Volkswagen: Battery light comes on intermittently, hazard lights, voltage regulator

Question
Hi Ron,

I have a 1991 Golf 1.8 GL and it has had a new or reconditioned alternator within the last 18 months.
The battery light started to come on when ticking over at traffic lights or in traffic. I adjusted the   
alternator on its ratchet and the light stayed off for about half a day and then started coming back on. So I adjusted the alternator again even more tightly, still leaving approx 5mm play on the belt - the light stayed off for a day or so and then started coming back on - when idling, as soon as you get up to 3rd gear or above the light goes off and stays off, even when idling for about 10 minutes and then comes back on again. The belt was new about a year ago. Has my alternator packed up?

Please any help would be greatly appreciated

Jonny

Answer
Hi Jonny,

It sounds like the alternator (or voltage regulator -- which is inside of it) is starting to go.

Try this test first:

1) Idle the car

2) Turn on the lights, heat or a/c on full, the hazard lights, anything electrical.

3) Does the light behave the same way when you accelerate?

4) If it stays on even longer, either the alternator or voltage regulator has had it.

Let me know how you make out. (although surprising after only 18 months)

Ron