After installing it, all of the intermittent electrical issues disappeared. I'm guessing the old alternator couldn't power all of the electrical issues at once, particularly since the battery light would not come on with the higher rev's of a cold start, but would come on with the low rev's of a warm start.
Sorry for the late reply. just to go ahead and close this out, it was a bad alternator. Took the 400 dollar hit to my wallet and bought a new one. Spent a few hours yesterday replacing it. So far I've driven it about 30 miles without the battery light coming back on. Thanks everyone for the help.
I'm using a MK2 Golf alternator. It has the correct mount width, and has the right frame to mate up with the nice rack and pinion style adjustment bracket also from the MK2 Golf.
Hi all, after a long time, the problem solved by instaling a non refurbished Valeo alternator. Same one as the refurbished was.
The tech who replaced my alternator (@10K mi) left his permanent fingerprints on my hood...have to try to buff it out. Apart from the bad alternator documented in another thread (hopefully a one-off), the car has been great (especially in winter) - no leaks, no sunroof issues, buzzing, rattling, vibrations, etc.
Replaced the alternator and everything is cool, but I'm keeping an eye on it. Oh, and the brushes on the voltage regulator from the old alternator were shot, no wonder the ozone smell, they were barely making contact. This is a Valeo alternator, not the Bosch, and the car is a 2.0 AT.
When I had mine I had to replace the alternator just outside of warranty.
I've had 3 issues with the car: 3. recently - replace alternator (the car just knows I'm about to retire it).
the car is a 1996 golf gl, 5 speed, with A/C (this is relevant to the alternator spec) Original problem, car not charging and replacement alternators were no good
My mk3 golf is at the shop right now because I installed a replacement valeo alternator and it didnt seem like a perfect fit and shredded up the serpentine belt. I think the shop I got the replacement from gave me a bad fit.
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