Therefore, it is better to entrust the repair of the generator to qualified specialists at the service station of the company «Volkswagen», where you can also replace the generator from the exchange fund. Such a generator will be 50% cheaper than a new one. However, before changing the alternator, the following checks can be carried out.
Checking the voltage regulator on the car
To check the voltage regulator, you must have a DC voltmeter with a scale of up to 15-30 V, an accuracy class of at least 1.0.
Check the voltage regulator installed on the car in the following order:
- start the engine and let it run for about 15 minutes at medium speed;
- Using a voltmeter, measure the voltage between the terminal «30» (thick red cable terminal on the generator) And «weight» generator;
- voltage should be between 13.3-14.6 V.
In the event that a systematic undercharging or overcharging of the battery is observed and the regulated voltage does not fit within the specified limits, the voltage regulator must be replaced. In addition, you can check the condition of the carbon brushes.
Checking the condition of the carbon brushes
Although this work can be carried out with the alternator installed, it is still recommended to remove the alternator from the vehicle.
Check the condition of the carbon brushes in the following order:
Pic. 334. Details of the generator and its mounting on a 2.0-liter engine: 1 - M8 bolts, 25 Nm; 2 - tension roller; 3 - bracket; 4 - tension device; 5 - nut M8, 30 Nm; 6 - voltage regulator; 7 - voltage regulator mounting bolts, M4; 8 - casing; 9 - casing fastening bolts; 10 - generator; 11 - V-ribbed belt
- unscrew bolts 9 (pic. 334) fastening the casing and remove the casing;
- unscrew two bolts 7 fastening the voltage regulator 6;
Pic. 336. Voltage regulator assembly with brush holder and carbon brushes. Measure how far the ends of the carbon brushes protrude
- carefully remove the voltage regulator assembly with the brush holder and generator brushes from the generator housing (pic. 336);
- measure the length of the carbon brushes protruding from the brush holder. If their length is less than 5 mm, then the brushes should be replaced.
The new carbon brush is 13 mm long, so you can see how much the carbon brushes have worn. Replacing old carbon brushes with new ones means replacing the entire voltage regulator assembly with brushes and brush holder, since the carbon brushes are soldered into the brush holder. However, if you wish, you can contact a Bosch workshop to replace only the carbon brushes. Since Bosch parts are installed in the car, this operation should not cause any problems.
Driving with a faulty generator
If during the trip it was discovered that the generator no longer charges the battery (the control lamp of the AB discharge on the instrument panel is constantly on), then this means that the generator does not produce voltage, or the discharge control lamp circuit is faulty, or the electronic voltmeter is faulty. During daylight hours, you can drive for several more hours (provided that the AB is in good condition).
In this situation, follow these recommendations:
- if possible, do not turn off the engine, as restarting it consumes a large amount of energy;
- if you still need to turn off the engine, then put the car on a slope so that you can start the engine by pushing the car down the slope;
- turn off the rear window heating, radio and stove;
- if it is raining lightly, then put the wipers on the intermittent mode;
- If you have to drive at night, then turn on only the dipped beam.
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