In rec.autos.makers.vw.watercooled, Tom's VR6 wrote:

>In rec.autos.makers.vw.watercooled, John W. wrote:
>
>>
>>Is there anyway I can test the wires up there without ripping off the
>>insulation? Someone mentioned using a pin with the multimeter and
>>sticking it into the wire.
>
>The pin works, but a small needle is better. Get a small one.
>Sharper and stronger than a pin.

And the suggestion about checking the ground is a good one. With the
meter, check that you don't have voltage between the outer part of
the socket and a chassis ground.