How do I test an alternator on a 96 VW Passat?

Question 1
How do I test an alternator on a 96 VW Passat?...  
already did the DVOM test, Running Battery voltage was 12.1, This means i need a new alternator? correct?

Answers
1)   Remove it and take in to Auto Zone, they'll test it for free. - jimmymae2000

2)   Jimmymae2000 has the best answer. My first choice would be to remove the alternator and bring it into just about any major automotive parts store. They will have a test bench where they can test the alternator. They will spin the alternator up to speed and do a series of tests. Most will test your alternator for you for free.

If it fails testing you can purchase a replacement while you are there. You will avoid paying the core charge since you have your old alternator with you. This will save you a trip.

However you can do a simple test using a digital volt meter.

Set the volt meter to the 24 volt DC range. Place the leads across the battery posts. With the engine off and nothing on the meter should read about 12 volts.

Start the engine and repeat. Now the meter should be reading between 14 to 16 volts. If the meter still reads 12 volts or less the alternator is not working. Apply a load to the alternator by turning on the headlights and air conditioning. The results should be the same.

This simple test only gives you output volts. It does not tell you the output amps. A bench test from your local auto parts store is more thorough.

Your testing tells me that the alternator is most likely bad. So the next logical step would be to remove the alternator and bring it to the automotive parts store and let them test it. I never replace an item like this without letting the parts store test. It sucks to spend money on replacement parts only to find the problem still exists. - Mad Jack

3)   start it up .then unhook the battery.if it dies you need a alternator - noone

4)   12.1 volts with the engine running means that you have more testing to do. check the fuse for the charging system. the battery with every thing off should supply 12.6 volts. engine running should be from 13.5 -14.5. - mdk68gto, ase certified m tech


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Question 2
Where could I get a used 1987 VW Golf radiator?...  I usually go through parts place for my parts, but am wondering if I can get a used radiator for cheaper. They are selling theirs for 99 dollars. I don't even mind if I eventually had to replace it with one of theirs, but I want to replace it soon. Would a junk yard be likely to have something like this? If so, how much would it be approximately, and can you just walk into a junk yard, or do you need to be a mechanic?

Answers
1)   It's hard to say how much it would be from a wreckers (junk yard), get your phone book and call around to see 1) if they have any at all 2) how much. You may be required to remove it from the car in the junkyard yourself so just make sure you know what you're doing or take someone who does. And you can just walk into a wreckers, you don't have to be a mechanic, I go with my boyfriend all the time.

Good Luck - hotpinkrat

2)   With a vehicle that is as old as yours, finding a used radiator will be next to impossible - most of those vehicles have been scrapped by now...............you can look online for radiators to see if you can find a better price, preferably with a warranty. Rock Auto and Parts Train are two good sources - Happy Gramps

3)   Chances are small for you to find a golf radiator for you 87 volks in the junkyard. You can try to search in the forums or on ebay. But chances are slim too. Try to visit local auto shops near you.. They may have the radiator you need. Good luck on that. - michael r

4)   Ebay.com
click motors, than click parts/accessories
select the make model and year, than type in the search box the part you require and hit enter
VW parts are expensive and used ebay parts are the cheapest i've found. The alternator I need for my VW Passat is about $150 cheaper on ebay than it is in the store used. - Zyco, or ISM depending on who you are


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Question 3
Im looking to get a VW bus probably a camper. Whats the deal with the legality of the seating in those things?...  Like they have those wicked fun seats that you can chill out in and face each other and some have the table in between. But those dont seem legal... in other words. they dont have airbags/seatbelts or all that crap. So does that mean if i get a VW bus i can technically, by law, only drive myself and a person in the passenger seat? Cause that would suck. but not like id follow that anyways... im just wondering.

Answers
1)   The safety belt laws are in effect for vehicles manufactured after a certain year ( not certain what year and it will vary from one State to another.........look @ your State vehicle code laws ); therefore, if it's an older bus, like from the 60's, then there is no concern re: safety belts for the seats in the middle - Happy Gramps

2)   They only need to have what was needed when it was built. In other words, if it didn't have to have seatbelts at the time, it doesn't need them now.

I wouldn't call it safe to sit in those seats without seatbelts, but it's not illegal. Busses aren't exactly safe vehicles to start with- if you hit a car or even a deer, the people in the front seats will get squished. I've ridden in very old cars (1929 Model A) that I don't think had seatbelts. Of course, we weren't going very fast... - Mark K

3)   As already stated, whatever was legal the year of manufacture is what remains legal on that particular vehicle. It's up to your discretion to upgrade safety equipment. I have a 74 Beetle that has only lap belts in the back. Even though it's legal, I have 2 small kids and I don't ever let them ride in that car outside of my neighborhood. Just a personal preference. - Jay S


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Question 4
I want to find a sunshade for my 07 jetta with the vw logo...?...  I have searched all of the search engine sites for either a cardboard or any other material sunshade with a big VW logo in the middle. Does this product exist??

Answers
1)   Amazon sells a sunshade for a 2007 Jetta with a VW logo for $33.95. - derouin

2)   yes go to a VW dealer, they have them specific for your car - Dan

3)   here in the below mentioned website you can find sunshade for 07 jetta with the vw logo - pollen


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Question 5
Why is my Jetta stalling!?!?!?...  The other day when I tried to back out of the drive way, the brake pedal wouldn't go down and the car was shaking as I was trying to back up. Then the same thing happened a few times after I started the car. As I would be trying to pull out of a stop, my brake pedal would not go down and the car was shaking. This stopped for about a week.

Today, on my way home, I could feel the car shaking when I was stopped at a red light. Just now, I had to move the car out of the driveway, and the brake pedal wouldn't go down and the car started shaking. I just pressed as hard as I could on the pedal and then the car stalled. I tried it again and the same thing happened. Does anyone know what this could be (other than expensive to fix)? I would really appreciate any ideas.

p.s. does anyone want to buy or know anyone that wants to buy a jetta? i have one that i would be willing to sell. it stalls, but the exterior is nice.
"stop" in the third line should be "spot"
hahahaha i wish that was all that was wrong with it!! you don't have enough time to hear everything. but like i said, the exterior is nice!

Answers
1)   Could be a lot of things.

Check for broken motor mounts. They could cause the car to shake because the engine is loose. They could also cause the pedal not to go down by stressing the accelerator linkage.

If the accelerator linkage is stressed by a tipped over engine (broken motor mounts), that could be very dangerous. - TardisAndTheHare

2)   lol i like how you try to sell it right after you tell us everything that is wrong with it - Dan

3)   If you are willing to sell it. You can try to sell it on ebay or craigslist. Asode from that, you can also visit volkswagen forums and have your jetta on auction there. Be sure to include all the specs and some pictures for them to refer to. Good luck! - michael r


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