Generator and oil idiot light question

[KzooThing]

My generator and oil idiot lights are coming on when I remove the key, and turn off when I have the key in first position. I am having to leave the keys in the car to not run out my battery. Any ideas as to why this is happening?

Thanks!

[uberautowerks]

I would guess your ignition switch is bad.

Instead of leaving the key in you could simply unplug the wire harness from the back of the switch.
_________________
--- The major difference between a thing that might go wrong and a thing that cannot possibly go wrong is that when a thing that cannot possibly go wrong goes wrong it usually turns out to be impossible to get at and repair.
- Douglas Adams -
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'74 Thing (White)
'71 Single cab (White too)
'70 Weekender (White three)
'05 Evolution VIII (White also!!!)
'68 F-250 (White over black)

[Captain Spalding]

That was my first thought too.

[KzooThing]

Thanks for the input - I bought a new ignition switch today and will install this weekend. Will follow up with the results.

[memphisthing73]

[nikita]

73 and 74 are different. For me, its easy because there are many VW parts vendors nearby. My switch failed and SoCal Imports is in the same city where I work. '74 was only $9 for a made in Brazil one.

[memphisthing73]

[KzooThing]

Okay - I finally got to trying to repair this issue - moved in March and have been neglecting the Thing ever since - and I have eliminated the ignition switch as the cause. I unplugged the wire harness and the lights remained on. The only way to get them to turn off is to unhook the battery.

Also, I took it for a drive last night and noticed that the generator light is dim and lights up as I accelerate.

Could this be caused by a bad generator? Anyone have any more ideas before I take it to the shop?

Thanks!

[Ferretkona]

[Wildthings]