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Date:         Sat, 21 Jun 2008 13:19:37 -0700
Reply-To:     Neil2 <vidublu@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Neil2 <vidublu@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Starting problem
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

Hey volks,

OK, I've done me due dili, sort of. Read archives for hours and have deduced the reason/s my 82 Vanagon Westy with the 'relay' not inside the driver's seat pedastal, won't start.

What I need ya'll's help with is narrowing it down to one or two if possible. Here's the list:

Ignition switch load reduction relay ('low voltage relay'?) wire betwixt the starter and solenoid solenoid starter starter (lower) bushing in the xmission battery loose connection/s in the circuits

I've decided to troubleshoot this from my traditional approach this time: Least $$, least trouble, most likely, et cetera. Of course the big pic is to enrich me relationship with Duckie through trial and pain. Ain't that what VW's are all about? This means I won't, if possible, try the 'next thing' until I've proven the previous were partially/completely unsuccessful.

The peculiars: 1) Mine has a 'dangling wire' (FM slide on blade connections, both ends) on the solenoid, connection 50 (same connection with a lead to the ignition/starter switch). Another owner mentioned his did too. Unsure if this indicates a PO's installation/removal a load reduction relay or if a PO used it to shock the solenoid into submussion. I inadvertently did so while troubleshooting last week. Anywho, the red lead to the ignition/starter switch goes/also goes to a harness and then back out to a terminal block post (along with another wire of the same color/size. This terminal block is on the rear wall of the engine compt. path continues to to a 'buss bar' to the second terminal and the same size/color wire leads to the bottom of a relay (?), perhaps the load reduction relay?

2) Mine has failed to start after shutting the engine off after a long drive (common archive occurrence) BUT also after sitting all night in my driveway last week. IOW, my symptoms include a cold and hot engine and ambient temps btwn 50ish to 70ish.

3) Just heard the entertainers on CarTalk mention a common problem in warm temps (or warm engines?) of the bushing being too warm to operate properly.

4) At least sometimes a click can be heard (from the solenoid?) when trying to start it.

5) Sometimes if I hold the ignition switch in the ON position a second longer, it starts.

OK, line up and tell me your thoughts! -- Neil2 '82 Diesel Westy (Duckie)


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