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Model specific boards => Golf mk2 => Topic started by: dannythomas752 on 18 March 2008, 13:15

Title: Dashboard lights
Post by: dannythomas752 on 18 March 2008, 13:15

Hi,
Recently my red dashboard light has been coming on, it is the one underneath the picture of the battery, does anyone have any information on what this means, I have looked in the haynes manual and it says it indicates something to do with the alternator.

It mainly happens when its raining does this mean the alternator needs replacing or maybe the battery, the car starts fine everytime

Any help would be appreciated

Thanks

Title: Re: Dashboard lights
Post by: Mr Blue on 18 March 2008, 13:33

To me that sounds like a worn/loose alternator belt.

Title: Re: Dashboard lights
Post by: dannythomas752 on 18 March 2008, 13:36

I have replaced the alternator belt, but it may not be tight enough, it does squeal in the wet so maybe thats what it is?

Title: Re: Dashboard lights
Post by: russ-vdub on 18 March 2008, 13:38

get a voltmeter and check the voltage on the battery whilst the engine is running. then carefully wiggle the positive connection on the alternator and see if the voltage changes. if so then you'll have to repair whats a fault. maybe the alternator or the wiring loom

Title: Re: Dashboard lights
Post by: russ-vdub on 18 March 2008, 13:39

if it squeals then yeh you need to tighten the belt, and all corresponding bolts that allow adjustment of the alternator :)

Title: Re: Dashboard lights
Post by: dannythomas752 on 18 March 2008, 13:41

Cheers gents,
I'll get it looked at asap, looking a bit of a fool everytime it rains and my belt starts squealing like a pig in a hillbilly film
 :grin:

Title: Re: Dashboard lights
Post by: russ-vdub on 18 March 2008, 16:12

yeh my belt went the other week, does make you feel like a right pikey hey!? funny to see the look on ppls faces tho

Title: Re: Dashboard lights
Post by: DarnPB on 18 March 2008, 23:40

Before re-tensioning the belt, or should I say, whilst re-tensioning the belt, remove it completely and inspect it for stationary wear. ie, a section worn away through constant slipping. If worn, launch it and fit a new one.

Title: Re: Dashboard lights
Post by: cняis on 18 March 2008, 23:46

it would be worthwhile removing the belt and taking some emery tape (or sand paper!) to the pulleys and get the shine off the grooves as this doesnt help!

Title: Re: Dashboard lights
Post by: rubjonny on 25 March 2008, 17:13

I always set the tension to 5mm deflection at the longesty part.  You have to re-check every now & again after fitting a new belt since they stretch a bit!