Battery dash light does not light up

[Edgesync]

Hey guys, heard this forum was the greatest resource in the known universe for VW issues :biglaugh: so hoping someone can help.

So i have a MK 4 1.4 petrol golf, Engine code 1JZ.

Issue:

When turning on the key to first position all the dash lights light up - Except for the Battery light.

I think this in turn is the cause of my alternator issue (it won't power the car until i rev to 3-4k revs).

I have VCDS lite. Can i scan the dash light with it?

I opened up the dash, and examined the looms and lights. Physically, they seem to be fine.

It's not a bulb in there either, seems to be a a micro LED of some sort. Need to do a bit more checking on it.

Also where can i find the exciter wire for the aternator? Any pics?

Would appreciate any help on this guys :)

[Sam]

Hey guys, heard this forum was the greatest resource in the known universe for VW issues :biglaugh: so hoping someone can help.

You heard correctly - welcome aboard :)




So i have a MK 4 1.4 petrol golf, Engine code 1JZ.

Issue:

When turning on the key to first position all the dash lights light up - Except for the Battery light.

I think this in turn is the cause of my alternator issue (it won't power the car until i rev to 3-4k revs).

I have VCDS lite. Can i scan the dash light with it?

I opened up the dash, and examined the looms and lights. Physically, they seem to be fine.

It's not a bulb in there either, seems to be a a micro LED of some sort. Need to do a bit more checking on it.

Also where can i find the exciter wire for the aternator? Any pics?

Would appreciate any help on this guys :)

Check the connector/multiplug near the starter, wires in the plug are notorious for coming loose.

VCDS will show a fault with the alternator, probably this - 17911/P1503 - Ross-Tech Wiki (http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index.php/17911/P1503)

[Edgesync]

Check the connector/multiplug near the starter, wires in the plug are notorious for coming loose.

VCDS will show a fault with the alternator, probably this - 17911/P1503 - Ross-Tech Wiki (http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index.php/17911/P1503)

Cool cool will check it now!...let me just reassemble the instrument panel :D

http://i58.tinypic.com/2w5lnp2.jpg

[Sam]

Bit late now, but always start with the simple things :)

[Edgesync]

ah it was simple to remove, two screws is nothing :) although it was pretty fruitless other than there appears to be no physical or electrical damage. just trying VCDS now, will post results in a moment.

Do i need the car running, or will it work with key in first position? (new to this whole vcds thing).

[Sam]

As it long as it goes back in again ;)

Turn the key to the first position, no need to start the car.

[Edgesync]

She's all back together anyways.

Just in vcds, is there some particular test i should be trying? not sure which one i should be doing. (confused!)

http://i57.tinypic.com/24ng2fc.jpg

[Sam]

The easiest thing to do is to run an auto-scan from the main menu

Main Screen > Auto Scan > Choose your chassis and Start.

[Edgesync]

The easiest thing to do is to run an auto-scan from the main menu

Main Screen > Auto Scan > Choose your chassis and Start.


****Update****

Thanks for that mycarsavw :)

Ran it but it turned up no codes.

Took out the battery + battery platform and checked underneath. Found this (one of the plugs connected to the alternator).

http://i62.tinypic.com/2nl7hnp.jpg

close up of the damage:

http://i62.tinypic.com/2nq6uip.jpg

Blue wire is broken.

Would this cause the issue?

Going to the breakers tomorrow to get another wire, and see will it help.

Will update you all on how i get on :)

[Edgesync]

***********UPDATE**********

Well, went to the breakers and got a new connection. Soldered it it, and now we're all sorted again. Battery light is on the dash again, and alternator showing 14.5 volts after starting the car. All good again.

Taped up the connection to the fan housing because i didn't want it rattling around in the engine.

http://i62.tinypic.com/34osykl.jpg

Thanks a lot for all the input mycarsavw :D Pure legend!

[Sam]

Yup, that's those are the wires that cause all the headaches.

Glad it's fixed and you're back on the road again :)