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71 beetle
Samba Member
Joined: August 15, 2009
Posts: 35
Location: lincoln
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 Posted: Fri Jan 01, 2010 2:46 pm Post subject: gen light still on please help |
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| right iv changed the regulator all the earth straps coil pack all the plugs and leads and the gen light is still on my battery is on its way out could that be it if any one could help would be great thanks |
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jamesdagg
Samba Member
Joined: August 18, 2007
Posts: 3364
Location: B.C.Canada
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| Posted: Fri Jan 01, 2010 6:16 pm Post subject: |
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You really need a cheap multi meter to determine if you are charging or not. The light says you are not. Connect the meter and read the voltage with engine off and at idle and when revving. Should be well over 13 volts when revved up.
It's possible to have a bad regulator right out of the box. They don't make them like they used to. A meter will reveal all.
read here>
http://www.nls.net/mp/volks/htm/gen.htm
jim
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'72 FI Westy
'71 Super rear inside defrost vents no longer available |
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ashman40
Samba Member
Joined: February 16, 2007
Posts: 15987
Location: North Florida, USA
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| Posted: Fri Jan 01, 2010 6:44 pm Post subject: |
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The Gen light in the speedometer indicates an inbalance between the voltage coming off the alternator/generator and the voltage coming thru the ignition switch (battery?). When they are almost the same, the light if OFF. When either one is lower than the other, there is a "difference of potential" and electricity will flow thru the bulb turning it ON.
Most people experience this when the regulator or alt/gen start to fail. But it is just as likely to go ON when the battery is weak and the regulator is putting out lots of volts. Which I think is your case.
Like James said, you need a multimeter to test voltages of the charging system as well as the battery.
Make sure you charge up your battery fully before testing the charging system. A weak battery will affect the readings you get off the regulator.
If your battery is the old type that needs (distilled) water to top it off, make sure there is enough to cover the lead plates. I've seen batteries give less than 12v because the plates were not fully covered in electrolyte (acid).
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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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71 beetle
Samba Member
Joined: August 15, 2009
Posts: 35
Location: lincoln
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| Posted: Sat Jan 02, 2010 1:34 pm Post subject: |
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| thank guys im goin to charge my battery and see if it works |
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