Mystery electrical fault.

TorxKiwi Officially Full-On Dubber

231 posts · joined Jun 2011 · 16 Jun 2014, 11:41 pm

#993454

Not my car, but had a call from a local bloke who has just picked up a '74 Beetle and is working through his list to get it roadworthy. Has a mystery electrical problem and is after some advice.

Engine running, headlights off, turn ignition to off, engine stops.

Engine running, Headlights on, turn ignition to off, engine keeps running.

It would seem to be odds on that there is a short-circuit. Any tips on where to start looking? I'll be starting at the wires to the headlight switch and following them, but happy to take advice.

"Ownership of a Beetle is not a destination it is a journey."

AA003 Custom Title Time!

1,189 posts · joined Oct 2011 · 17 Jun 2014, 5:44 am

#993456

Check wiring at headlight switch first.

Look for dodgy modifications that some halfwit has done.

I read it on samba, so it must be correct.

Sometimes Volkswagen dealers sell spare parts. Amazing isn't it!😂

vwpurplebuggy Casual Dubber

40 posts · joined Feb 2006 · 20 Jun 2014, 5:58 pm

#993824

late vws have headlamp turn off built into ing swich when you turn off eng it will go back to park lamps only. possable falt in ing wiring

Lucky Phil Wolfsburg Wizard

480 posts · joined Aug 2010 · 23 Jun 2014, 9:34 pm

#994103

AA003 wrote:Check wiring at headlight switch first.

Look for dodgy modifications that some halfwit has done.

x2
I would be looking for a wire feeding power from the lights into the ignition circuit.