• Registered: 2011-05-12
  • Posts: 20

Topic: Speedometer/Brake lights problems

I just bought this 67 'vert, and trying to fix its electrical problems. I finally got the lights to work (flashers/running/headlights) but can not get the brake lights.

On the MC, there are two switches, one is under "A", the other "B". And while they are three pronged switches, there are only two wires connected, and these run to the other switch labelled "B" which runs back into the car.

If I disconnect the wires on A, and touch them to each other, I get my left brake light, and I can't seem to ever get my right brake light to work, although i know the bulb is good.

so i'm assuming the switch(s) is bad in the MC, besides my inability to get the switch off, I figured while the tire was out, i'd get the speedometer working. I found the cable, and it seems to be connected through, but I'm not sure on how its supposed to work, is the square end supposed to rotate with the hub cover? I'm thinking i might need a new cable, because i can't see where it rotates.

SO, my main questions would be, are the brake switches bad? are they the correct ones? is there a way they can be wired incorrectly? and how should I deal with the speedometer? Thanks guys.

  • Registered: 2007-05-29
  • Posts: 301

Re: Speedometer/Brake lights problems

Always a good idea in these times to replace the brake switch anyways, but ceck the fuses as well. both brake lights should be hocked up on the same wire, but maybe through 2 fuse sections. bug fuses are temperamental, especially old ones, from what I've found

  • Registered: 2011-05-12
  • Posts: 20

Re: Speedometer/Brake lights problems

I put in new fuses today, but not all of them. I'll go  through the lot and be thorough just to be sure. Its quite annoying how fickle the connections can be, my blinkers needed some motivation to work consistently. That brake switch is in there good for sure. Dont want to remove the MC and have to bleed the brakes and all that just to replace a switch, but what can you do. I'm wondering how much the shop would charge for that.

I also read that there is some type of dimmer in these bugs that calibrates how bright each side of the lights are. My left side seems to be dimmer than the right, but I can't find much info on that. IS that true? seems odd.
another odd thing was with the wiring to the tail lights, there seems to only be three prongs for the light assemblies, one for the blinker, and two for running and brake lights. I assume. But i have a fourth wire coming through in the back that has a female receptor, but no male prong to hook into. It's on both sides just loose. If anyone has pictures of the wiring for these parts that'd be great, maybe theres some type of optional component I'm missing?

Last edited by garagebandking41 (2011-05-19 19:54:39)

  • From: Austin, TX USA
  • Registered: 2004-03-30
  • Posts: 240

Re: Speedometer/Brake lights problems

Regarding the speedometer, the speedometer cable runs from the speedometer to the driver’s side (assuming left hand drive) grease cap on the front wheel. That grease cap has a square hole cut in it that the cable fits through and is held in place either by a small cotter pin or by a circlip. You can remove it by removing the cotter pin or circlip, unscrewing the cable housing from the back of the speedometer, and pulling the cable out from there. A while back, my speedometer was “bouncing”, and a new cable and front wheel grease cap fixed it. I ordered both parts from Wolfsburg West and was quite pleased with the quality of the parts received. Hope this helps!

Regards,
-David

Last edited by stereotype one (2011-05-20 10:44:52)

  • Registered: 2007-05-29
  • Posts: 301

Re: Speedometer/Brake lights problems

there is a dimmer built into the headlight switch, but it only works on the dash lights. rotate the know both ways, and see what dims. if any lights other than the dash dims, you need to switch some wires around.

regarding the 4th wire, find a test light, and hook it onto the connector. turn the ignition on, and engage the reverse gear. (66 and '67 trannys did come with a reverse switch, but mostly '67s actually used them, and had separate back up lights from the actual taillights.) someone could have ran the wire there, but never did more. if that fails, run a test tru all your electrical switches and brakes. Maybe these were even old brake light wires. you never know what someone might have done to the car over the last 44 years. some people do weird things.

Last edited by The Bug Guy (2011-05-20 19:43:55)

  • From: B.C.Canada
  • Registered: 2005-01-26
  • Posts: 2,610

Re: Speedometer/Brake lights problems

This should help>

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/info/wiring/bug_67_USA.jpg

The connections weren't fickle when new. It's an old car! Start cleaning connections, especially grounds, and replace bad spade connectors. Use electrical spray cleaner in fuse box and to clean wires to identify tracer colors.

jim

'71 SB(DD only 79K(now 84K miles) & '78 FI Westy (project)
PO of '65 Beetle in '69, '70 Crewcab & '70 Ghia in '77
'71 Super inside rear vents now available
http://www.openroad.ca/volkswebbin/view … p?id=85915
  • Registered: 2011-05-12
  • Posts: 20

Re: Speedometer/Brake lights problems

fixed the speedo. The cable was fine, but got a new one anyways, turns out the the actual dash was clogged up, so just took a screwdriver with a square end, wiggled it a few times and got it working.

the dimmer is still a mystery to me, but i'll be taking it to a shop since i'm pretty sure some one put lock-tite on those brake switches, and i dont have the resources to fix them. The only thing I'm unsure about it, is if three pronged switches are correct for 67. Because usually I see them with three pronged recepticles in later beetles, which isn't the case here.

anyone have a 67 and want to verify? the only wiring schematics ive found are those for 68 and later..

  • Registered: 2006-09-26
  • Posts: 4

Re: Speedometer/Brake lights problems

You should have a two prong brake light switch.
http://www.wolfsburgwest.com/cart/Detai … 113945515C

Bob

  • Registered: 2011-05-12
  • Posts: 20

Re: Speedometer/Brake lights problems

Ahh yes, i see it there on the diagram, the key to that thing says that J3 are the brake swithes, and they certainly look 2 pronged. That could be a problem. Thanks for the help.

I'm guessing that just connecting a three pronged switch like a two pronged switch, is not that same thing as just using a two pronged switch...I think i've seen it where the third prongs are shorted together, i'll try different things with a meter.

I think i'm getting closer to solving the electrical problems...without a complete rewire. but who knows...

  • From: Washington, Indiana
  • Registered: 2004-03-27
  • Posts: 1,425

Re: Speedometer/Brake lights problems

You can use the three prong switch, you  just dont need the middle prong.

                                                                            Yancey

Yancey's Website

  • Registered: 2011-05-12
  • Posts: 20

Re: Speedometer/Brake lights problems

right again. saw some diagrams at Speedy Jim's site, definitely not necessary. Guess getting a two socket switch is just useful if you want to keep it original.