VW Beetle Bug Charging System PT 1

Diagnosing a no charge condition on a Volkswagen Beetle. I go through every step including testing the battery, wiring, voltage regulator, and generator to find the cause. This is not a "beetle charging fixed" video but a series of steps to take to test your own Beetle until the cause is found. My problem ended up being four faulty brand new Import Direct regulators and was solved by a Bosch solid state replacement. Regardless, it's useful to know how to test and replace what you have if ever a problem arises. Thanks for watching!

[@gavinmcallister6905]

Did you modify the air intake yourself? I like it. I’m experiencing some overheating and think this is an awesome idea. Did you cap the hole in the floor that originally went to the air cleaner?

[@BlakesGarage1]

No it was pretty done but I have seen the vents blocked a number of times. Thanks for watching!

[@christinap7187]

The wire I’m talking about is from the regulator to the generator. So if I leave it connected, I’ve made the circuit, right? Because when I do your first test, no matter where I touch the probe, I never get a beep.

[@globoloco]

Great video . Thank you. Question. On the first test with leads disconnected both are bleeping out when using the continuity setting on the meter. Does this mean I Have a short circuit somewhere?

[@BlakesGarage1]

Yes that would indicate a short somewhere. Starting with the larger wire which leads to the vintage regulator, you could unhook it at the regulator and see if it still beeps. This would jndicate if the wire itself is rubbed through and shorted or if the voltage regulator area has issues. I went through 3 voltage regulators before finally using a Bosch solid state regulator which worked the first time. Thanks for watching

[@globoloco]

Wow thanks for the fast reply. I swapped out the regulator and still same issue. Will check for short circuit next. Will let you know how I
Go

[@globoloco]

Hi. I unhooked the wire from the regulator and no more bleeping out. Does that mean that the dynamo is defunct? @@BlakesGarage1

[@globoloco]

@@BlakesGarage1 and what's the bike in the video? Looks lovely

[@BlakesGarage1]

@globoloco It's been awhile since I was into this vehicle. I'll need to refresh my memory later this morning and get back to you

[@christinap7187]

When I do the first test, do I unhook the the third wire in the generator that runs the ground? It’s on the body of the generator.