If you take apart the auto shifter housing, there are two red "hot" wires supplying voltage to the striker plate. (white plastic) with copper square contacts on it about 3mm sq. each.

It is possible that either the striker plate or the other piece that makes contact is worn.

If you look at neutral and park, you can see the copper squares and try to measure voltage there to make sure that the you are getting current to that point. If you are getting voltage, across the points, look to see if they are worn. If you don't get voltage, I would suspect the ignition switch.

On Mon, 26 Jul 2004 13:47:51 -0400, rea <fliptop92@knology.net> wrote: > The PO of my 85 full camper replaced the neutral switch on the automatic transmission. Unfortunately he forgot the way the wiring went so left it so that you have to hot wire it to start it. I have tried to reconnect it according to the Bentley but no matter what combination of connections I have used it doesnt work. The local VW expert says it needs a new ignition switch but I am not certain that is the problem..It starts right up when I touch the wires together but wiring it through the shift console is where the problem seems to be. Anyone wanna see if they can give this a shot.. >