A failure in the electrical system may caused a burned fuse. Before replacing a fuse, the ground terminal on the battery should be disconnected. If this is impossible, all electrical components including the ignition have to be turned off. The 12-point fuse box is located under the instrument panel.
To replace a fuse, simply depress a contact on either side of the fuse. Carefully install new fuse with metal strip facing you. The fuse must fit tightly between the contact springs – do not bend the springs.
When a fuse is blown, it is not sufficient to merely replace it. The cause of the short circuit or overload must be found. On no account should fuses be patched up with tin foil or wire as this may cause serious damage elsewhere in the electrical circuit. It is adviseable to always carry a few spare fuses in the car.
Fuse arrangement according to the numbers on the fuse box cover :
1 – Tail light left
2 – Tail light right, parking and side marker lights, license plate light.
3 – Low beam left
4 – Low beam right
5 – High beam left, high beam warning lamp
6 – High beam right
7 – (free for subsequent installation of electrical equipment)
8 – Emergency flasher
9 – Interior light
10 – Windshield wipers, fresh air fan, rear window defogger (switch current)
11 – Safety belt warning system including warning light, stop lights, brake warning light, horn
12 – Turn signals, fuel gauge, warning lights for alternator, engine oil pressure, turn signals, and EGR (exhaust gas recirculation)
Fuse No.9 and No.10 – 16 amperes (red colour)
all other fuses – 8 amperes (white colour)
Additional fuses
| Electrical equipment |
Fuse |
Location of fuse holder |
| Back up lights |
8 Amp |
In the engine compartment,
above the ignition coil (A) |
| Rear window defogger (main current) |
8 Amp |
Underneath the rear seat on the left (B)
(as seen in driving direction) |
| Auxiliary heater (additional equipment) |
16 Amp |
In the front luggage compartment
near the heater (C) |
To replace a fuse in an inline fuse holder, pull the holder out of the clip, where necessary. To open the holder, grasp both ends of the holder, press lightly together and twist counterclockwise. Install fuse. To close the holder, put both ends together again, press lightly and twist clockwise.
VW Beetle 1977 Fuse box location
