Dash lights not working

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Miseryguts

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Hello everyone. Total novice here and my first of anything aircooled.

I have had a look but couldn’t find anything so I apologise in advance if there is a post somewhere about this.

Basically, the lights that illuminate the clocks do not work. I have had a look and they are wired to the switch as per the wiring diagram.

At risk of answering my own question but should these bulbs be earthed? I have a very limited understanding on electrics but I am sure they’re meant to be earthed.

It just seems strange because somebody has gone through the trouble of wiring in a couple of LED lights and retrofitted them above the clocks. Surely more hassle than earthing the original bulbs.

Thanks
 
Before you start taking things apart, have you turned the knob on the light switch fully clockwise?
It's a dimmer switch for the dash lights.
The dash lights are earthed through the connector and metallic casing of the dash console.

If you go to The Samba.com, by clicking on the link below, you can find and download the owner's manual for your bus' Model Year (MY).

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/manuals/type2.php
 
Thanks for the quick reply.

I will have to have a look at that. I noticed that the switch rotated but just thought that was part of the charm.
 
A multimeter is a useful tool to own if you're trying to diagnose electrical problems!

You can get one for a fiver on eBay if you don't have one already. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/132516115340.

Using the volt setting you can determine if the bulbs on the dash are getting 12v, and using the continuity setting you can check the return side of the bulbs is earthed properly :)

If you want to spend a bit more you can get one that also reads engine RPM and points dwell, which can also be handy for aircooled VWs!
 
Thanks for all the advice. Just had another look at it and it is sort of sorted. Of course the dimmer was turned right down , also the bulb holders are pretty gnarled up so wasn’t earthing. I am assuming whoever wired in the little LED’s couldn’t find new bulb holders. Will have to try and find some or out comes the blu tack.
 
Available readily brand new...

https://www.gsfcarparts.com/959aa8230

GSF often do 50+% off (59% this weekend with code WKD59), for discount codes check their twitter feed :)

Or..

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/252791515109
 

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