It could be the starter. If you have an automatic it could also be the neutral safety switch in the shifter housing. If this is the problem then usually you can try to hold the key in start position and wiggle the shifter lever a little and the thing will start. Then you can just replace this switch (we have them and they are pretty cheap) and you are good to go. If you find you need a rebuilt starter they are fairly easy to replace. I can do it standing up from the engine compartment but a beginner would probably spend some time under the van getting to know where the attaching points and wiring connections are. I have these starters in Bosch rebuilds with a one year warranty and two year towing coverage for $130 plus a $60 core charge. These are the best quality rebuilt starters out there and I would only use them. You could probably get something cheaper from Autozone, etc. but I have found the infant mortality of the cheap rebuilds to be very high. So unless you like to do this two or three times, go with the Bosch. Just my opinion. Thanks, Ken Wilford John 3:16 http://www.vanagain.com Phone: 856-327-4936 Fax: 856-327-2242 ----- Original Message ----- From: Michael Townsend <townsend@RTP.ERICSSON.SE> Date: Wednesday, November 6, 2002 10:39 pm Subject: Re: starter woe... > I might be having the same woes on my 90 Carat. Sometimes, when I > turn the > key, nothing happens. If I do it repeatedly, it will start on the > third try > or so. If I just hold the key in the start position for 2-4 > seconds, it > sometimes starts. I put a voltmeter in the cigarette lighter to > observe a > voltage drop when the key is engaged to and being held in the start > position. I presume this is from the solenoid, and I presume this > rules out > the ignition switch which has already been replaced once. The > battery is > fine. > > Sound like a starter to you? Can they be replaced without > dropping the > engine or transmission? How much $$$? > > Thanks, > Michael > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "James Shinosky" <Socabeasty@AOL.COM> > To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM> > Sent: Wednesday, November 06, 2002 9:57 PM > Subject: starter woe... > > > > Hi Everybody... My 88 Vanagon starter is becoming moody > latelywith > > cool weather. One out of 10 times I put my key in, it wouldn't > start. I > had > > to leave my van alone for 30 minutes before it finally starts... I > installed > > the bypass starter solenoid next to the starter two years ago > and didnt > have > > any problem till recently. I tried wiggling the key in the > ignition switch > > and the auto tranny selector lever and no luck. Does it mean a > new starter > is > > needed? Any input is appreciated. Thanks. > > > > Jim > > W88kender > > Los Angeles > |
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