ignition switch question

Volkswagen Forum VW Classifieds Photo Gallery Search Contact VWF
News Forum FAQ Sponsors Calendars Member List VW Recalls TSBs Timeslips Register Login

ignition switch question

Printable Version

Volkswagen Forums >> VW MODELS >> Volkswagen Beetle >> ignition switch question

Page: [1]

Message

<< Older Topic Newer Topic >>

ignition switch question - 5/15/2008 7:19:30 PM

rustybug

Posts: 3
Joined: 4/11/2008
Status: offline

Hello, I'm a high schooler working on this '71 Super Beetle, and I finally got it started today after putting on new points, a coil and a condenser. The ignition switch will turn over the engine, but doesn't supply power to any accesories or the voltage regulator (bosch) so i get a worthless spin of the starter. Now if i jump from the hot on the regulator to the "from igniton" point on the coil, then it starts and runs fine, and all accessories work also. Any advice or comments are appreciated, thanks. Dave

< Message edited by rustybug -- 5/15/2008 7:20:07 PM >

Post #: 1

RE: ignition switch question - 5/27/2008 5:40:48 PM

Sanguinius

Posts: 51
Joined: 1/15/2008
Status: offline

It's going to be ALOT of hunting with a multimeter. First place to check is the fuses. If one is blown, then there's a reason it fried and you might want to look into that. Otherwise you'll have to start tracing lines. At that point in time I'd recommend a wiring diagram so you can figure out where you're going and where you need to look.

If you've got about $300-$400 you can spare to dump into the project, I'd recommend looking into purchasing a new wiring harness. Remember those wires are in excess of 30 years old and most of the plastic covering is likely hard and brittle. If that starts breaking off you could have numerous shorts in short order (No pun intended) and likely lead to either A.) An explosive battery situation, B.) tons of popped fuses, or C.) Worst case scenario, a rolling fireball.

(in reply to rustybug)

Post #: 2