FAQ 40

Question: Almost every interior electrical system in my Bug doesn't work. All my fuses are good and I'm stumped.

Answer: There is a main power feed to the fuse block from the rear of the car. It is a fat red wire. One major branch of that wire goes to the fuse block to power things that work when the ignition switch is off. The other main branch goes to the ignition switch, and returns to the fuse block. This powers things that only work when the ignition switch is on.

If you use a test lamp (available at tool, hardware, and auto supply stores) you'll find out where there is juice, and where there isn't. After that look for bad connections and broken wires.

When actually fixing wires, it is best to disconnect the NEG terminal of the battery. With the NEG off, the car's electrical system is safe (even when the positive terminal is still connected). This is true because the entire metal frame of the car is all negative. The only positive parts are wires connected somehow to the positive battery terminal. If you only disconnect the positive battery terminal, you can short circuit between the positive terminal and any metal part of the car.

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