Big 3 is really Big 2 in VW ????

[mikeyboc 10+ year member]

I've been searching and been unable to find my answer, so hopefully I can get some help.:

I have read the instructions posted to replace my BIG 3. Popped the hood to track everything down, and can only find 2. Alt to batt + and Batt - to ground. Went to VW dealership and tech told me that the alternator is self grounding and bolted to the chasis or engine block (can't remember which one he said). Has anyone heard of this in this car? 2002 VW Jetta 1.8T? Is there anything different I need to do or just upgrade the other 2 wires to 1/0? I am hoping to get started this weekend, so any help is appreciated. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/crap.gif.7f4dd41e3e9b23fbd170a1ee6f65cecc.gif

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[chinny 5,000+ posts]

Yes, alternators do get grounded to the engine block, you need to run another wire from the engine block to the chasis.

 

[PhatTonyDeMarco 5,000+ posts]

That is the same as all vehicles, there is no ground wire from the engine block to the chasis. Most people just bolt a wire onto the altenator's mounting bracket and then drill a hole on the chasis and bolt it on.

 

[mikeyboc 10+ year member]

Can I run it to they same point the battery is grounded too?

 

[chinny 5,000+ posts]

Yes.

 

[PhatTonyDeMarco 5,000+ posts]

Can I run it to they same point the battery is grounded too?

You COULD, but that isnt always the best grounding location...

 

[mikeyboc 10+ year member]

So you reccomend taking it to elsewhere?

Do I really need to fuse the line from alt to batt? If so, do I fuse it to the capabilities of the wire, the alt, or something else?

 

[PhatTonyDeMarco 5,000+ posts]

So you reccomend taking it to elsewhere?
Do I really need to fuse the line from alt to batt? If so, do I fuse it to the capabilities of the wire, the alt, or something else?

It shouldnt make much of a difference, but if you have dimming after the Big Three, I would reground that wire.

And no, you do not need to fuse that wire.

 

[mikeyboc 10+ year member]

Thanks for the help, do you have any other words of advice to a n00b before I get started on this?

 

[PhatTonyDeMarco 5,000+ posts]

Use 1/0 guage or dont even do it...

 

[mikeyboc 10+ year member]

Already have the 1/0 ready to go! is it a good idea to solder the rings or connecters to the wire or just crimp and tape?

 

[PhatTonyDeMarco 5,000+ posts]

Solder isnt needed, but its a good thing to add as it will make a better connection between the ring and wiring.

 

[mikeyboc 10+ year member]

I think I am set then, thanks again for the help.

 

[thefunkybunch 10+ year member]

Use 1/0 guage or dont even do it...

especially since the jetta is stock with a 4awg wire //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif

 

[mikeyboc 10+ year member]

If the alt is grounded to engine block and the current makes the loop back to the batt as it is now, why would I need to run another wire from block to chasis? Wouldn't the connection that is in place now work just as well (isn't it currently made through the bolts that mount it?)?