HELP! Tail light wiring!

Oppressa Officially Full-On Dubber

367 posts · joined Oct 2002 · 20 Jun 2003, 7:00 pm

#58751

Just got my 71 Bug back from being panel beaten and the wiring is all messed. I followed this diagram:

This is what I get. With the parkers on, both of the correct globes are on (dim, which I think is right).
Parkers off ant emergency lights on: right indicator really bright, left brake/park light on but not as bright.
Parkers and hazards: alternating between super bright right indicator and left brake/park.
Ignition on and left indicator: rear doesn't light up but front flashes really quickly.

HELP!

1971 VW Beetle
Currently being restored - click here

geodon Wolfsburg Wizard

478 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 20 Jun 2003, 7:08 pm

#58755

Sounds like your frames are sitting on new paint & are not being earthed.
Try running a "cheater" wire from the battery earth to the frames. When earthing is bad, the current can feedback & light up other circuits.

Bizarre Moderator The artist formerly known as blue74l

12,785 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 20 Jun 2003, 7:18 pm

#58759

I will second that.

A lot of times the isnt an earth wire but the screw that holds the silver base to the body. If this is covered in paint then no earth.
Take the cover off and just hold a wire fron the base to a good earth and see what happens

Futue te ipsum!!!

Oppressa Officially Full-On Dubber

367 posts · joined Oct 2002 · 20 Jun 2003, 7:19 pm

#58760

And brake pedal isn't lighting up anything! Would it start working once the earthing was right?

[Edited on 20-6-2003 by Oppressa]

1971 VW Beetle
Currently being restored - click here

Bizarre Moderator The artist formerly known as blue74l

12,785 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 20 Jun 2003, 7:35 pm

#58764

Yes.

Do you have a Fluke meter or a volt meter.

See if you are getting volts to the positive of the brake light (hard with one person - the Fluke has a pulse/hold feature that is GREAT for this) with reference to a good earth.
It is making sense these sort of faults after a trip to the panel beaters.

Was it an insurance or full pay job? If so then take it back.
If not - keep asking questions!!

Futue te ipsum!!!

Oppressa Officially Full-On Dubber

367 posts · joined Oct 2002 · 20 Jun 2003, 7:59 pm

#58774

Will have another go and tell you what happens.

1971 VW Beetle
Currently being restored - click here

Oppressa Officially Full-On Dubber

367 posts · joined Oct 2002 · 20 Jun 2003, 8:20 pm

#58784

Damn! Dunno what the hell to do. I don't have a volt meter.

I don't even know if the fault would be on the left or the right side.

Will prob. have to take it to an auto electrician.

1971 VW Beetle
Currently being restored - click here

Oppressa Officially Full-On Dubber

367 posts · joined Oct 2002 · 20 Jun 2003, 8:27 pm

#58786

These wires and connectors are on the right of the engine leading to the tail light. What are they for?

1971 VW Beetle
Currently being restored - click here

Oppressa Officially Full-On Dubber

367 posts · joined Oct 2002 · 21 Jun 2003, 5:45 pm

#58998

Actually, my rear right brake light IS working... couldn't they just make it EASY! 🙂

1971 VW Beetle
Currently being restored - click here