Date:         Wed, 8 Aug 2007 16:14:54 -0400
Reply-To:     Robert Stewart <robertmstewart@MAC.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Robert Stewart <robertmstewart@MAC.COM>
Subject:      Re: Van Not Starting - 88 Automatic with New Starter and
              Alternerator
In-Reply-To:  <vanagon%2007080811124099@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions.

The Bosch starter - oops I meant reconditioned. I got it from Ken at
Vanagain.

The issue has been resolved, it was the simplest thing ever!

Appearantly their is connector on the right rear side of the Bosch
starter, well it was hanging off! It was totally loose! The mechanic
came to my van, I showed him that all the fuses were good, showed him
the gear shift switch assembly was good since it was just replaced a
couple of months ago, and we checked the alternator which I told him
was replaced.  He then looked at the engine area, found the started
and in 2 seconds he pushed the wire in, and boom it started instantly.

So I very simple solution to a pain in ass problem.

Thank you all again.

You guys are great.

Have a great day.

Robert
98 degrees in Brooklyn NY 4:14pm
88 Vanagon 214,000 Miles


On Aug 8, 2007, at 11:08 AM, Benny boy wrote:

> I think Neil and Stephen did cover it all, the ignition switch is
> about 15
> to 20$, the best invested money you can do for some piece of mind,
> anyone
> can do it. That stupid part had so many people towed to my shop, or
> people
> stranded in the middle of no where.
>
> In that page:
> http://www.benplace.com/dash.htm
> the first 10 pictures show you how to deal with this simple job.
>
> As for the safety switch in the automatic gear selector. They are
> impossible
> to find, well, i was not able. But with some works, they often can be
> save... of it not, just bypass it.
>
> You need to understand that an automatic as a safety connector in the
> automatic console/shifter arm, it's design so you can not engage
> the starter
> is not at the P or N position, it's just a small part of metal with
> a spring
> that make contact at the P and N position, this red wire goes after
> to the
> ignition switch.
>
> Is itsafe to bypass the switch.. i say yes, not much worse than a
> stick
> ingage in first. I mean you need to use carefully.
>
> A third possibility is a bad connection at starter, that single
> small red
> wire may be loose or coreded.
>
> Regards, Ben
>
> On Wed, 8 Aug 2007 01:17:28 -0400, Robert Stewart
> <robertmstewart@MAC.COM>
> wrote:
>
>> Hello everyone,
>>
>> I have an 88 automatic, all of a sudden last Sunday the van would not
>> start. I use the van every other day and drive it all weekend long
>> without an issue till recently.
>>
>> On Sunday I went to the van after about 3hrs and tried to start her
>> up. Nothing, the lights on the dash were on with full power, stereo
>> worked just fine, I even pulled out the jumper system and charged up
>> the battery just to be safe, nothing worked. I then opened up the
>> plastic shroud around the ignition removed the plastic and exposing
>> the steering column and the lead wires to the ignition, I could see
>> nothing wrong.
>>
>> I wanted 5 minutes and gave it shot, she started up instantly as
>> usual. What the hell is going wrong here?
>>
>> The starter was replaced about 4 months ago with brand new bosch
>> unit. I don't even here a clicking at all, just nothing happens when
>> you go to start the van, just the lights on the dash, no sound
>> nothing.
>>
>> I also replaced the alternator about 9 months ago, I believe I got
>> from Vanagain.
>>
>> Any ideas?
>>
>> --
>> Rob
>> NYC/Bloomingburg NY
>> 88 Wolfsburg, Silver
>> 222,225 miles - automatic
>> AIM: rmstewart@mac.com