Dave wrote:
>> When Is start up the van, the battery light comes
on and stays on until I really rev the engine.  Does
the battery light mena that the battery is  low, that
the alternator is charging, or that that alternator
needs to be charging?

Not entirely sure what you mean by "really rev the
engine", but that sounds pretty typical of every VW
I've ever owned. Though my experience is limited to
water-cooled models in the 1978-83 era, all four VW's
I've owned have exhibited this exact same behavior: on
initial startup, the ALT and oil pressure indicator
lights come on, the oil pressure light goes out within
2-3 seconds, but the ALT light will stay lit all day
at idle, until you tap the throttle or engage the
clutch and drive away. Upon which there is an audible
click somewhere under the dash and the ALT indicator
light goes out.

If you're from the old school (pre-fuel injection) and
instinctively tap the pedal every time you start up,
you may never notice this quirk. I believe this is
simply a characteristic of the VW/Bosch charging
system, and don't think it indicates a problem. It has
been consistently exhibited in all my VW's, regardless
of battery/alternator/regulator condition, V-belt
adjustment, etc., including my current '83 1.6L
diesel. I think there is some sort of inherent
voltage/RPM threshold below which the light--and
presumably the alternator itself--do not receive or
produce full charging power.

If, on the other hand, you have to "really rev the
engine", like 2000+ RPMs, then I agree with the
previous suggestions regarding loose belts, faulty
voltage regulators, etc.. But if a mere tap of the
throttle is all it takes to make the light go out, I
suspect all is well.

Good luck!

Jeffrey Earl
1983 diesel Westfalia "Vanasazi"
http://www.vanthology.com/

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