1973 Super Beetle. Alternator light comes on stays on. Can jump car but if car dies, cannot restart. Help!?

Answer 1

It needs an alternator, most likely, but it could be that the battery can't hold a charge. Bring it in to get it checked out.

Answer 2

The first thing is to get a multi-meter so you can verify the output of the alternator.Jump it then check you the voltage it should be up around 14-14.5 volts if not just make sure all the wires look good you can also check the output right at the back of the alternator just so you would be sure it wasn't a bad wire going back to the battery. Also make sure the alternator belt is tight enough.I've seem that before. I'm almost positive that unit has a built in voltage regulator but make sure first, if it has an external one get the proper tool and full Field the alternator and see if it works .If so then just replace that. Anyway that would be easy if it had that kind ,so if it comes down to the alternator you are just going to have to replace it.You should also get your battery charged backup so when you start it back up there will be enough power to keep the ignition system firing and all the other electrical powered things running like if you have any power accessories or a nice stereo with an amplifier because it's the battery that supplies the needed amperage and voltage the alternators only purpose is to keep the battery fully charged so the starter will crank and all other systems Will function also you don't want to overload the new unit, the alternator will charge a weak battery but it's not made to charge up totally dead ones. When you are done verify the alternator charges like it should, good luck.

Answer 3

Sould be Alternator, it is not charging correctly, thus the vehicle has to rely on it's alternate power source (Battery), Battery can only run the vehicle for soo long before it gives out. THe essetnail purpose of the Battery is to Provide enough Voltage to START the vehicle, at which point the Alternator Takes over. However, if the alternator is bad the battery takes over the load for a small amount of time. At this point I would also point out the Voltage regulator, if this regulator is not functioning properly it will also assist in the alternator's failure. I suggest replacing all three components. Alternator for not keeping a consistent charge of the vehicle, Battery 'cause it's probably going to fail pretty soon since it had to take over the load, and Voltage Regulator as a precautionary measure... Good Luck!

Answer 4

If your car will restart with a jump and run for a bit then dies again....your alternator is bad. The alternator does not have the power to recharge the battery and keep the car running.

Answer 5

does the battery take and hold a charge?
if the battery is ok then it should start fine after being on the charger.)

use a voltmeter to find out what is happening (or take it to someone who knows how or a store that sells auto parts for a free test)

check all your connections esp the battery cables
(and ones to the alternator)

both the alternator and battery are easy to replace and should be around 30-40 each
it is probable only one of the 2 that are bad unless you drained your battery for too long and it is too old

batteries only last around 5-7 years

Answer 6

Sounds like you need a new alternator or your battery is shot, one of the 2

Answer 7

Jump start the car and remove the negative battery terminal, if the car dies, get a new altenator. Also , considering the stress your battery has been going through... you might want to consider buying a new battery as well...

Answer 8

Sounds like you need a new battery, alternator, or both

Answer 9

Your Alternator has gone bad.

Replace it, and check your charging system wiring for bad connections.

Answer 10

get your battery and alternator checked one or both need replaced.