Date:         Tue, 24 Oct 2006 17:30:33 -0700
Reply-To:     jon <jon@KENNEKE.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         jon <jon@KENNEKE.COM>
Subject:      Re: Strange electrical problem: Headlights don't work (among
              other things)
In-Reply-To:  <Pine.LNX.4.58.0610241601280.5823@kenneke.com>
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII

Again, to answer my answer to my question:

I went out, and pulled the steering shaft cover off. I then proceeded to
wiggle the connector on the ignition switch. Lo and behold, the lights
flicked as I wiggled the connector.

I forgot to mention that I tried my spare headlight switch already.

That problem is solved: a new ignition switch is needed.

Now, to figure out the fuel gauge. All other dash stuff is working, so
I'll bet it's the instrument or the sender. I've pulled the tank before,
and it's not a huge deal. But, the trip odometer works, so that's a good
substitute. ;)

Jon

On Tue, 24 Oct 2006, jon wrote:

> I'll reply to my own message: it appears that the ignition switch may be
> bad. After spending some "quality time" with Bentley, the X (18) relay is
> not operating when the key is on. It does operate when voltage is backfed
> when the brights are on.
>
> To test this theory, I held the brights on (they still don't latch, so
> that is a different problem) and all the X loads operated (defogger, fan,
> etc).
>
> Still doesn't explain the gas gauge, but that may be a different problem.
>
> I'm still quite open to suggestions and comments, though!
>
> Jon
>
> Of course, I'll check the wiring first, but that looks like it.
>
> On Tue, 24 Oct 2006, jon wrote:
>
> > I just acquired an '86 Westy. I noticed the headlights, windshield wipers,
> > gas gauge, and other things did not work on my pre-purchase inspection.
> >
> > No big deal, I thought: I noticed some fuses missing. I replaced the
> > fuses, and several things started working. I checked all the other fuses
> > as well.
> >
> > So, the headlights and wipers don't work, except when pulling on on the
> > intermittent high-beam. Then, that works, but the high beams do not stay
> > on.
> >
> > It's obvious the relays and fuses have been "messed with". From the
> > Bentley, it appears that the only relay really needed for headlights is
> > the 18 relay in position 8. And, that is there.
> >
> > However, the little "doo-dad" between the load relay (Marked 8 on the fuse
> > panel), and relay 10 (the wiper relay) is not there. What is this thing?
> >
> > It's the orange thing just to the right of the 18 relay in this pic:
> >
> > http://www.gowesty.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=GVW-FUSE91&Category_Code=mp-elc
> >
> > The only relay that I am missing now is the position 5 relay, which is a
> > 63 type. I realize this is important for the fan, but it should not effect
> > what is going on.
> >
> > Anyone have some guidance on this?
> >
> > Thanks!
> >
> > Jon
> >
>