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Speedo "warning" lights - Not Working?

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Gaston Casual Dubber

26 posts · joined Sep 2015 ·

#1023786
Right.

So today, after driving the car around the block, I parked it at home for a bit before heading back out.

When ready to leave again, I turned the key, and the warning lights didn't turn on. I turned it a bit past that initial first "turn", and they turned on.

When heading back home, it happened again, and turning it a little past that "spot" didn't work. So I went to start the engine, without the lights (which I know is bad), and they jumped on as the motor started (didn't start fully though - I didn't let it). So I turned the engine off, turned the key again, and on they popped just as usual.

So any remedies in fixing my bugs little (or big) problem would be great. I take it that I'd start with the grounds, but have no idea where to look.

Thanks,
Gaston.
I hand out apologies like beating-red apples... Since trees can only bear fruit if it's root is planted in the soil of sincerity.

AA003 Custom Title Time!

1,189 posts · joined Oct 2011 ·

#1023789
What year model?

It's probably your ignition switch is about to die.
I read it on samba, so it must be correct.

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

Gaston Casual Dubber

26 posts · joined Sep 2015 ·

#1023792
It's a '71 S. Bug. And if it's any consolation, the horn also doesn't work, and I'm waiting for a part to fix that.
I hand out apologies like beating-red apples... Since trees can only bear fruit if it's root is planted in the soil of sincerity.

vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#1023793
So you need to replace the plastic electrical contact part under the main ignition key

They deteriorate over the years and start cracking
I read it on FACEBOOK so it must be true


http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=91278&page=1#pid848630


http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=63561&page=1#pid624099


http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=4832&page=1#pid452603


http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=60650&page=1#pid574409

Gaston Casual Dubber

26 posts · joined Sep 2015 ·

#1023794
I tried again this morning and the lights didn't come on, but the car did start (just made sure)

So I'll look into replacing the plastic electrical contact under the ignition key.
I hand out apologies like beating-red apples... Since trees can only bear fruit if it's root is planted in the soil of sincerity.

Gaston Casual Dubber

26 posts · joined Sep 2015 ·

#1023799
Oh, and also the turn signals and fuel gauge don't work, which I presume are also linked with the ignition.
I hand out apologies like beating-red apples... Since trees can only bear fruit if it's root is planted in the soil of sincerity.

vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#1023806
Get some contact cleaner and check the fuses as well and make sure all the terminals are pushed on
I read it on FACEBOOK so it must be true


http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=91278&page=1#pid848630


http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=63561&page=1#pid624099


http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=4832&page=1#pid452603


http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=60650&page=1#pid574409

bevoracing Officially Full-On Dubber

327 posts · joined Jan 2009 ·

#1023809
I would clean the battery terminals, and then all terminals on the starter solenoid bolt and on the regulator. Eliminate all the electrical contact questions first, then have a look at the ignition switch. Strange things happen.
Cheers
Tony
Country Buggy King & Link Pin Overhauls, Type 1 & 2 King Pins, General Machining.
http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=74138
My car is KO813

Gaston Casual Dubber

26 posts · joined Sep 2015 ·

#1023830
Thanks for all your replies. I tried again around mid-day, and it worked by pushing the key a bit past the "on" point. At 8pm though, it is not working.

So I'll look into the grounds, as prescribed by bevoracing and vw54 (thanks for that), otherwise I will look into getting the ignition switch replaced.

Thanks for all your help so far.
I hand out apologies like beating-red apples... Since trees can only bear fruit if it's root is planted in the soil of sincerity.

psimitar Son of Jim - Creator of Good

2,506 posts · joined Jan 2009 ·

#1023834
Yup, clean all associated terminations for the dash light circuit. Disconnect the battery when doing this and try a small stiff bristle brass brush to make all the copper contacts a brighter shade of copper and not dull and a bit green.

Oh, and even take off and clean the terminals that come from the regulator B+ terminal, and depending on what year maybe clean those from the B+ back to the battery and even if it goes via the starter motor.

You're just trying to minimise any voltage drop from the battery to the dash lights.

If all that don't help then means the ign switch needs replacing.
madness is in the eye of the beholder 👍