TheSamba.com :: View topic

Wed Jul 17, 2002 7:52 pm

OK, I have a 6V Bug, freshly re-done...kinda...And When I step on the brakes, the blinkers stop working, and the lights go dim, and the generator light comes on...what's the deal yo??!!? Also, my gererator makes a ticking noise in it, but still charges fine. Thanks.

Wed Jul 17, 2002 10:09 pm

Sound to me like a batery ground problem. That is the only common point for all the electical devices. Most 6v electical problems can be traced to bad connections.

Wed Jul 17, 2002 11:12 pm

I tend to agree - check your ground connections first - battery to body, body to tranny strap and the rear light housings the ground should be a wire to the body/fender. remove, clean and reattach all ground connections you can find. It SOUNDS like the power is having trouble getting to ground and trying for another path via unexpected components.

Re the clicking generator - it's probably the regulator on top doing the clicking - this is a sure sign the regulator is getting tired and will need replacing soon - very common tell-tale on VWs with generators.

Thu Jul 18, 2002 7:04 am

A real easy way to clean the FACTORY original female spade connectors on the wiring harness is to get a jar of JEWELERY cleaner and dip the ends in it for a few seconds, then dip it in some water and dry it and them W-D or other on it, a q-tip dipped works well on the male ends and fuse box, bulb holders ect...., along with a little sanding too.
Along with checking the ground straps like was mentioned... adding another ground cable from the front tranny mount bolt (on the pan) to the lower starter bolt can help alot

Thu Jul 18, 2002 7:31 am

Thats good advice

Thu Jul 18, 2002 8:19 am

A shorter ground path from the starter would be from the lower bolt (the one that comes off easy) to the battery ground. It goes the same distance and in the same place as the positive to the starter. Shorter is better, since longer cable eats more power.

Thu Jul 18, 2002 8:37 am

I would think that length would pertain more to the positive cable, Ground is ground, ie the whole body, you could go there too but would have to drill another hole for the cable to pass through... I am only suggesting that the small short factory copper wove ground to the trans is often torn, missing or just plain old and greasy and since the trans is somewhat isolated by the rubber mounts the addition of a good ground from the main pan to the trans/starter/engine helps difficult starting and overall power to system...

Thu Jul 18, 2002 8:49 am

Definitely it would be better to go that way of your tranny ground is toast (although it's like a $10 part and maybe a 15 minute procedure to replace it stock), since the starter (and other various giblets) grounds through the tranny.

As for drilling a new hole, my cable goes right through the same hole with room to spare, but I think I'm missing a seal into the battery compartment...