Main generator faults (VW Golf 4)

CAUSE	METHOD OF ELIMINATION
When the ignition is turned on, the battery charging indicator light does not light
The battery is discharged	Check the voltage and charge the battery if necessary
Poor connection or oxidation of battery terminals	Check the connection for reliability and, if necessary, clean the battery terminals
The wire on the generator contact is not tightened securely or is oxidized	Check and, if necessary, tighten the generator mounting wire
The control light has burned out	Replace the light bulb
The voltage regulator is faulty	Check and replace the voltage regulator if necessary
Broken wire between generator, ignition switch and indicator light	Check the voltage along the circuit starting from the generator
Generator brushes do not fit tightly against the slip rings	Check the length of the brushes and their freedom of movement in the holders
The generator excitation winding burned out	Check the rotor and diodes, which should be replaced if defects are detected
Battery charge indicator light does not go out when engine speed increases
Is the poly V-belt not sufficiently tensioned or worn out?	Check the condition of the poly V-belt and belt tensioner mechanism
Idle clutch faulty (tDI only)	Remove the alternator and turn the alternator shaft counterclockwise. If the movable surface of the belt pulley does not turn, then the idle clutch is faulty
The voltage regulator or generator is faulty	Disconnect the (D+) wire from the rear of the alternator and turn on the ignition. If the test lamp still does not light, then the alternator or voltage regulator is faulty
The voltage regulator brushes are worn out	Check the length of the brushes and replace them if necessary
The voltage regulator is faulty	Check the voltage regulator and replace it if necessary
Generator faulty	Check the generator and replace it if necessary
Defective wire connecting the generator to the voltage regulator	Disconnect the blue wire in the T32A electrical connector of the junction box block 12. If after this the test lamp does not light, then the D+ wire is shorted to ground and the wire must be replaced
The distribution box is faulty	Disconnect the blue wire from the T32A electrical connector. If the test lamp then lights up, the distribution block is faulty
The battery charge indicator light is on when the ignition is off
Diode short circuit	Check and replace the diode if necessary

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The text has been checked: Kolesnikov Artem

Previous articles
Replacing the generator brushes and voltage regulator
Removal and installation the generator
Description of the generator
Battery charging system
Notes regarding batteries with vent plugs
Installing the battery

Next articles
Description of the starter
Engine starting system
Removal and installation the starter
Checking, removing and installing the starter traction relay
Main faults of the starter

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