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Wed Aug 06, 2025 10:04 am

Ever have to change a belt in the dark while holding the flashlight with your teeth? Me neither, but hopefully my recent project will eliminate that problem in the future.

The parts included a LED license plate light and a rotary SPST switch obtained from a local FLAPS for about $10. Additionally, I used some scrap aluminum angle, a couple feet of 18 ga. wire, a few spade connectors, some heat shrink tubing, a couple dabs of JB Weld and four small magnets.

Here is a diagram showing the layout and how it was connected to the existing license plate light circuit. Note that the installation is completely reversible. No cutting of existing wires and no new holes drilled in the body. Simply plug and play:

Here is the result, an illuminated engine compartment. Something VW overlooked:

Wed Aug 06, 2025 10:09 am

My flashlight has a magnet on the end so it's not confined to just the engine compartment.

BTW, your generator needs to be rotated 90* clockwise for the cooling vent, in the tin, to properly cool the generator.

Wed Aug 06, 2025 2:30 pm

that is a neat idea
thanks for sharing

Wed Aug 06, 2025 5:53 pm

I like it!

Wed Aug 06, 2025 6:50 pm

Glenn,

Thanks for the tip. I didn't install the engine but will reclock the generator the next time I have it out.

The Thing Shop Manual indicates that you are correct and my configuration is wrong.

Fri Aug 08, 2025 6:46 am

I use a Hella power socket, mounted where the diagnostic plug used to be.

This thing is wired directly to the battery through a 7.5 amp fuse.
It is also grounded directly to the battery so it can be used when my battery disconnect is switched off.

I use this thing to power a work light, my timing light, and over the winter, with my battery disconnect switched off my Battery Tender plugs in there.

Sun Oct 19, 2025 3:36 pm

is that a regular 12 volt (like a cigarette lighter socket) or the Euro style one?

Sun Oct 19, 2025 3:44 pm

It's just like the photo.

A standard DIN power socket, (like the one on the dash panel) and plug; commonly available on-line.

A small piece the socket is visible in this photo, (upper right).

Sun Oct 19, 2025 4:03 pm

I have a KACO trouble lamp (its only got like 8 foot cord tho), so I have the earlier style socket in my dash. Ill have to see if theres a flat mount one available

Fantastic looking engine bay !

thanks!

Sun Oct 19, 2025 4:09 pm

Mine is a hella 4123.

Amazon is a source, but not the only source.

https://www.amazon.com/HELLA-8JB-004-123-002-Socket/dp/B006LKT5L8?th=1

Good luck.

Sun Oct 19, 2025 11:24 pm

V

Volkswagen never overlooked the light in the engine compartment or the trunk.
They offered the Kaco light that would plug into your dash plug and with a long cord would reach the engine compartment or the trunk. Volkswagen of America offered a light that had a built in mercury switch and one simple wire to hook up to a 12v source. The 12v source in the engine compartment was the regulator. The light was very easy to hook up, no switches or plugs, just one wire. I have one in the trunk and one in the engine compartment.

Mon Oct 20, 2025 4:28 am

^^^^
I have one of those in my Frunk.