Re: Weird Phenoms

["Richard Reyes" <llestat@ibm.net>]

On Mon, 13 Jan 1997 12:17:14 -0800, caufman wrote:

>Howdy all,
>First, I'd like to thank everyone (including Brett and Andre) with 
their
>help in regards to the problem I was having with my engine 
running
>weird. I drove out of town this weekend with no problem.  
Yesterday
>(Sunday), I tightened the alternator belt (don't hear any 
slippage),
>changed the fuel filter and the sparkplugs.  The car ran fine, 
not
>perfect, but no worse than before.  Although this morning, I 
seemed to
>be having more of the same problem (felt like engine was 
missing, not
>getting gas or something).  It was very cold this morning, below
>freezing. I can't figure out what this is.
>Another weird thing happened this weekend.  I put a new 
stereo in this
>weekend.  I don't have any amps or subs or anything special.  
Hooked up
>everything, it worked fine.  Now lets go back.  For some time I 
have
>noticed that at times my lights (all lights, interior and exterior) 
will
>be noticeably brighter than at other times.  This occurs when I
>accelerate and other odd times.  It also seems (maybe my 
imagination)
>that I have more power at these times.  In relation to the new 
stereo,
>whenever this phenom occurs, my stereo loses power and 
turns off. 
>Everything else stays the same.
>I have many other problems with this car, but am trying to 
figure them
>out on my own.  It's getting to be a little overwhelming, but I 
am
>determined.
>
>Thanks for all your help,
>
>John
>80 Scirocco S
>--
>To subscribe or unsubscribe, send email to 
scirocco-l-request@privateI.com,
>with your request (subscribe, unsubscribe) in the BODY of the 
message.
>


Check Your alternator. I had this problem or similar problem a 
while back.  Eventually I found out that I was running on battery 
power for a couple of days becuase my alternator was shot.  
First you should check your volt guage and see if the battery is 
be charged, on mine the guage would fluctuate wildly while 
accelerating.  If this is the case remove the regulator on the 
alternator and check the carbon brushes for wear if they look 
fine look at the contact rings in the alternator for wear. The 
fluctuations in power will become worse over time if they arn't 
really bad by now.

P.S. If your car doesn't have a volt or ammeter guage use a 
voltmeter from radio shack.  If you dont want to spend the 
money start the car, let it reach a stable idle then disconnect 
the negative battery cable, turn on your lights.  If your car dies 
on you then your alternator is most likely shot.


--
To subscribe or unsubscribe, send email to scirocco-l-request@privateI.com,
with your request (subscribe, unsubscribe) in the BODY of the message.