1999 Volkswagen Passat Dashboard lights and No RPM Indicati

1999 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
112,730 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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ELSEROAD
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Having a problem which I believe to be an electrical problem vice a mechanical issue. While driving, the ABS, Brake, and Oil Lights come on and the Engine RPM drops to Zero. The oil pressure remains constant and there is plenty of oil in the engine. I have checked the brake fluid and the braking action remains the same as well. Therefore it seems like it may be a computer issue since all of the lights and the RPM dies together. What are your thoughts???[img:da9e23a5f7]http://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/208329_IMG00016_1.jpg[/img:da9e23a5f7]
Aug 22, 2008 at 1:42 PM
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SERVICE WRITER
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Sounds like the alternater is on it's way out. Typical signs of one that is not putting out enough juice.
Aug 22, 2008 at 7:58 PM
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ELSEROAD
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thanks for the help...now this doesn't happen all the time only happens when you are putting strain on the car, ie when we drive over this one steep 3-4 mile incline that we drive over frequently, its about a 3000 ft elevation change in about 3 miles. do you still think alternator, is there a way to test it out to see???
Aug 22, 2008 at 8:07 PM
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ELSEROAD
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and actually now it happens much more frequently, with no rhyme or reason, it will go on and off and the air conditioner stopped blowing cold air now, with the lights on but when teh lights went off again the air began blowing cold again
Aug 22, 2008 at 10:01 PM
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SERVICE WRITER
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The more demand on an alternater that is going bad, the more strange things like this happen. I would check it first.
https://www.2carpros.com/how_to/test_alternator.htm
IT may turn out fine, but that's how troubleshooting is.
Aug 23, 2008 at 5:00 AM
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MFREBO
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I do leave in Brazil, in love with my 99 V6 Passat, but experiencing same issue. I have followed your instructions: early in the morning 12.8V, turned on 14.7V, turned accessories on 14.8V, driven for about 5KM and it came back. The tester I have had shown 13.7V and 0,1mA.
My mecaninc made fun about me saying to be ready to get without the car for a couple of days due to the amount of things to be unassembly in order to reach the alternator and fix. My question.... you sure this issue comes out of this guy? Thanks in advance!
Dec 16, 2010 at 10:41 AM
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MIKEUA91
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Hi, I'm 100% certain it's not the alternator. I had the same problem. Got it fixed by replacing the ABS module. There pretty expensive, but i got mine used from the junkyard for $40 at 10 Winters Ave Hazelton PA.
Jan 20, 2011 at 1:59 AM