Motorola Alternator Not Charging

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Motorola Alternator Not Charging

By Jim Thompson

Question from Customer: I have a 1978 Super Beetle Convertible. There is a white plastic box 2"by 2.5'by .25' mounted on top of my alternator. Is this the regulator? My book says the regulator is internal on this VW. When I put pressure on this box with a pry bar the alternator starts charging, sometimes. The alternator charges sometimes, then sometimes not while driving. Please help!

Answer: You have what appears to be an ANCIENT Motorola manufactured alternator. So ANCIENT, they haven't been available for over 20 years. Back in the day, 75-79 Beetles & Convertibles came with either Bosch (black top) or Motorola (white top) Alternators (either are interchangeable). What you are putting pressure on is the Voltage Regulator/Rectifier/Brush Assembly. Sounds like the brushes have worn out and are barely contacting the Slip Ring (an Alternator's version of a Commutator on a Generator). Disconnect the Battery, remove the entire white plastic assembly and head down to an Alternator/Starter Rebuilding shop to see if they can install new pair of brushes. This should take care of the problem. Look inside the Alternator when you take off that assembly. If the Slip Ring (shaft) is worn with grooves, then replace the Alternator.

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