parking, everything worked great. This
evening, it started right up, and sounded great. The alternator light would
not go out though. The alternator was rebuilt about 11 months ago, and the
battery is 2 months old.

So I jiggled the wires on the back of the alternator, and tapped lightly on
the brush holder. Nothing. Light stayed on. I figured I'd study the
schematic when I got home, as everything worked fine. Bright lights, strong
blower, rear defog, everything worked like the alternator was doing its
thing. Me & Mrs. B. drove 75 miles back to Raleigh in it.

About 5 miles from our soon-to-be-former apartment (we're in the midst of a
move to a great house with a big ugly fence), the lights dimmed
considerably, and various things acted as if there weren't enough electrons
flowing. We made it, and the battery recharger is.

I am thinking the brushes might be stuck in their holders, but I am looking
for other guesses, as I have never seen this happen. I just know
(theoretically) they could. But why would I have (apparently) full
electrons for most of the journey, then suddenly none?

Heppme.

G. Matthew Bulley
Bulley-Hewlett
Corporate Communications Counselors
www.bulley-hewlett.com
Cary, NC USA
888.468.4880 tollfree

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