Just bought a 1998 1.3 MPI Felicia GLX from a friend. 54k miles/ 1 local family ownership. Struts already done all round but there is a patch of rust just in front of the offside front top mounting ..In for MoT Today.

The alternator warning light stays on with the engine running, dimming part of the time. But the alt seems to be charging ok.Having read other posts about these alternators, this seems to be an unusual problem. Ideas please?

Also the Airbag warning light will not go out. How do I recode it pls, if that is what is needed?

Did I see an online manual for this model or is it my imagination?

Tks **** Fowler

I'd say the regulator on the alternator was the place to look for the charging warning light.

As for the airbag light, does it have airbags? If so then investigation of the fault would be needed - I think you'll need VAG-COM or a code reader for that. If it doesn't, then it could be the wiring to the dash, - I -think- that some dashes come with the lamp anyway, but it should go out when connected properly (although I may be confusing this with another warning light such as ABS, so don't take it as gospel).

Agreed, and if the regulator is letting the alternator over-charge (check that the voltage across the battery terminals is no more than 14.7v, preferably 14.2 to 14.4), that's probably the cause of the airbag light too!

my pickup doesn't have airbags, when i changed the instrument cluster for one with a rev counter instead of a giant clock the airbag warning lamp stayed on permanently so i just took the airbag lamp out... the ones with airbags have a different dash wiring loom so when the airbag ecu is connected and working the lamp will be off, but otherwise the lamp will be on all the time

Thanks folks.

Passed MoT but with advisories on Fuel and brake pipes- interesting as the long brake pipes are copper replacements.

I will check the voltage and am reaching for the multimeter as i type. I have seen past postings re alt regulators so will read up on them.

The Steering wheel just says AIRBAG and the car has never had a crash. From your comments approach is to fix alt light then disconnect airbag light.

What is VAG-COM? Sounds like vwaudi group etc ?

DF

VAG-COM, now VCDS, is a computerised fault-code reading system.

I would say that the airbag control unit just needs resetting. You will need vag-com for this though. Check the vag com owners map to see if anyone is near you who will reset it for you.

Phil

. From your comments approach is to fix alt light then disconnect airbag light.

no, absolutely not.. if you have airbags it's foolish to disconnect the light to mask a problem. it may be just a simple fault.