Date:         Wed, 28 Jan 2004 08:43:19 -0800
Reply-To:     mark drillock <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         mark drillock <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject:      Re: 91 dead on the freeway tech expertise needed !
Comments: To: Trvlr2001@AOL.COM
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

There is no such safety feature and no fuse or fusible link that can
cause this.  Here is something I posted a while back for someone with a
similar problem. Many people have had this starting failure and there
are a handful of possible causes. If you were at my place we could track
it down in 5-10 minutes. The ECU must get voltage for the fuel pump to
run and for the coil to make spark. You need a voltmeter to figure out
what is wrong. Here are the 2 basic test points.

Always, always, always! When it won't start measure the voltage at the
coil terminal where the black wires attach. It should be +12 volts at
all times when the key is on, even when you turn the key all the way to
start. Check carefully for this with the key in all positions in turn.
The other place to check is in the black box on the firewall. There is a
stud there with some red wires on it. That stud must have +12 volts at
all times, even with the key off. Check this during starting attempts
too.

Once you determine which of these 2 critical circuits is at fault, then
you can trace out exactly where the problem is. Swapping parts is not
the answer. Basic voltage testing is.

Mark



John Carpenter wrote:
>
> In a message dated 1/27/2004 11:59:36 PM Eastern Standard Time, zolo@foxinternet.net writes:
>
> > I think it can't start beacause of the safety feature that
> > won't let you
> > when there is not enough water in there.
> > Zoltan
> Hi Zoltan,
> I did add water, thinking that might do it.
> But no change?
> I went down to the gas station where it is this morning,
> And had a buddy turn the key on.
> There was no initial charge from the fuel pump.
> And no spark at the plugs?
> Cranks over though.
> Is there a fusable link or a main fuse in the engine compartment?
> I'm going to replace the key switch next,
> Any Ideas?
> thanks!
> John C.
> SLC, UT
> 91 Westy...