Crazy electrical problems

[jrob83046]

I had posted that I was having trouble with my tail lights not working. I cleaned the sockets good and all the plug connections on the bulb holder. Checked the grounds behind the panels in the engine compartment.
I had brake lights and turn signals. I was also having trouble with the headlights. No lights on the left and only bright on the right side. Also my oil and generator lights quit working when I turn the key on. They have always worked.
Now i have tail lights but no brake or turn signals. Had them before. Still the same with the headlights. What would cause me to loose brake and turn signals and the tail lights to start working again. I usually try to fix stuff myself but I am about ready to give up. I do have a new headlight switch to put in. Any suggestions. Thanks

[OTTO 1303]

What year/model?
Do you have access to wiring diagram and fuse block layout?

If so, check to see if you have 12V at each of the fuses that feed the circuit you are not getting power to.

This should help lead you in the right direction, and based on your findings, will help us help you.
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74 Super Sun Bug - OTTO
74 Super - DANZIG
74 Super - HERZOG

[VW_Jimbo]

Not to sure what year, but.......

The grounds! Behind the tar boards, the side ones, there is a ground to the body connection. These (both sides) get really dirty and corroded. Check them out and clean them.

Also, clean the other terminals and connectors. They are probably compromised as well!
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Jimbo

There is never enough time to do it right the first time, but all the time necessary the second time!

[mukluk]

I'm starting to wonder how many threads you're going to start on more or less the same subject.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=755160
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=755011
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1960 Ragtop w/Semaphores "Inga"

[jrob83046]

Sorry, I won't post anymore about it. Just trying to get all the information I can. Putting the new headlight switch in today and going to try and check more things mentioned. Thanks

[mukluk]

I'm not asking you don't post anymore, just please keep everything in one thread so that it's easier to understand what has been done and suggested thus far. Redundant questions and repetitive suggestions are generally what you get when you post multiple threads on the same subject.
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1960 Ragtop w/Semaphores "Inga"

[jrob83046]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I got it fixed. I put a new headlight switch on it but didn't do any good. I then did what was suggested. I pulled all the fuses and took my Dremel tool with a small wire brush and cleaned all the prongs on the fused box good. Then I cleaned the ends of the fuses good. Put them all back in and everything works. I believe one of the 16 amp fuses wasn't making a good connection. I didn't have power to several fuses. Thanks again for the help. Tomorrow I and going to clean all the connections on the fuse box and any other grounds I see.

[rdwood]

Thanks for posting how you were able to fix the problem.
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'57 Beetle- Horizon Blue
'71 Ghia Convertible - Tornado Red
'74 Super Beetle - Tropical Green