Volkswagen: Generator Warning light, vw jetta, auto electrician


Question
I have a 2000 VW Jetta and the generator warning light just came on while I was driving.  I checked some things myself with no luck, anu suggestions?  

Answer
Start the car, remove the battery cover if fitted. switch on all elecrics and put a voltmeter set to 20v dc range, place the test leads on the terminals and check the voltage reading. anything below 13v and the alternator will need replacing. i have replaced 3 so far this week. Exchange units cost around £140, genuine exchange units are a bit more than that. it may be possible to have it repaired by an auto electrician but you will have to phone around to find out how much that will cost. if the voltage is above 13v then there will be an electrical fault somehere which will need tracing and repairing.