Where is the alternator regulator on a VW Beetle?
On 6 volt systems you will find the regulator screwed to the top of the dynamo/ generator body itself, whereas 12 volt systems will be on the left hand side of the vehicle (on beetles under the rear passenger bench seat, on buses typically in the engine bay compartment).
What causes an alternator to go over base voltage?
If you are getting more than 2 volts above base voltage, most likely your alternator is over-charging the battery or the battery is faulty. Other potential problems are a faulty voltage regulator or a problem in the charging system wiring.
Is the alternator bulb live on a VW?
The bulb itself is live (taking a black ‘+’ off the board on all aircooled VW’s, so the circuit is Earthing through the alternator (so make sure your gearbox earth strap is in good order).
What’s the wire between the alternator and the fuse box?
Replace the wire between the alternator and the fuse box. It’s called the alternator harness, but I haven’t found it for sale online. It is just a simple (large) wire with two ring connectors crimped on the ends.
Testing and Repairing Regulator- early alternator equipped Type 1’s (1973-1974) Early alternator-equipped Beetles use a Bosch alternator with an external regulator (BOS-0-190-600-017) screwed to the left wall under the rear seat.
Where is the voltage regulator located on a VW?
If you have an external voltage regulator it with be under the rear seat on the left. Note: Up until 1967 the voltage regulator was located on top of the generator. From 1967 until 1974 it was located underneath the rear seat on the left. From 1974 on the voltage regulator is internal to the alternator.
Where is the 12 volt regulator on a generator?
If the 6-volt Bug has been converted to 12 volts, the 12-volt regulator is usually screwed to the fan shroud just above the generator so the existing wiring can be used. The function of a voltage regulator is to maintain a precise voltage regardless of the current drawn by the load.
How to check the operation of an alternator / generator?
Note: Some have suggested disconnecting the wires from the (D+) and (DF) terminals on the alternator/generator, then connecting an ammeter across the terminals to check the operation of the generator/alternator. To do this you would need to put a high-amp ampmeter in series with the main red wire (D+) to read the amperage going into the battery.