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vdubeetle Samba Member
Joined: July 10, 2010 Posts: 40 Location: Merced, CA
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Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2012 3:39 pm Post subject: Alternator wiring |
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Hi all well like it says im having trouble wiring my alternator. been looking at wiring diagrams and all of them have an external regulator that they hook up to but my car,68, doesnt have one so im guessing it is internally regulated? i have circled in the picture the wire i need to hook up. on the black base it says D+. Do i hook it up directly to the battery or somewhere else?
_________________ will you loosen up or will I have to take out the persuader(sledgehammer) |
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mrbigmax Samba Member
Joined: September 10, 2011 Posts: 1289 Location: Modesto, CA
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vdubeetle Samba Member
Joined: July 10, 2010 Posts: 40 Location: Merced, CA
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Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2012 6:32 pm Post subject: |
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Thnx for the link question though if i dont have that idiot light can i subsitute it with something else?
And the PO bent the accelerator pump linkage slightly so that it doesnt rub on the alternator is this bad? I dont have any issues with the car. _________________ will you loosen up or will I have to take out the persuader(sledgehammer) |
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ashman40 Samba Member
Joined: February 16, 2007 Posts: 15985 Location: North Florida, USA
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Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2012 7:19 pm Post subject: |
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Your alternator is an INTERNALLY regulated alternator (AL82). The D+ terminal needs to be wired to a 12v+ source for two reasons:
1) Prior to starting the 12v+ input into the D+ terminal will build a magnetic field which will start the alternator charging. Without this input to initially build the magnetic field, the alternator will spin but not build current. Once charging, the alternator will "self excite" itself and keep itself charging.
2) While charging, the voltage coming in on this circuit is used by the voltage regulator as a reference to control the charge rate of the alternator.
You could use a 12v/2W lamp in the D+ circuit in place of the Gen light in the speedo. This circuit, with bulb, is needed to get the alternator properly charging. Do NOT use an LED since it will have much lower resistance. _________________ 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!} |
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vdubeetle Samba Member
Joined: July 10, 2010 Posts: 40 Location: Merced, CA
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Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2012 8:25 pm Post subject: |
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Thnx for the info is this same wire connected to the gen light on the speedo? My generator light isnt working _________________ will you loosen up or will I have to take out the persuader(sledgehammer) |
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ashman40 Samba Member
Joined: February 16, 2007 Posts: 15985 Location: North Florida, USA
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Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2012 9:51 pm Post subject: |
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vdubeetle wrote: |
Thnx for the info is this same wire connected to the gen light on the speedo? My generator light isnt working |
It should be. The D+ circuit runs all the way to the Gen light in the speedo.
When you first turn the ignition to ON (engine not running) the Gen light should come ON as it is grounded at the alternator end. This indicates the field coil has created a magnetic field so the alternator can start charging. If the light does NOT come ON before you start the car, it is VERY likely the alternator is NOT charging.
Even if the bulb is just burnt out, the circuit is not there... the magnetic field is not there, so the alternator is not charging. _________________ 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!} |
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vindeisel93 Samba Member
Joined: January 28, 2012 Posts: 22 Location: California
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Posted: Sat Mar 03, 2012 10:33 pm Post subject: |
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I used this wiring guide on my 68 bug about 1 month ago.
They gave it to me when I bought my Alternator at the local vw parts store here you go! Alternators are internally regulated as well. So you'll have to disconnect your old voltage regulator that your generator used and re some items under your back seat using this guide.
[/img] _________________ -------------------
1968 Type 1 Bug
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Cheers,
Matt |
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68IHscout Samba Member
Joined: March 10, 2010 Posts: 3122 Location: santa ana ca
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Posted: Thu Mar 29, 2012 4:41 pm Post subject: |
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vindeisel93 wrote: |
I used this wiring guide on my 68 bug about 1 month ago.
They gave it to me when I bought my Alternator at the local vw parts store here you go! Alternators are internally regulated as well. So you'll have to disconnect your old voltage regulator that your generator used and re some items under your back seat using this guide.
[/img] |
that's probably one of the best diagram I found to do this ,I'm getting ready to do away with the regulator under the seat and go with internal one |
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barry cox Samba Member
Joined: April 13, 2011 Posts: 74 Location: SEMMES, ALABAMA
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Posted: Tue Jul 09, 2013 4:54 pm Post subject: Alternator output |
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I converted over to an Alternator when I put my new engine in. My problem is this. I cannot get over 12 volts on my voltmeter if I leave the D+ wire on the idiot light. I can however get full charge to 14.2volts if I run it by the ignition switch. But you cannot stop the engine like that. You have to pull the coil wire off the fuse box. I reran a new solid wire from D+ to the idiot light on the speedo, but it still stayed around 12v. I put a test light on the D+ end with the key on and it shows a low glow. Does that mean I have a bad speedo head, because the hot wire to the 3 lights goes directly to the #1-2 terminal on the fuse box? |
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vindeisel93 Samba Member
Joined: January 28, 2012 Posts: 22 Location: California
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Posted: Tue Jul 09, 2013 6:33 pm Post subject: Alternator Output Similar Experience |
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Oddly enough I have the same issue except my charging system is working. When I take a multi-meter to my battery it shows 12 volts. My battery is a year and a half old and I've been using my new alternator with the wiring from that diagram the entire time.
It appears to be that my charging system is working and just not showing it on a mulit-meter. My bug is my daily driver and I've had no problems with it whatsoever. I don't know what to tell you to solve your problem. I'd just like to say I've got the same issue and it has given me no problems with my car dying or having a flat battery.
Perhaps you should try giving it a couple days driving with the issue you've explained and see if the battery starts to deteriorate. _________________ -------------------
1968 Type 1 Bug
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Cheers,
Matt |
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barry cox Samba Member
Joined: April 13, 2011 Posts: 74 Location: SEMMES, ALABAMA
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Posted: Wed Jul 10, 2013 6:23 am Post subject: alternator charging problems |
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Thanks for the feedback. But what bothers me, is this. That the VW machanic I have talked to here in Mobile says the test light should fully light up when put to the D+ terminal. My test light just has the low glow like the idiot lights do on the speedo head, and not a bright 12v glow. I guess I should purchase a hand held volt meter to check the D+ wire. The stock gen-light is not going out when you accelerate the engine. It has a constant low glow as well. |
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ashman40 Samba Member
Joined: February 16, 2007 Posts: 15985 Location: North Florida, USA
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Posted: Wed Jul 10, 2013 10:30 am Post subject: Re: Alternator output |
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barry cox wrote: |
I converted over to an Alternator when I put my new engine in. My problem is this. I cannot get over 12 volts on my voltmeter if I leave the D+ wire on the idiot light.
<...>
I reran a new solid wire from D+ to the idiot light on the speedo, but it still stayed around 12v. I put a test light on the D+ end with the key on and it shows a low glow.
<...>
My test light just has the low glow like the idiot lights do on the speedo head, and not a bright 12v glow. I guess I should purchase a hand held volt meter to check the D+ wire. The stock gen-light is not going out when you accelerate the engine. It has a constant low glow as well. |
Run the following tests and report back the results of each test. You will need a multimeter.
Measure DC voltage at the battery posts. You want to read 12.6v. This is a fully charged battery.
With the ignition OFF, test the voltage at the different fuses in the fuse box. You should find two fuses that have constant battery power. Note the voltage and how much it has dropped from the battery posts. This is the baseline for battery voltage at the dash.
Turn the ignition ON and test the fuses again. You should find two or three more fuses are now also powered in the fuse box. What is the voltage reading at these fuses? This is the ignition powered circuits.
Go to the bottom of the speedo and removed the three bulb holders from the speedo housing. You should see three empty holes where the Oil, Gne and turn indicator bulb holders slide in. Test the insides of these holes and you should get a reading the same as the ignition powered fuses. This comes from the black wire connected to the very bottom terminal of the speedo. If you see a significant voltage drop you need to search and find out why.
Re-insert the Gen light bulb and bulb holder into the speedo. Disconnect the blue wire from the end of the bulb holder. Take a voltage measurement from the male spade at the end of the bulb holder. You should get about the same ignition voltage measurement.
With a jumper wire, ground the end of the inserted Gen bulb holder. Have someone else check the speedo face while you do this. The Gen light should come ON brightly. If it does not, try swapping for one of the other bulb holders or cleaning the contacts. Once you have the Gen light coming on brightly, reconnect the blue wire to the Gen bulb holder.
Go to the alternator and with the ignition still ON, disconnect the blue wire from the D+ terminal and touch the end of the wire to ground. The Gen bulb should come on just as brightly as it did when you grounded the end of the bulb holder at the speedo. Also test the voltage at the end of this disconnected blue wire. It should read the same as the ignition circuits. When done, reconnect the blue wire to the D+ terminal on the alternator.
Report back your voltage measurements and the results of your testing. _________________ AshMan40
---------------------------
'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!} |
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barry cox Samba Member
Joined: April 13, 2011 Posts: 74 Location: SEMMES, ALABAMA
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Posted: Thu Jul 11, 2013 1:48 pm Post subject: Alternator |
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Thanks, I will try all of this. |
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Aircooled Barry Samba Member
Joined: May 16, 2010 Posts: 11 Location: St Paul, MN
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Posted: Tue Nov 12, 2013 9:31 pm Post subject: Idiot light importance |
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Ashman40 thanks for the tips. I have a 69 beetle that someone put an alternator into with external regulator but it is not charging the battery. Idiot light works but only two volts running back on the blue/green wire at alternator. I wondered if my turn signal indicator light being out is then related to my alternator problem. Probably not but I will test everything as you recommend. Amazingly the PO had wired the red lead from the voltage regulator straight to the + coil terminal. With nothing on the d+ terminal. Although it was charging the battery the alternator was getting very hot. Well I pulled that connection off the coil knowing it didn't look right. Unfortunately I had driven the car for several months like that not knowing it existed. Just FYI in case someone else comes across a similar problem. I have other drivability issues that I think are electrical so I'm afraid I may have damaged the coil, regulator, or alternator. But I'm excited to do your series of tests. |
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ashman40 Samba Member
Joined: February 16, 2007 Posts: 15985 Location: North Florida, USA
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Posted: Wed Nov 13, 2013 1:32 am Post subject: Re: Idiot light importance |
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Aircooled Barry wrote: |
I have a 69 beetle that someone put an alternator into with external regulator but it is not charging the battery. |
Can we right away get something cleared up...
Is you alternator connected to the original '69 generator VR under the rear seat? It looks like this:
Or is it the external regulator used with early alternators? They looked like one of these:
Aircooled Barry wrote: |
Idiot light works but only two volts running back on the blue/green wire at alternator. |
This is with the blue wire disconnected from the alternator, right? By disconnecting it you are just extending your measurement of the Gen light bulb. You may need to disconnect both the VR connector and the alternator plug connector. If you test it while connected you may get a false reading.
Aircooled Barry wrote: |
Amazingly the PO had wired the red lead from the voltage regulator straight to the + coil terminal. With nothing on the d+ terminal. |
Which D+ terminal are we talking about? This is what made me ask the question above about which VR you were running? The alternator VR uses connector plugs. There should be no mis-wiring. Here is the wiring diagram for the alternator w/ external regulator:
_________________ AshMan40
---------------------------
'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!} |
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Aircooled Barry Samba Member
Joined: May 16, 2010 Posts: 11 Location: St Paul, MN
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Posted: Thu Nov 14, 2013 8:29 pm Post subject: Idiot light importance |
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ashman40 you are a wise man. I will try to answer your questions. The voltage regulator(VR) is external bolted to the fan shroud similar to the ones you posted and is not original. It has a red wire coming out the bottom and a bolt and nut on the face of it. It is shiny chrome without a brand label and embossed in the metal it says "neg grd". So I pulled the red wire off the coil and looped it into the d+ wire going to the idiot light which now lights at all times. The bolt and nut on the face of the VR has the wire going to the alternator DF. And there is one other wire off the alternator D- going to ground on the fan shroud right next to the VR. The original VR is missing and under the rear seat looks like a head light relay with three wires connected. I will retest the voltage on the blue wire. _________________ 1976 Westfalia, 1980 Porsche 911sc |
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ashman40 Samba Member
Joined: February 16, 2007 Posts: 15985 Location: North Florida, USA
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Posted: Thu Nov 14, 2013 8:39 pm Post subject: Re: Idiot light importance |
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Aircooled Barry wrote: |
The voltage regulator(VR) is external bolted to the fan shroud similar to the ones you posted and is not original. It has a red wire coming out the bottom and a bolt and nut on the face of it. It is shiny chrome without a brand label and embossed in the metal it says "neg grd". |
Any chance you can post a pic of this? Throw in the connections at the alternator while you are at it. _________________ 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!} |
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Aircooled Barry Samba Member
Joined: May 16, 2010 Posts: 11 Location: St Paul, MN
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Posted: Sat Nov 16, 2013 9:43 pm Post subject: Alt wiring 69 bug |
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Ok I posted two pictures of my alt and volt reg in the forum area. I hope you can find them. Under the title of "alt wiring on 69 bug" under my user name. Technology can be difficult. But .. I left my key on last night to test my coil and after abou 30 min it heated up until I could not keep my hand on it for more than 15 seconds. I discovered I do need a new voltmeter that reads tiny ohms but I suspect the coil is ruined. The ohms on the two terminals are 4.2 when hot and I need a new meter to read the center connection. I don't think it should heat up like that. Suprisingly it still started but would not idle. Also suspect is the VR. I don't know how they work or how they are tested. Thank you for all you help. It's amazing to me to be helped by a person from Tokyo. I did live in Japan for a summer and loved it! _________________ 1976 Westfalia, 1980 Porsche 911sc |
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george4888 Samba Member
Joined: December 29, 2003 Posts: 728 Location: Hitchcock, Texas
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Posted: Sun Nov 17, 2013 1:43 am Post subject: Alternator Wiring |
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Leaving the key in the ON position overnight will probably burn up the coil or fry the points. I cannot think of a logical reason you would want to do this, other than to see how long your parts might last. Follow the good advice from the smart man in Japan. His wiring and pictures of the alternator is right on the money and he really did a great job of explain how the wiring goes and to where. If you see only 12 volts , at the battery post, when using a volt meter, your charging system is not working. Charging volts, measured at the battery should read between 13 and 14 volts. That is with the engine running and alternator working. The turn signal light has no affect on the charge idiot light on the speedometer. But, that "idiot" light has to be connected and IN LINE to the alternator or the alternator will not work properly. The "light" acts like a switch to provide 12 volts to the field of the alternator. !2 Volts to the field and when the engine is running, you have 12 plus volts going back to the light bulb, causing it to shut off, so to speak. So, the light in the speedometer is required for the alternators to work. Don't leave the key in the ON position unless the engine is running . You could run down your battery, doing that overnight with the engine OFF. Not a good test idea or concept. _________________ Home of Karacostas Car ( VW) Repair
"Keeping old VW's running like New!"
Past NHRA and IHRA drag racer
www.bayareavwclub.com
1969 Beetle, 2007cc engine
"Life is hard, but it's harder when you are stupid." |
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ashman40 Samba Member
Joined: February 16, 2007 Posts: 15985 Location: North Florida, USA
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Posted: Sun Nov 17, 2013 5:21 am Post subject: Re: Idiot light importance |
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Aircooled Barry wrote: |
ashman40 you are a wise man. I will try to answer your questions. The voltage regulator(VR) is external bolted to the fan shroud similar to the ones you posted and is not original. It has a red wire coming out the bottom and a bolt and nut on the face of it. It is shiny chrome without a brand label and embossed in the metal it says "neg grd".
Ok I posted two pictures of my alt and volt reg in the forum area. |
So, you have an AL78-type externally regulated alternator. It should be connected to one of the external VRs I posted pics of earlier. The chrome one you have (above) is some generic or other type regulator. I'm not sure I can help you. Any chance you can find one of the other Bosch/Motorola VRs, then wire it up like Speedy Jim's pics above? _________________ 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!} |
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