Date: Wed, 20 Jul 2005 12:02:59 EDT
Reply-To: JordanVw@AOL.COM
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: JordanVw@AOL.COM
Subject: THANK YOU! [vanagon] lister needs help on the road - headlight
gremlin in 86 wes
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
apparently y'all helped jim fix his headlight problem.. he is back on the
road..he sends his thanks to everyone who responded..
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fwd message from: Jim King terrapincampers@optonline.net
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Subj: THANK YOU! [vanagon] lister needs help on the road - headlight
gremlin in 86 westy
Date: 7/19/05 11:25:02 PM Eastern Daylight Time
From: terrapincampers@optonline.net
To: vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com
CC: JORDANVW@AOL.COM
Sent from the Internet (Details)
Thank you to JordanVw@aol.com for relaying my post to multiple vanagon lists
for me, and to all the groups for the many replies. This msg may still bounce
so please forward my successful fix and thanks.
Lesson learned NEVER un-subscribe from the list for vacation!
I received a cell phone call just about an hour after my post request, from
Carl? I was on the highway and not quite sure of his name as it was the usual
vague cell phone connection. He tipped me off to the ignition switch problem,
and wished me well.
When I arrived at my destination I checked the wiring diags w/Bentley, pulled
the steering column covers off & found the plug welded to the ignition
switch. I finally pried it off, tested the wires and made my parts list.
Unfortunately the whole plug was distorted and I now have to wiggle the plug to get the
starter to engage, but I was off to the local Wal-Mart for supplies. I picked
up a fuse holder, 30amp switch and connectors black tape & solder. Then I got
to a cell live zone & read all the replies, reaffirming the diagnosis and my
parts list, and even the ignition switch part number!
FYI, Cell phone do suck as modems but are better than nothing!
I will make the temp fix in the AM when there are less mosquitos to contend
with, and just have a few beers for now reflecting on my good fortune to be a
part of this Vanagon family.
Anyone going to GrassRoots in Trumansburg NY this weekend please look for the
"LUCKYDAWGZ" camp and stop by for a thank you & a brew if you like.
To all the rest, I will definitely return the favor.
Vanagon owners ROCK!
Jim King
86 Synco Westy "Terapn"
Please excuse my straight forward request for assistance, but I am using my
cell phone as a modem on my laptop from the road.
1986 Vanagon Sycro Westfalia VIN: VW2ZB0258GG082766
I swapped the low beam lamps a few months back and did not have any
immediate problems,
but I guess running on the back roads with the high beams on for 3 hours did
the trick, and I cooked the headlight switch. When I got to my destination the
switch was melted in the ON position, and I was forced to unplug the wires to
the switch to shut off the parking lights so I could camp for the night. This
morning I re-plugged the switch, and I'm just getting the parking lights, no
head lights at all.
The front & rear heater blower fans, and the front wiper/washer is also dead,
everything else appears to work.
Oddly if I pull back on the turn signal headlight flasher just the high beams
flash on.
I had a good (pre-tested) spare headlight switch along, and I am getting the
same results with it installed.
All fuses are good (visual & meter tested)
Before I dig any deeper here at the campground I figured to just ask the
group if anyone else has had this happen or has any ideas or work around? I have
the Bently book along for reference, basic tools & a soldering iron.
If you send any replies directly to Terrapincampers@optonline.net it will
make it much easier for me to retrieve at the snail speed this cell phone
connection runs at.
FYI: I'm on the way to the GrassRoots Festival in Trumansburg, NY via
Cooperstown so any parts sources, or even repair places along the way would be
appreciated.
Thanks, Jim King
914-582-0272 Cell
