why does my Volkswagen Golf battery light stay on while driving

Solution

1. Preparation

• Gather all necessary tools and parts.
• Ensure safety gear is worn (gloves and safety glasses).
• Disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent electrical short circuits.

2. Inspect and Clean Battery Connections

• Remove the battery terminals (negative first, then positive).
• Clean the terminals and cable connectors with a wire brush to remove any corrosion.
• Reconnect the terminals securely (positive first, then negative).

3. Check and Replace the Serpentine Belt (if necessary)

• Inspect the serpentine belt for cracks or signs of wear.
• If damaged, use a socket set to loosen the tensioner and remove the old belt.
• Install the new belt according to the routing diagram, ensuring proper tension.

4. Test and Replace the Alternator (if necessary)

• Using a multimeter, verify the alternator output while the engine is running.
• If the output is below 13.7V, remove the alternator by disconnecting the electrical connections and removing the mounting bolts with a socket set.
• Install the new alternator, reconnecting the electrical connections and securing it with bolts.

5. Reconnect Battery and Final Checks

• Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
• Start the vehicle and observe the dashboard for the battery light.
• Ensure all electrical components are functioning correctly.