idiot (dash) lights on, switch off

klashniv Slammed & Awesome Dubber

82 posts · joined Mar 2006 · 4 Sep 2006, 7:50 pm

#530447

Hullo All,

I recently had my engine rebuilt (original 1300cc) but on fitting it back into my '66 beetle (converted to 12v by PO, has alternator), both idiot lights come on (even with the switch off).

I have not attempted to start it as I don't want to mess anything up.

Any thoughts on what can cause both lights to come on when the switch is off.

Thanks

Volkswagenboy Staggers Automotive.

2,437 posts · joined Jul 2005 · 4 Sep 2006, 7:52 pm

#530452

Faulty switch? Incorrect wiring of charge light wiring?
-Staggers.

STAGGERS AUTOMOTIVE - Heavy Vehicle Diesel Specialist

JB CUSTOMS & CLASSICS - Car Builders

2/53 Tradelink Drive, Browns Plains

klashniv Slammed & Awesome Dubber

82 posts · joined Mar 2006 · 4 Sep 2006, 7:55 pm

#530456

tried bypassing switch, same problem. as for incorrect charge light wiring, wouldn't that affect only one light (as opposed to having the oil pressure light on as well)

Volkswagenboy Staggers Automotive.

2,437 posts · joined Jul 2005 · 4 Sep 2006, 8:05 pm

#530462

I realised that after I said that! :P
-Staggers.

STAGGERS AUTOMOTIVE - Heavy Vehicle Diesel Specialist

JB CUSTOMS & CLASSICS - Car Builders

2/53 Tradelink Drive, Browns Plains

Joel Now containing 100\% E-Wang

9,368 posts · joined Feb 2006 · 4 Sep 2006, 8:18 pm

#530469

its more than likely just the wire that feeds the idiot lights is hooked up to the wrong terminal on the fuse box
is the fuel gauge doing the same thing?

just look for the wire that connects to the warnign light contact thing (runs to the oil, gen and blinker idiot lights) and trace it back to the fuse box

swap it to an ignition side fuse

-Joel

sinecure Want another... :(

1,031 posts · joined Mar 2006 · 4 Sep 2006, 8:19 pm

#530472

Bad earth in the fuse box? Shorted relay?

A POSSE AD ESSE.

I live in my own little world, but it's okay, they know me here.

Joel Now containing 100\% E-Wang

9,368 posts · joined Feb 2006 · 4 Sep 2006, 8:21 pm

#530474

altho how that would happen when u were only removing the engine is beyond me but check it anywayz u never know

only other thing could be a pinched wire somewhere
are u sure the hole ignition circiut isnt powered up?
do ur wipers or anything else work with out the ign on?

-Joel

klashniv Slammed & Awesome Dubber

82 posts · joined Mar 2006 · 4 Sep 2006, 11:07 pm

#530623

DUB74L wrote:its more than likely just the wire that feeds the idiot lights is hooked up to the wrong terminal on the fuse box
is the fuel gauge doing the same thing?

just look for the wire that connects to the warnign light contact thing (runs to the oil, gen and blinker idiot lights) and trace it back to the fuse box

swap it to an ignition side fuse

-Joel

don't understand the fuel guage question. anyway, I believe my fuel guage is mechanical.

will check the wire that goes to the lights (am at work, bug is at home) and see where its hooked up.

actually, I remember that the blinker didn't work when I put the switch on (light in dash came on but didnt flash, actual blinker lights stayed off)

klashniv Slammed & Awesome Dubber

82 posts · joined Mar 2006 · 4 Sep 2006, 11:09 pm

#530624

sinecure wrote:Bad earth in the fuse box? Shorted relay?

will check fuse box earthing. what relay could be shorted? do any of the lights go through a relay?

klashniv Slammed & Awesome Dubber

82 posts · joined Mar 2006 · 4 Sep 2006, 11:11 pm

#530626

thank you for your replies, definitely have some pointers and will be hunting around some more tonight.

Joel Now containing 100\% E-Wang

9,368 posts · joined Feb 2006 · 5 Sep 2006, 6:03 pm

#530900

i was forgetting how old ur car was
the wire that powers the fuel gauge is usally the same one that pwers the idiot lights
if u look at the back of ur speedo the wire connected to this terminal is the one u wanna check
pretty sure 6 volt speedos were the same
just ignore the Lbug speedo behind grabbed it by accident

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68AutoBug Beetle Restorer - Experience over 138\% - YIKES --

11,654 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 5 Sep 2006, 9:03 pm

#530967

You should have a small wire going to a terminal on the Alternator which is for the light in speedo..
It must be connected for the alternator to work...

and as someone said, the lights in the speedo are powered when the ign is turned on...
the oil switch earths out with no pressure and the light will come on, when the ign is turned on...

Maybe... the contacts in the ign switch have fused together...
never heard of it... happening...
or someone has really got it all wrong...
or fiddled...
many people do fiddle...

You have quite a delimma... not being sure...
so You can start Your engine....

Easiest way would be to disconnect the alternator and tape up all connections...
so NO short circuits...

and see if You can start the car...
You will need power at the coil,, and electromagnetic cutoff switch on the carby...
auto choke ? can be connected or not...

I presume the lights in the speedo stay on when the key is turned on...
and the starter works...??

pic of electromagnetic cutoff switch on carby..

best of Luck

Lee

[ Edited on 5-9-2006 by 68AutoBug ]

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klashniv Slammed & Awesome Dubber

82 posts · joined Mar 2006 · 6 Sep 2006, 5:42 pm

#531281

Turns out it was a faulty alternator. The wire at the back of the speedo (the one pictured in this thread) was off.

After tracing everything and making sure all was hooked up right, only the red (charge/alternator) dash light was on. removing the small wire to the alternator would put it off.

got a local vw mechanic to look at the problem and he also came to the conclusion that alternator was the culprit.

thank you all for your help, you certainly pointed me in the right direction.