alternator problem

[careydeza]

I may have a bad alternator, how should I determine if it is this or bad electrical? Someone told me to jump the car remove the battery and if it stays started then it's not the alternator. If this is a safe and effective way of determining then my question is how do I safely remove the battery connections? Should I loosen them before starting?

History: The car wont start without a jump, it will hold the charge but once I turn it off it wont start again.

thanks

[BoatCop]

Originally Posted by careydeza

I may have a bad alternator, how should I determine if it is this or bad electrical? Someone told me to jump the car remove the battery and if it stays started then it's not the alternator. If this is a safe and effective way of determining then my question is how do I safely remove the battery connections? Should I loosen them before starting?

History: The car wont start without a jump, it will hold the charge but once I turn it off it wont start again.

thanks

Sounds like a common problem. Is your Bug a pre-'67 (6 volt) converted to 12 volt?

Either way.....

The pansy-a$$ wiring in VWs allows a lot of current to drain off while starting. One fix is to get a Hard Start Relay. http://www.mamotorworks.com/acvw.html?frame=2.83.6008

To test your alternator, just put a meter across your battery terminals and record the reading. If the battery is good, it should be right at 12 volts. Then start the car and run the RPMs up to about 3,000. Check the meter again. It should be 13-14 volts. Now turn on accessories (lights, wipers, etc) and check again. It should still be 13-14 volts.

If not, then the alternator ( or voltage regulator) should be replaced.

[bobmack]

Originally Posted by careydeza

I may have a bad alternator, how should I determine if it is this or bad electrical? Someone told me to jump the car remove the battery and if it stays started then it's not the alternator. If this is a safe and effective way of determining then my question is how do I safely remove the battery connections? Should I loosen them before starting?

History: The car wont start without a jump, it will hold the charge but once I turn it off it wont start again.

thanks

Don't know if I'm too late with this but my VW manuel say's to not run alt. without the battery.If your alt is charging you should have at least 14 volts across the terminals.