Date: Sat, 29 May 2004 10:21:37 -0400
Reply-To: Germain <reglys@SYMPATICO.CA>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Germain <reglys@SYMPATICO.CA>
Subject: Re: Ignition Coil and Hall sender (resolved)
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Thanks Mike
I am so happy, I have found the problem (in fact you did). The ignition key
is the culprit.When I turn on the ignition key until I hit the stopper, the
motor is cranking without firing and the pilot lights turn off on the dash.
However, if I turn the ignition key slowly, the motor fire without any
problem and the pilot lights stay on during the cranking.
The next step will be the replacement of the ignition switch. However, it
doesn't seem to be an easy job. I wonder if I should do it. According to
what I have seen on the list , I need to extract the steering column lock
( I don't know what it is).
Anyway Thanks again . You are a good troubleshooter.
Germain
----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike Collum" <collum@verizon.net>
To: "Germain" <reglys@SYMPATICO.CA>
Sent: Friday, May 28, 2004 9:24 PM
Subject: Re: Ignition Coil and Hall sender
> Hi Germain,
>
> First, the tach does move while cranking when all is working as it should.
> Usually, when the tach doesn't move at all while cranking, the ECU or its
> ground is at fault. I said usually, but that doesn't rule out all
ignition
> related components and wiring.
>
> Second, have you considered that the ignition switch (electrical portion)
> might be suspect? The clue is getting a spark when the key is passing
> through the run position after leaving the start position.
>
> If you obtain a new ignition switch, you can unplug the connector from the
> old one and connect it to the new one without removing the old one. Then
> operate the new switch with a screwdriver. That way you can confirm the
> operation before proceeding.
>
> You could also try jumping the terminals on the starter itself, with the
> ignition switch in the on (run) position of course. If you have a manual
> tranny make SURE it's in neutral first. I installed a bypass switch in
the
> engine compartment so I can start mine from there (really just a jumper at
> the starter that goes through a switch ... sometimes referred to as a
remote
> starter switch). If it starts and runs this way ... then the ignition
> switch or wiring is at fault.
>
> Hope this helps,
>
> Mike
> Houlton, Maine
> '84 GL 7 pass
> '85 GL Westy
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Germain" <reglys@SYMPATICO.CA>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Friday, May 28, 2004 9:02 PM
> Subject: Ignition Coil and Hall sender
>
>
> > Hi Volks
> >
> > In my attemp to fix my starting problem I have changed my distributor
with
> a
> > new Hall sender .
> > After that, my van started like a champ after a rest of one week. I let
> the
> > engine idle for maybe 2 minutes. Disconnect the coil wire on the
> distributor
> > to see if the tachometer was moving when cranking ( I was just curious).
> > Reconnect the coil wire and no way, my van didn't want to start anymore.
I
> > suspect the coil now.
> >
> > I disconnected the coil wire on the distributor and while the engine was
> > cranking, I didn't see any spark coming out the coil wire except just
> before
> > the ignition key was turn off (no spark while cranking). Any idea what
> could
> > be wrong? I did many and I had the same result with sometime no spark at
> > all.
> >
> > Thank you
> >
> > Germain
>
>
>
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