TheSamba.com :: View topic

Mon Oct 19, 2009 3:20 pm

So I was swapping out my headlight switch with one like this

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=816799

to one like this

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=861744

I got pretty excited because I am colorblind, and this is one of the only sucessful wiring jobs I have been able to complete. (It was very helpful to just be able to look at the numbers and go from one switch to the other). After getting it completed though, I dropped the newly installed switch, and the part that you pull out to turn on the lights hit the steering column and sparked. Now my headlights won't turn on. I can get my parking lights, but no headlights.

Like I mentioned before, I am colorblind, and am still not great with a multi-meter. Could someone dumb down a couple of steps for me on how to trace what wire to where to see if I have juice to the right places?

Mon Oct 19, 2009 3:22 pm

Fuse is blown.

Mon Oct 19, 2009 3:24 pm

Sorry, forgot to mention that. All fuses are intact. I even asked my mechanic about it and he told me to be aware of "GFS" Green Fuzzy Stuff that can collect in the fuse box. I got a wire brush and cleaned all the connections and put all the fuses back in place.

I even had a spare headlight, and swapped it out, but it wouldn't work either.

Mon Oct 19, 2009 5:56 pm

One other thing, I put the old switch back on, and still no headlights. That's why I assume it's not the fuses, headlights, or switch but the wiring. Because nothing else is working either. :(

Mon Oct 19, 2009 6:23 pm

1. The power that goes to the headlight switch does not pass through a fuse.

2. Whenever you work on the wiring, and you are not sure of what you are doing, best to disconnect the neg cable from the battery!!

Hopefully you did not fry your wiring!

Try checking voltage with a multimeter starting with the battery posts and work forward.

Tue Oct 20, 2009 9:48 am

I get power to everything else. In fact, I drove it to work today. I just can't get those dang headlights going.

Tue Oct 20, 2009 10:13 am

JoeyC wrote: I get power to everything else. In fact, I drove it to work today. I just can't get those dang headlights going.

Silly question but did you try pulling the wires off the terminals at the fuse box then reinstalling them? It is possible for tarnish to buildup and 'break' the circuit....so to speak.

When my ghia used to sit for a few months at a time, I would have to go and do that to about 50% of the connectors throughout the car....must be something with the humidity in the land of the hanging chads.

Worth a try anyway and it does not cost anything to do.

Tue Oct 20, 2009 10:26 am

Thanks, I'll give it a shot.

Tue Oct 20, 2009 11:37 am

You shorted the new switch at install correct?
Why were you working on the switch to begin with?
Are you sure you did not ruin the new switch.

If you wire around the switch so that it is always on the lights should work
If they do not
Start with the wire right at the switch -- where does it go and have you burn it through somewhere?
Get a continuity tester and learn how to use it

Sun Nov 01, 2009 2:09 pm

OK, so after hours of tracing wires with a multi-meter, I discovered that I have a bad headlight dimmer switch. I have been driving around with my brights on, but the switch was bad so my little blue light wasn't on. As soon as I pulled the switch, headlights came right on. Gotta love owning a VW!

Mon Nov 02, 2009 5:31 am

JoeyC wrote: ...Gotta love owning a VW!

Hey, thats life in the 'old' lane.