🚀 go-pugleaf

I'm looking for anyone with knowledge of the internals of a VW
Rabbit alternator (of the Motorola variety).  The Bentley manual
does not give an internal wiring diagram, so I'm unable to figure
out what is inside without taking the alternator completely apart.

A week or two ago, the alternator and EGR warning lights started coming
on dimly when the car was running.  I had had this problem before,
and adjusting the brushes fixed it.  This time, however, after
putting in a new set of brushes and cleaning the slip rings with
alcohol, the lights stay on dimly, although they do occasionally go
out.

I've driven the car like this for some distance, but frequent
checks of the battery show it to be fully charged. When the engine
is idling, turning on the headlights will cause the engine to load
down slightly, so the alternator must be putting out SOME current.
The drive belt is new and not slipping.

Any suggestions?  If I take it to VW, they'll just want to sell me a
new alternator.

Phil Karn
Bell Labs, Murray Hill, NJ