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sscanlan Samba Member
Joined: April 11, 2021 Posts: 2 Location: BC
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Posted: Sat May 08, 2021 9:35 pm Post subject: Alternator...where's this f#$*ing wire go? |
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Quick summary.
Van battery died. Determined alternator bad. had it rebuilt and have installed it. works as should...14+ volts when running.
Problem is when we turn the key off the alternator light stays on.
1974 with and 1800...larger of the alternator options (can't recall the Amps)
Voltage regulator maybe? If I disconnect the blue wire off the regulator to the dash...light goes out. If I unplug the voltage regulator...light stays on.
Pulled the alternator today and there's nothing shorting (initial thought).
Now...as typical with our wonderful vans, there are random wires....so, this is coming back from the alternator in the same harness that goes to the regulator. Black wire. Can't recall it being connected, but had multiple hands helping with this, so not sure it came off something?
Who can tell me when the black wire with the tape on it goes? (the one with the blue connectors on it is the "blue" wire...lol)
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Wildthings Samba Member
Joined: March 13, 2005 Posts: 50351
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Posted: Sat May 08, 2021 10:02 pm Post subject: Re: Alternator...where's this f#$*ing wire go? |
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The black wire is for the dealer diagnostic system and just needs to be taped off, preferably it isn't even connected on its alternator end.
The blue wire coming off the regulator needs to be connected to a blue wire running forward to the dash light, it also splits off to the relay for the heater booster fan. Nothing in this blue wire's circuit should have voltage on it when the engine isn't running and the key is off, not the alternator/regulator, not the booster fan relay, not the warning light on the dash. |
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telford dorr Samba Member
Joined: March 11, 2009 Posts: 3555 Location: San Diego (Encinitas)
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Posted: Sun May 09, 2021 12:08 am Post subject: Re: Alternator...where's this f#$*ing wire go? |
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Unplug the connector on the regulator. Light stays on? No - bad regulator. Yes - unplug connector on heater booster relay. Light stays on? No - bad booster relay. Yes - bad alternator. _________________ '71 panel, now with FI
'Experience' is the ability to recognize a mistake when you're making it again - Franklin P. Jones
In theory, theory works in practice; in practice, it doesn't - William T. Harbaugh
When you're dead, you don't know you're dead. The pain is only felt by others.
Same thing happens when you're stupid. - Philippe Geluck
More VW electrical at http://telforddorr.com/ (available 9am to 9pm PST) |
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sscanlan Samba Member
Joined: April 11, 2021 Posts: 2 Location: BC
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Posted: Mon May 10, 2021 3:37 pm Post subject: Re: Alternator...where's this f#$*ing wire go? |
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ok...thanks for the replies.
Black wire is currently taped off....I'll leave it that way.
Blue wire from the regulator is connected to the blue (green-ish lol) wire to the dash...someone's just done a number on the connectors.
If I unplug the regulator (while key is off), the light stays on.
I'll look at the heater booster relay... |
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