Generator light stays on when the car is off. I replaced the voltage regulator, but that did not fix it. Help!
Asked by GuruTGBV Apr 04, 2017 at 01:33 PM about the 1971 Volkswagen Super Beetle
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
I changed the battery in my 1971 Super beetle and it sparked and blew the
radio. It also caused the Generator light to stay on when the car is off. I have to
unplug the cable from the Voltage Regulator to the battery or it kills the battery.
I replaced the voltage regulator, but that did not fix it. Help!
4 Answers
I would have the generator checked. Current could be bleeding back threw the generator, (alternator).
Voltage regulator is sticking "on"
its getting power from one of the ends. the ign switch have a short /also
Common mistake (since you blew the radio, too) is that you connected the cables backwards when changing the battery. In many VWs the positive wire is actually black and the negative is either also black or a braided bare strap. Interestingly, a car with a generator will start and run with the battery connected backwards but won't charge. Also if you have electronic ignition installed, it won't run.
