2002 Volkswagen Beetle electrical problems on driver side

BRNDNWHT9

MEMBER
2002 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
1.9L
4 CYL
TURBO
FWD
MANUAL
198,000 MILES

The driver side turn signal went out but eventually came back on. A day later my driver side brake light goes out along with the driver side headlight. The headlight fuse blew but when I changed the fuse it immediately blew again along with an electrical burn smell. Their is no sign of anything that actually burned but now the passenger headlight blinks when I use the right turn signal and doesn't work at all when the headlights are on. Could it be a ground wire? If not a ground what else could it be?

5 Replies

DRCRANKNWRENCH

MECHANIC
3,380 POSTS

I am giving you the wiring diagrams for the headlight and exterior lights and back up lamps circuits. You probably should trace the grounds. You also want to check the headlight for any water leaks that may have gotten to the bulb.
There might also be a problem with the relay. But check the grounds which have there position in the engine bay indicated on the wiring diagram.
I hope this helps.

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Sunday, September 28th, 2014 AT 7:02 AM

BRNDNWHT9

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Ive recently noticed that the ground wire inside the wiring harness that sits on top of the battery gets hot. I hear VW has had problems with the alternator wires going bad and melting the wiring harness. Could that cause all my problems I'm having and is their an easy way to test it?

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Monday, September 29th, 2014 AT 6:07 AM

DRCRANKNWRENCH

MECHANIC
3,380 POSTS

If that were true I would think you would have more overall electrical issues, You can test the wires fir 12 bolts at the furthest point from the alternator you can get to them. A visual inspection would not hurt either. The best way to load test your alternator is with all the accessories on.

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Tuesday, September 30th, 2014 AT 5:14 AM

EXOVCDS

MECHANIC
1,883 POSTS

I don't think that the signal, brake, headlight issues are related to the fuse nox issue.

Everything in the fuse box on top of the battery is "positive". Yes, bad connections can lead to charging issues and even a fire / the car burns down to the ground (if left unnoticed).

Clean or replace the fuse box.

Thomas

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Saturday, October 4th, 2014 AT 11:43 PM

DRCRANKNWRENCH