TheSamba.com :: View topic - Left Tail Light Blinker Problem / 66 Beetle 6V

Tue Nov 18, 2008 10:15 pm

Hi,
My left tailight blinker is not working, but the left tailight running light is working. I changed the bulb with correct single element, checked the fuse (good) and checked all the connections (good). What am I missing?
Also, My left high beam is not working - which I assume I need to get a new beam. Then, I noticed my license plate light and high beam indicator light in my speedo is not working. I recall all of my lights were working fine (recently). If it matters, I replaced my starter / solenoid this last week and installed a new battery. Any suggestions? I appreciate your help. Matt.

Tue Nov 18, 2008 10:38 pm

Have you checked your wires for continuity?

i have a 61 bug, almost all original. My problem was all the contacts were corroded. I took a dremel with a wire wheel to them and it did the trick. But get out your idiots guide (if you have one) and just go down the whole path and check all the points..

Tue Nov 18, 2008 10:49 pm

TheJays wrote: Hi,
My left tailight blinker is not working, but the left tailight running light is working. I changed the bulb with correct single element, checked the fuse (good) and checked all the connections (good). What am I missing?
Something not good? :)
Use a test light and work your way from the taillight up to the T connector in the trunk. If the front one works on that side, that's as far as you'd need to go. There is a T3 connector behind the tarboard in the engine compartment on the left side.

Quote: Also, My left high beam is not working - which I assume I need to get a new beam. Then, I noticed my license plate light and high beam indicator light in my speedo is not working.
The high beam indicator in the speedo is hooked to the same fuse as the left highbeam. Check that. The license plate light is on the same fuse as the right taillight, so if the taillight works, check the bulb, and the T connector behind the tarboard in the engine compartment on the right side.

Wiring diagram is here.

Wed Nov 19, 2008 1:24 pm

Check contacts as stated, but also be sure to check all the ground connections. The ones on the taillights get corroded and then the electrical circuit is broken. This could mean also checking the taillight/fender connection. I had a similar problem and it was driving me nuts; I fixed it by playing with the taillight bolts on the fender. 8)

Wed Nov 19, 2008 2:31 pm

Thank you all for your help and advice. I double-checked all my connections, changed all the fuses and mysteriously the blinker, high beam lights are working properly. The only light left not working is the license plate light and I will re-check everything with this light next.
Thanks again - It really helps to have a go-to place like the Samba Forum to get help and solve these mysteries.
Matt.

Wed Nov 19, 2008 4:04 pm

Clean the fuse holder contacts, too. I read once on here of course, that if you rotate the fuses, problems mysteriously disappear. I cleaned mine with emery cloth or something similar and everything works just fine. :wink: