Date:         Sat, 27 Jul 2002 17:17:46 -0500
Reply-To:     Larry Alofs <lalofs@ENTERACT.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Larry Alofs <lalofs@ENTERACT.COM>
Subject:      Re: Electrical Gurus help needed 88 van.kinda long
Comments: To: Vanagon man <vgonman@MSN.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

You need a meter.  Get it back or buy another one.  Start tracing the
power circuitry .  What fun...the Bentley wiring diagrams make my head
hurt.
  Are you sure that you had the relays connected right?

Larry A.


Vanagon man wrote:
>
> This van is a 1988  Automatic...........
>
> I had the problem with turning the key and nothing happenning........I installed a new Bosch starter 4 months ago, so i pulled it and took it to the shop for warranty replacement.........put the new one on, and got about ten starts out of it, no problem.  Then, same thing........if i hit the starter with a mallot and screwdriver (thru the engine bay) and someone is turning the key, it fires right up.
>
> Now, I pulled the harness off the ignition switch and plugged on a new one i had on the shelf......nothing.  I then ran a jumper wire from hot in the ignition switch harness straight to the starter...fired right up.  So, I knew i had a voltage issue with the plug on wire at the starter.  (loaned voltage meter out so did not have) So, I thought time for the Bosch WR-1 relay kit.  I install it, and it fires right up.BUT...the solenoid or starter is still engaged after it starts when i run the relay.  If i jumper the starter from 12v it just starts with no hanging up.  So I tried a different relay, and same result........It is like it is not switching itself off after the starter engages.
>
> Then I Chase wires from the ignition switch to the fuse box, Spray DeOxit on them, and hook it all up stock.  Turns right over.....a few times that is.
>
> I pulled it up on ramps to check some other stuff, and I go back in to start it, and nothing. NOTHING.  no LIGHTS, NO POWER AT ALL IN THE FUSEBOX..........NOTHING.    i THEN CHECK THE BATTERY, AND IT HAS 12.5v, and the connections are tight.
>
> WHAT THE?  This is my wife's main ride, and i need it straight by Monday.
>
> Thanks for any help.
>
> Adam P
> 81  Westy "The Brick "
> 70 Single Cab "Whitey"
> 74 Beetle "Ol Yeller"
> 73 Transporter (STILL at paint shop)
> 1988 Vanagon Wolfsburg
> 75 Campmobile "for sale'
> Used Vanagon Parts for sale (mostly aircooled)