Fuel injection pump always running - 1979 Super

[dtrumbo]

Hi!

I too am the fortunate owner of a 1979 Super Beetle and I think I might know what's going on.

There are 3 white wires. 1 is a single connection and the other 2 are together. All 3 are connected to the only threaded post on my alternator. There is also a red battery wire on the same post.

The three (mine has four BTW) white wires are the GROUND wires for your FI system that come from the ECU. They are supposed to be connected to the body of the alternator with a cheesehead machine screw. You can sorta see in this picture.

With them connected to the threaded post, you are suppling battery voltage where there shouldn't be. This voltage is feeding back through the AAR to terminal 88c (and thusly 88d) of the double relay and powering your fuel pump.

Disconnect the white wires from the threaded post and attach them to the alternator as (kinda) shown. Hopefully the ECU hasn't been damaged in the process and everything will magically work the way it was intended.

BTW,

The other post on the alternator is a spade connector that has the green wire. I assume that is the idiot light for the dash.

You are correct.

[dpothomsonvw]

Thanks DIck. I am heading home right now to check it out. I will let you all know how it goes. Wouldn't that be typical that all this was over an incorrect installation. I too hope that my mistake did not cause harm to the ECU. I will keep my fingers crossed.

[dpothomsonvw]

Problem solved! Turns out it had nothing to do with the idiot light on the dash, just the idiot behind the wrench. I had the white wires wired directly to battery on the alternator when they should have been grounded. Wired it correctly and it fired right up even after sitting for over 5 years outside in the weather.
A big thank you to all who participated in my misery (own doing). I plan to take the engine out and redo all fuel lines, injectors, etc. so I will probably be back asking for advice again.

Again thank you all

[dtrumbo]

Wired it correctly and it fired right up even after sitting for over 5 years outside in the weather.

These little cars are incredibly forgiving. Enjoy it!

[SlowLane]

Yay! You dodged a bullet there with your ECU, I think. Just goes to show how robustly built they are.

It is so satisfying to hear an engine roar to life after sitting for 5 years.

[Amskeptic]

Could you elaborate a little more on these "three white wires on the alternator"? Like which pins they connect to on which device at the other end?
I'm wondering if you maybe have the FI harness ground connections connected to the +12V side of your alternator somehow.

Good job there, Slow Lane, and your pictures, dtrumbo.
ColinIUsedToCatchThatStuff