Date:         Wed, 20 Jan 2010 06:49:56 -0600
Reply-To:     Larry Alofs <lalofs@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Larry Alofs <lalofs@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: need help with starter problem, 1990 Vanagon GL, 4spd 2.1L
Comments: To: mtbdavid2@aol.com
In-Reply-To:  <1d2fd.268d49e3.38880655@aol.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

What Ben said.  This symptom is usually caused by the deterioration of
the solenoid, wiring, ignition switch or all of the above.  You can
see part of the starter from the engine compartment, right side,
forward of the firewall.  While a trusted helper holds the key in the
start position, you can crawl under and tap the starter or solenoid
with a hammer.  If your helper is not so trusted you can probably
whack it with a stick or piece of pipe thru the right rear wheelwell
or from the engine compartment.
  It is also possible that the control wire to the solenoid has just
fallen off.  To check, you have to get under there and feel the
forward end of the solenoid up above the large cable.  There should be
two wires with push on connectors.

good luck,

Larry A.




On Wed, Jan 20, 2010 at 1:10 AM, David Cohen <mtbdavid2@aol.com> wrote:
> Hi,
>  Ok, next issue to tackle.  The van was running just fine after  replacing
> the alternator and battery.  I went to start up the van this  evening and
> nothing, not even a click.  The headlights and heater blower  and everything
> else works and there is 12.6 volts on my battery.  I tried  jump starting it
> off my other car just to make sure the battery wasn't low and  the starter
> wouldn't even click.  Its been raining heavy here, could the  starter wires
> have gotten wet, come off or the starter or solenoid froze  up?  Any way to
> test any of my guesses or should I just get it towed to the  shop?  I am not
> even sure how to get to the starter and solenoid.   Does the van need to be
> lifted and reach it from underneath?
>
> Thanks as always,
> David
>