Electrical problem Caravell

Hi

I am completley new to this group (and car fixing too). I have a borrowed car (for 6 months) with a problem that I have set out to solve myself. Any pointers or ideas are most welcomme.

There are a number of problems with the electrical system but I think they al stem from the same source. A friend took a quick look at the car and concluded that it is at least not trivial (like fuse problem or so).

I list the symptoms I have found so far, I don't know if you need them too give advice I think I just need to find some kind of electrical "hub" My guess is that there is some kind of short circuit or so there, anyway, the problems are these.

  1. The backing lights dont work at all.
  2. The brakelights (=rear lights with extra power) only lights up verry litle extra when I hit the brake. The problem might actually be that the rear lights shine to much al the time.
  3. The instrumentpanel and some frontlights starts to shine when I hit the brake even if the car is completley turned of and the key is out.

The people I have asked so far all recommends an autorized VW dealer. But I would preffere to solve it myself (money and curiosity). Is this obviously not possible or do you have any tips on where to start?

I have elevated the car and followed the electricity from the back of the car (the cables go under the car) to some common hub somewhere in the front of the car. Maybe under the stearingwheel or under / behind the stero? Any pointers about if you think the error are there or how I get of the plastic to see this part are most welcomme. I have acces to tools and a garage... all I lack are the skills :(

The car is a Volkswakgen Carravelle (syncro = 4x4) from 1996. Maybe I need a special manual or special tools?

As I said any pointers or ideas are most welcomme. I don't know much about cars but I have som electrical skills and I know how to read :)

Thanks a lot in advance.

Tim

Reply to
Tim Gahnstoem
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Replying to myself here:

It apears like I am posting in the wrong group, I noticed that this group is mostly about the Beetle . And after some thinking I figured that of course that car is not aircooled... then I wouldnt have to fill it up with cooling water.

Sorry, for the wrong posting nad have fun with your beetles. I will find myself another group :)

Tim

Reply to
Tim Gahnstoem

Reply to
Ilambert

Your problem sounds like a typical ground(earth, negative) related one, make shure all ground straps are intact and all light/bulb holders are properly grounded, this is a common cause for "mystical" behavior. Also check the main fuse box for proper ground.

J.

Reply to
BergRace

....................Actually Tim, the caravell (vanagon) is more closely related to aircooled VW's than the other watercooled models that are discussed most often in . They may well be able to help you but there are some of us in this group who have this type of vehicle as well. The early model years of the caravell were aircooled and the subsequent waterboxer powered ones like yours have more in common than not with earlier models of the transporter. As for your electrical problems, the schematics for all caravells (aircooled & watercooled) are in one book:

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..............Don't be misled by the year models covered in this manual being for '80 through '91. Your '96 caravell is nearly identical to the '86 through '91 models that are covered in this Bentley manual. Hope this helps.

Tim Rogers

Reply to
Tim Rogers

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