Volkswagen: Fast, windshield wiper switch, lithium grease

Question
My wife just purchased her dream car...a '79 bug convertible.  There are a couple problems I am trying to work through on it. First, when driving, the "idle speed" is quite high, as we can drive along at 40 mph without touching the accelerator, and tapping the foot peddle only brings it back down about 20% of the time.  The throttle cable is not sticking.  What should I be looking for?

Secondly, the turn signals are not working.  Fuse is ok, and I replaced the switch on the steering column.  No flashers, either.  The dash light for the turn signals stays on continuously.  Now, here's the strange thing.  All other electrical components seem to work fine (except for the clock), but when I put a fuse in the #10 spot, the wipers come on in 6 second intervals, and the wiper switch is off.  Is this a strange ground problem?  

I look forward to your reply.  

Answer
Hi Ron,

Fairly easy fixes:

1) Idle:  There is a large flat-head screw near where the throttle linkage comes into the car.  Turn it clock-wise, it will slow down the idle.   Also, clean the linkage with some good de-greaser, and regrease it with lithium grease.   

2) Most of the time, the cause of the blinkers sticking is caused by a bad or incorrect bulb either in the front or the rear.

3) Windshield wipers:  They are simply stuck in the 'delay position'.  The windshield wiper switch is located to the right of the steering wheel.  Move it up one click and they will turn off.   Here are the positions:

1) All the way down:  6-7 second delay
2) One click up:  OFF position
3) Two clicks up: LOW position
4) Three clicks up: HIGH position
5) Pull forward: Wiper Fluid

Hope this helps.

Let me know how you make out!


Ron