Running/parking lights do not work

1971 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
149,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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MR VIS
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Hi I have a Super Beetle. My running/ parking lights don’t work. My blinkers, flashers, brake lights and head lights all work fine. Also, my light inside my speedometer doesn’t work.
Please help. I am not good at electrical.
Thanks
Feb 19, 2019 at 8:24 AM
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KENW1
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Thanks for visiting 2CarPros.

Start by checking you fuses. You can visibly see the metal strip and if it's broken it's blown. There are two that are fed by gray wires.

If both fuses check okay remove the light switch and check for voltage on the grey wire. If voltage is present then the switch is good, if not the switch is bad.

I'll post the wiring diagram below, I've circled the fuses and light switch wire in green.

Also, below is a link on using a test light to check for voltage.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hlna_kUt7As


Feb 19, 2019 at 9:22 AM
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MR VIS
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Hello. I am replying to the message you sent me. I checked my rear light bulbs and all the filaments look good. The running/parking lights don’t work. I checked the number 1 and 2 fuses and they look good also. I did not pull out the light switch because the headlights work when it is pulled.
Could the switch still be bad if the headlights work?
Also my speedometer light doesn’t work. I know the light switch has a dimmer on it. Could this be the switch also?
Thanks for your help. I’m not mechanically Inclined and my wires look like a rats nest so it is hard to figure out what goes where. I love to tinker with it but not sure where to go or what comes next.
Thanks again,
Travis Noland
Mar 18, 2019 at 11:58 AM
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KENW1
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Hello, it is possible for the headlamps to work and the parking circuit of the switch to be bad. If all fuses and bulbs are good. I would go forth with switch replacement.
Mar 18, 2019 at 11:59 AM
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MR VIS
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Okay, thank you. That will be my next move.
Mar 18, 2019 at 12:29 PM
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MR VIS
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Hello again. Is the grey wire you wanted me to test on the switch the wire for just for the parking lights?
Mar 18, 2019 at 5:51 PM
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KENW1
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Correct, the grey wire feds parking and gauge illumination.
Mar 18, 2019 at 5:52 PM
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MR VIS
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Great I will check that today.
Thank you
Mar 19, 2019 at 5:41 AM
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STRAILER
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KENW1 is one of our best! Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.
Mar 21, 2019 at 12:11 PM
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MR VIS
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I have a headlight switch on order. I will let you know. Do you guys sell parts or just help?
Mar 21, 2019 at 2:21 PM
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STRAILER
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Just help.
Mar 23, 2019 at 10:50 AM