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Microsoft Mail v3.0 (MAPI 1.0 Transport) IPM.Microsoft Mail.Note
From: Small, Eric (Y2K)
To:  internet
Subject:  RE:WHY OXS AND BATTERY LIGHT...
Date: 1998-09-15 10:03
Priority: 3
Message ID: F217A512804CD211BA960080C784139C
Conversation ID: RE:WHY OXS AND BATTERY LIGHT...

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>>>Roy Mellor <roym@ARISTOTLE.NET>wrote

I have noticed recently that my OXS and Battery dash lights both stay on
until 2000 rpm is reached in my '85 Westy. Then they both turn off and
stay off even at lower rpm until the next time I start back up.

It didn't use to do this. Is this a sign of impending doom? I did
tighten the alternaor belt which was a bit loose, but it didn't change
things. What esle should I check or is this not a problem?
<<<

My understanding is that your alternator has a weak diode.  The unit
should continue to perform but you will need to "blip" the throttle on
start up to bring the alt on-line.  My original alt began doing the same
thing years before it failed.  Since then I have had 2 alternators which
did it from day 1.  I was told that this is a common problem for VWs.

One important note: It is more than just an annoyance...  I have always
been in the habit of reaching in and starting the car when it is cold or
snowy out and waiting until the car warms or scraping the windows before
getting in.  I must now rev the van once. One day while at Walmart, my
wife when out to the car while I waited in the checkout. She started the
car from the passenger side and turned on the AC... the van ran for about
20 minutes until the battery was drained and stalled... I had to call AAA
for a jump start.

Lesson:  When the OXS and BAT lights are on your alternator is not
providing juice.

If I am wrong in my diagnosis or if anyone knows of a cure for this
please post.

Eric Small
Portland, ME

86 GL