Generator Light turns on while braking

[Ratbug13]

So, I just found out that I didn't have brake lights. probably for years, as the wire was not connected, with no connector for the terminal (lol). upon reconnecting the power, the brake lights work! but, now when I go to come to a stop, and apply the brakes, the generator light slowly flickers on, and then she starts running a little rough and the generator light gets more steady. when I let off the brakes, and rev it a bit, the light goes out. Had this issue prior to brake lights, all I did was increase the idle a smidge and it fixed the problem. should I increase it more? it's like it doesn't have enough power to power all the electronics in the car (headlights, radio, and brakelights).

[60ragtop]

Put a volt meter on it and check the output.
_________________
Rick
Certified Mechanic by the State of Michigan in 1977
ASA certified in 1987
Certified Hunter Wheel Alignment Master Technician 1986

[Ratbug13]

what's the norm for output on it?

[60ragtop]

13.8 -14.7 is optimum at a high idle but might be lower as the generator starts charging at a higher RPM than idle
I'm presuming you have a gen rather than an alt.
_________________
Rick
Certified Mechanic by the State of Michigan in 1977
ASA certified in 1987
Certified Hunter Wheel Alignment Master Technician 1986

[VERTED71]

Pretty common for bugs with a generator, especially if running modern day electronics (radio and amps) with headlights, running lights, and brake lights the light may flicker or glow until you raise the idle (driving). If the light turns on solid or bright, you indeed have a problem. Could just be a loose belt, generator or regulator.

Good luck
_________________
Aloha'z and have a great day!

71 Super Beetle Vert
15x4.5 Front
15x6.5 Rear
155/60R15 74T tires FRONT
205/65/15 tires REAR
1600 Dual Port
Progessive Carb
Electronic Ignition
Tri Mil "hotdog" exhaust

[ashman40]

Just to narrow it down, is this:

an idle problem? Does this still happen if you shift into neutral at speed?
a brake light problem? Does this still happen if you come to a stop by down shifting + hand brake?
a deceleration problem? Is the problem worse if you come to a sudden stop?

_________________
AshMan40
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'67 Beetle #1 {project car that never made it to the road }
'75 Beetle 1200LS (RHD Japan model) {junked due to frame rot}
'67 Beetle #2 {2019 project car - Wish me luck!}