[spikerdude35]

I have an 01 V6 passat. I just bought the car a few weeks ago and on the way home from work this morning the battery light and alternator workshop script appeared in the cluster. I took it to the auto shop to get the battery and alternator checked. Both came back with good results so I'm confused as to what could possibly be the issue. I do have some engine codes related to instrument cluster module failure and O2 sensors (from no cats) but I don't see how that would relate. Fuses check out ok. instrument cluster works good. Only thing I can think of is maybe a ground wire somewhere? Any ideas on the problem or where to start testing wires? The shop guys think its a short somewhere but want to charge me $78/hr just to randomly try to find it so obviously I'd rather try to find it myself. Thanks for the help.

 

[mikefl]

I think the brushes on your alternator are wearing off. This would cause the battery indicator to come on intermittently when the brushes are not touching the alternator shaft. This is bad for your alternator.

Usually happens after 120K miles.

I just replaced my brushes today. Try it out.

http://www.passatworld.com/forums/42-volkswagen-passat-b5-discussion/350792-battery-indicator.html

 

[spikerdude35]

The battery light isn't intermittent but constantly on. According to the previous owner, the alternator is only a few months old. When I took it to the garage it was on their computer for an hour and they said the alternator was running correctly.