Volkswagen Repair: 1989 VW Jetta GLI, vw jetta, alternater

Question
I have a 1989 VW Jetta GLI 16V DOHC. It recently started to sputter while driving. I noticed that when this happens the fuel gauge also drops rapidly. Finally the car dies and the battery is dead. Once the battery is charged the car runs fine for a few days then the same thing happens. What could be the cause of this?

Answer
Ryan,

Your alternater isn't charging. Check the belt tension and the wires at the back.  Tug each wire to make sure that they are not broken.  If the belt is tight and the wires are good, you'll need check for power at the red wire and at the blue wire.  If you want to cheat... unscrew the regulator at the back and remove.  If the brushes are less than 1/8" long, replace the regulator. If the brushes are good, you'll need to get the alternater tested and/or replaced.

Good Luck,

Paul