Date: Mon, 6 Jan 2003 13:49:41 -0800
Reply-To: Robert Keezer <warmerwagen@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Robert Keezer <warmerwagen@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Aftermarket new ignition switch failure
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed
I recently installed dual headlight relays using the original bulbs.
The relays draw main power (30) from the battery feed circuit. The relays
are activated by key-on power.
The 1996 Jetta VW radio has an internal relay and only runs when the key is
on. It isn't a high wattage item, about 40 watts.
Maybe I should disconnect the radio from the key-on (15) circuit and see if
this could be the reason. I don't remember if the radio was on when it
failed the first time.
Around the 15 terminal on the switch the plastic is melted .
This looks like evidence that where I am tapping power for the radio(on the
15 black wire leading to the switch) , is the wrong location .
I should try getting radio power from a fuse block 15 source that the
ignition is not connected to.
Would you say that it looks like the radio and the relays are competing for
limited amperage form being on the same circuit?
I don't want to install the new switch until I figure this out becuase my
new switch is genuine VW.
Thanks for your input-
Robert
1982 Westfalia
<html><DIV>Robert </DIV>
<DIV>1982 Westfalia
1987 Wolfsburg</DIV></html>
>From: "Open Wheel Racing" <openwhel@bellsouth.net>
>To: "Robert Keezer" <warmerwagen@HOTMAIL.COM>
>Subject: Re: Aftermarket new ignition switch failure
>Date: Mon, 6 Jan 2003 15:27:49 -0600
>
>Hi Robert,
>
> Have you just recently installed some high amperage draw accessory?
>High
>wattage stereo amp's wired in to the wrong circuit could cause problems
>like
>you describe. If not its most likely a faulty switch.
> Good luck!
>
>Howard
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "Robert Keezer" <warmerwagen@HOTMAIL.COM>
>To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
>Sent: Monday, January 06, 2003 3:12 PM
>Subject: Aftermarket new ignition switch failure
>
>
> > My original ignition switch failed about 4 days ago. I hotwired the
>Vanagon
> > to get it home, and bought a new switch the next day.
> >
> > Last night I couldn't turn off the engine- the key would not budge.
> > I removed the ignition housing again and removed the switch.
> >
> > Once the switch was removed from the housing, the key worked in the
>tumbler
> > normally.
> >
> > The switch was frozen . I looked at the switch more closely and couldn't
> > find any identification on it. The switch is'nt all white like the
>original,
> > but black and white.
> >
> > The numbers were also ground off. I brought it back to the local VW auto
> > parts store where I purchased it and they gave me a replacement that is
> > identical to the original, all the numbers and logos intact.
> >
> > The failed switch was aftermarket, and only lasted 3 days.
> > When I bought it, I was in a hurry and did'nt take the time to look it
>over
> > much.
> >
> > It figures that the switch was a cheap imitation, unable to last beyond
> > three days.
> > The original lasted 20 years.The tumbler is OK.
> >
> > Unless I have it all wrong, and it could be something else that's
>causing
> > the ignition switch failure,
> > I'd like to hear about it.
> >
> >
> > Robert
> >
> > 1982 Westfalia
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > _________________________________________________________________
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