Date: Mon, 20 Oct 2008 14:31:06 -0700
Reply-To: Scott Daniel - Turbovans <scottdaniel@TURBOVANS.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Scott Daniel - Turbovans <scottdaniel@TURBOVANS.COM>
Subject: Re: 86 syncro doesn't start
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The ignition switch is a good thing to think about , since they are a common
failure item, and underbuilt anyway.
The information you have so far is not enough to clearly ID the ignition
switch as THE problem, close perhaps, but not 100 % yet.
the electrical part of the ignition switch is something you should have, in
the van, in your spare parts kit at all times.
they're cheap enough, they are a weak point...........and for
testing/troubleshooting purposes, it's quite easy to unplug the connector
from the ignition switch, drop that wire bundle down, plug in your new test
ign. switch, and turn it with a screw driver, and see how it acts then.
Does your fuel pump run when you turn on the key, for 10 seconds or so ? It
should. If it doesn't , you think about ........ignition switch, fuel pump
relay, ecu, and wiring.
If the starter cranks when you use a remote starter switch, but not from the
key, you think about the ignition switch.
I have read several times now about failure to fire up being caused by a
poor connection in the main battery wire at the alternator, or in that
general
"Batt, Positive" circuit between the alternator, starter solenoid main
post, and the black junction box in the engine compartment. Might want to
investigate that area.
Scott
www.turbovans.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "Matthew Berlett" <Mattmoosh2000@COMCAST.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, October 20, 2008 2:00 PM
Subject: Re: 86 syncro doesn't start
> The starter isn't the problem. I unplugged the ignition switch and
> connected
> the circuit controlling the fuel pump and the circuit for the starter and
> it
> starts and runs the van until the pump wire is disconnected. This makes me
> feel that the ignition switch is malfunctioning. ?
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> Scott Daniel - Turbovans
> Sent: Saturday, September 27, 2008 5:03 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: 86 syncro doesn't start
>
> hi.
> one.........just go buy one at a FLAPS or Shuck's Auto Supply or whatever.
> They run from 10 to 15 bucks for a lower grade one to 40ish for a good
> one.
> One from a Snap-On Tool Truck probably costs 60 bucks.
> If you see a Mac Tool Truck ,see what they have.
>
> or........go to a FLAPS and buy a heavy duty generic starter button,
> and put heavy duty wires with alligator clips on that.
>
> the electrical part of the ignition switch is a classic weak area in VW's.
> And I think everyone knows not to carry a lot of weight ..........like a
> carbineer, 8 other keys, and a small knife hanging from your ignition key
> while it's in the ignition switch.........or lock assembly to be more
> accurate.
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Paul" <wognacious@gmail.com>
> To: "Scott Daniel - Turbovans" <scottdaniel@turbovans.com>
> Cc: <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
> Sent: Saturday, September 27, 2008 1:31 PM
> Subject: Re: 86 syncro doesn't start
>
>
>> can you describe how one would make a Remote Starter Switch? I have a
>> new/rebuilt starter in my van and it has been acting up once in a
>> while, turn the key and nothing happens. Idiot lights come on but no
>> start and then it will start. I think it must be ignition switch
>> replacement time
>>
>> On 9/27/08, Scott Daniel - Turbovans <scottdaniel@turbovans.com> wrote:
>>> one very efficient way to start on this issue is :
>>>
>>> you have a Remote Starter Switch ( a tool ) in your tool kit.
>>> You've previously rigged a 'starter trigger' wire ( tied into the
>>> trigger
>>> wire to the starter solenoid, which is a bit hard to access in a syncro
>>> anyway ) in your engine compartment so it's easily accessible .
>>>
>>> you hook up your Remote Starter Switch to that wire, in about 4 seconds
>>> you
>>> know if the starter is lame/weak............and then you know to work in
>>> that area,
>>> OR..........if that makes it crank nicely, you know the starter is
>>> fine...........and you direct your attention to the ignition switch
>>> area.
>>>
>>> In any case, take a good look, and possibly clean and tighten the ground
>>> strap at the front of the transmission.
>>>
>>> And really............a remote starter switch is SO useful I can't say
>>> it
>>> enough. Numerous uses for self-rescue and trouble shooting.
>>> I could not fix cars without one.
>>> After a simple test light, it's my next most important electrical tool.
>>> Even
>>> more valuable than a volt-ohm meter, it's that useful.
>>>
>>> btw, the electrical part of the ignition switch is a common failure item
>>> in
>>> Vanagons - a somewhat underbuilt part. On some of my quite old
>>> vanagons,
>>> I
>>> even add a dedicated starter button on the dash, so I don't have to
>>> depend
>>> on the electrical part of the ignition switch,
>>> and those 20 year old wires going all the way back to the starter.
>>> Scott
>>> turbovans.com
>>>
>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>> From: "Matthew Berlett" <Mattmoosh2000@COMCAST.NET>
>>> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
>>> Sent: Saturday, September 27, 2008 8:15 AM
>>> Subject: 86 syncro doesnt start
>>>
>>>
>>>>I turn the key and the engine doesn't turn over but the lights turn on.
>>>>It
>>>> makes no noise. If I try starting it repeatedly it does start
>>>> eventually.
>>>> I
>>>> am thinking dirty connections somewhere but I don't know where to
>>>> start.
>>>
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