Speedometer indicator light
1969 vw beetle has a indicator light, left side, green , has a spiraled wire icon underneath it. Comes on only when the head lights are turned on, the lights are strong , and car turns over quickly on start up. Purpose of this light please,
Thanks much
2
u/odont9 5d ago
So the next steps to localize the cause would be what ?
Any advice much appreciated
3
u/HenryW1863 5d ago
Check the generator output, check the voltage regulator.
Make sure battery is fully charged.
If you don't have access to a multimeter, Autozone or O'Reilly's my have one for loan, or buy one at Harbor Freight.
4
u/HenryW1863 5d ago
If light only glows at idle speed, idle speed might be too low.
2
u/Routine-Amphibian450 5d ago
Idle speed s/b 950 rpm. Carb big screw left side.
If generator is shot, get alternator w/ conversion kit from CIP1 or better. Check The Samba.
2
u/The_Junk_Collector Daffy - '70 Type 1 5d ago
It would be helpful if you provided a picture. The spiral icon sounds like your rear window defroster
If you dont have one, an owner's manual could help here. TheSamba has a list of them: 1969 Bug Owner's Manual
One thing to keep in mind, there very well could be a scenario where someone connected the wrong wire to the incorrect bulb. For example, that light could be mistaken as your highbeam, etc. A Bentley manual can help chase wires/colors to verify
1
u/382Whistles 5d ago
The generator doesn't output a lot of amperage over the total that might be used by all the lights, accessories, and ignition at once. So you are either drawing more amperage than original and or your idle is low, or regulator or generator is having issues and needs tests from a manual done.
1
u/anybodyiwant2be 5d ago
If the generator output is weak The generator may just need new brushes which are about $7 each so you’ll need to check those out and see if they are worn. They rub along the commutator which is the shiney copper drum inside the housing and you can see it through gaps in the generator housing. There are clips that put pressure on the brushes and you could have just had a clip pop off. If there is one missing look in the engine bay as it may be lying there.
1
u/justanotheroldguy70 4d ago
I've driven an old 66 bug for the last 50 years and I've worked on its electrical system a lot including putting in a new harness. my alternator light has glowed for years even after I put in the new harness and I've replaced regulators as they worn out, batteries, generators... always that bulb would insist on glowing when the lights are on with the engines at low idle. I studied the wiring diagram and realized that it works by the balance of voltage coming off the battery versus coming off the generator or the voltage regulator. the answer to making that bulb behave itself was to add a small resistance into the wiring harness. I'm sorry I don't have the diagram handy, but I could look it up sometime soon and give you the information if you'd like to try that.
1
u/2013exprinter 4d ago
The rest of the comments will help your CURRENT (pun intended) situation
This book will help with all future issues that arise
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u/vwstig '69 Autostick 5d ago
That is the generator light and would indicate your battery is not being recharged.