Common questions

What makes the alt light go out on a 1970 VW?

What makes the alt light go out on a 1970 VW?

My 1970 engine is equippedd with an alternator that has an internal regulator. My problem is that the “alt” stays on when the key is off. The light goes out when the engine is running. I have 13-14 volts at high idle.

Why are the warning lights not working on my VW?

Problems may arise with the warning lights because the instrument cluster has been wired incorrectly. One case we heard of was that instead of the “Gen/Alt” and “Oil” lights coming on when the key is turned on, the turning signal indicator and the “Oil” lights came on.

What causes the generator warning light to come on?

Following are the most common reasons for the generator/alternator light coming on – A broken fan belt — this is the first thing to check. The other reason why the generator/alternator warning light may come on is that the generator/alternator itself is defective.

My 1970 engine is equippedd with an alternator that has an internal regulator. My problem is that the “alt” stays on when the key is off. The light goes out when the engine is running. I have 13-14 volts at high idle.

Problems may arise with the warning lights because the instrument cluster has been wired incorrectly. One case we heard of was that instead of the “Gen/Alt” and “Oil” lights coming on when the key is turned on, the turning signal indicator and the “Oil” lights came on.

Following are the most common reasons for the generator/alternator light coming on – A broken fan belt — this is the first thing to check. The other reason why the generator/alternator warning light may come on is that the generator/alternator itself is defective.

How can I find parts for my Volkswagen Beetle?

If you don’t know the Volkswagen Beetle part number, use the Vehicle Selector below the search bar to filter your results to only parts that fit your Volkswagen Beetle. Simply set your year, make, model, and engine, and then select a category. Any part displayed is guaranteed to fit your specific vehicle.

What to do when a warning light comes on on a VW?

Remove the wire that is on the alternator D+ spade terminal. Connect a small 12V test lamp from chassis (engine case) to the D+ terminal. If the light comes On, one of the alternator diodes is shorted internally. You can solve the problem at least temporarily by adding a small diode – see the shematic on my Web page.

What kind of wiring does a VW headlight switch use?

Wiring for VW Headlight Switches and Relays. Wiring for VW Headlight Switches and Relays. VW Type 3 1963-67. Replacing the Headlight Switch (and most all the VW Switches) is very simple. The headlight terminals are numbered, their designations are: 57 – Power to Front Running Lights – NOT FUSED! 311941531A Headlight Switch Terminals.

What kind of battery does a VW Beetle need?

The VW Beetle is an easy starting engine and needs only a low CCA rating of about 220; the VW engine, being a lowish compression engine, is relatively easy on batteries.

Where is the alternator located on a VW?

From 1967 until 1974 it was located underneath the rear seat on the left. From 1974 on the voltage regulator is internal to the alternator. If the 6-volt Bug has been converted to 12 volts, the 12-volt regulator is usually screwed to the fan shroud just above the generator so the existing wiring can be used.

How can I tell if my VW battery is draining?

Connect the negative probe on the multimeter to battery cable you just took off. Connect the positive probe to the battery positive (+) post. Gradually reduce the multimeter setting of the lowest milliamp setting. If there is a power drain you’ll get a reading (any reading under ~50 milliamps is not significant).

How can you tell if a VW charger is faulty?

Look at the electrolyte (water) level in each of the cells. If one is very low compared to the others, it may be a cell which is dead or dying, as a faulty cell will try to take more and more charge and end up electrolysing the water in the cell (converting it to oxygen and hydrogen, so it appears to evaporate).

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Ruth Doyle