Date:         Wed, 26 Apr 2000 23:45:10 EST
Reply-To:     James Flanigan <vanagon40@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         James Flanigan <vanagon40@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Igntion Switch/Headlight Woes
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed

'83 Vanagon (water-boxer)

I have problems with both my ignition switch and headlights.  I believe they
are unrelated.  However, I have read soooooo many messages claiming that
headlight problems can be solved by replacing the ignition switch, I keep an
open mind.  But I await a response how the two problems can be related.


Here's the deal:

Problem #1:  My ignition switch.  A long time ago, my ignition switch no
longer functioned to start my van.  Everything worked, except the final
START position.

Solution to Problem #1:  I jumpered a starter switch to the wires to the
ignition switch.  The starter button cost about $7.00, and has worked great
for about a year and half.  I have no problems.  Turn on the key, push the
starter button, and the van starts every time.  Beyond the lack of the final
START position, I have no problems with my ignition switch.

Problem B (only Click & Clack fans will appreciate my numbering system):  At
almost the same time my ignition switch developed problems, I had an unusual
problems with my headlights (this happened first).  My bright lights would
turn on and stay on even after I turned off the ignition switch.  I first
noticed this problem on my way to work, and when I hit the dimmer switch (on
my turn signal stalk), the lights failed to dim.  I stopped my van, turned
it off, and lights went out, everything normal.  Brights and Dims worked
again.  But the problem came back.  Eventually, the Brights would come on
even after I had parked the van.  Prior to this problem, it was impossible
to leave the headlights on with the ignition switch turned off.

Solution to Problem B:  Shortly after this problem developed, I parked my
van at a relative's house.  The Bright lights came on.  I pulled the fuses
to both Bright lights.  One headlamp remained light (I think it was the
right, but not for sure).  I then pulled the fuse to my radiator fan, and
the light went out.  I have driven my van with these three (3) fuses pulled
for almost two (2) years with no additional problems.

Solution to Solution to Problem B:  With the fuse to my raditor fan pulled,
I no longer had problems with my Brights coming on, and I had no problems in
the winter when this happened.  But as summer rolled around, I missed my
raditor fan.  So I mounted a new switch (next to my Starter button) that
directly connected my raditor fan to the battery.  Now, when I sit in
stopped traffic in the summer, I can turn on my radiator fan to keep my
engine cool.

Problem #3:  I miss my Bright lights!!!!

After reviewing the wiring diagram in my Bentley manual, I can find no
reason to believe that a faulty ignition switch would cause my headlight
problems (although I candidly admit I do not understand why removing the
raditor fan fuse solved them).  Therefore, please do not respond by simply
stating that ingition switch problems cause headlight problems.

If you can provide an explanation to this problem, please let me know.  I
think I will attempt to tackle this problem in the near future (although I
have worked around it for two (2) years.

Thanks,

Vanagon40--That's All....
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