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Date:         Tue, 5 Jan 2010 18:36:13 -0800
Reply-To:     Matt Thyer <matt_thyer@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Matt Thyer <matt_thyer@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Electric Problem Solved - I Hope
Comments: To: Kevin Gilbert <kggilbert@MYACTV.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <E918ED82-31FF-48D4-B3B4-5824FDC429BA@myactv.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

Kevin,

What did the battery terminals look like before you brushed them off? Intermittent electrical issues are the worst thing in my book. Make sure you've got good contact on both battery posts, both alternator posts and the ground.

Matt http://zenoswagen.wordpress.com

-----Original Message----- From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Kevin Gilbert Sent: Tuesday, January 05, 2010 6:06 PM To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM Subject: Electric Problem Solved - I Hope

Vangoneers,

After fulfilling all holiday family commitments, I decided I deserved an overnighter in the Maryland mountains Monday. My '84 Westy went dead at the gas pump on my way out of town.

I turned the key, heard a 'snap' from somewhere, and lost all power. I pushed the van away from the pumps, and spent time checking fuses, relays, wiring, ignition switch, connections, etc. as best I could in the cold, wind, and waning light. Once, power returned, but disappeared on turning the key. I heard the 'snap' sound coming from the battery compartment.

I removed the battery cables and wire-brushed them and the terminals, and re-connected everything. The VW started right up, and was fine the whole chilly trip.

So, did cleaning the terminals and cables fix the problem, or did I just get lucky? I' d like to prevent this from recurring. Suggestions?

Thanks.

Kevin '84 Westfalia - 21 years of (mostly) reliable travel


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