Date:         Wed, 14 Jul 2010 20:34:29 -0400
Reply-To:     clark duff <clark.duff@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         clark duff <clark.duff@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Another no start problem
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252

This is a 1989 Vanagon, 2.1, with an automatic.

I’ve been having problems with the starter for a few months, finally it
quit. After I removed the starter, I found the wire from the solenoid to the
starter motor was broken. I installed a new starter, but now have another
issue. I turn the key, the motor spins over, but I’ve got no spark. The fuel
pump is running, the only thing I see is the fact that the two wires with
the spade terminals on the solenoid look corroded. One of the wires, the
larger one, from the ignition switch, is working ok, so I snip off the end
of the smaller wire and install a new end. After that, the van started
normally. I let it warm up, moved it to another part of my driveway and shut
it off. The next day, I went to drive to town, I got about a mile from the
house and it shut off.

I was working on it tonight and this is what I’ve tried-

Pulled the small wire from the solenoid, checked the end and reinstalled.

Replaced the ignition switch

Swapped the ECU with a known good one.



Can someone tell me what the 2nd small wire on the solenoid is for? I only
see one wire in the Bentley. Could a bad connection here be my problem?

It spins over, but I have no spark from the coil, although sometimes I do
get one spark when it starts to crank.



I’m thinking I have a broken wire somewhere that was moved while I was
replacing the starter. I just wanted to ask the list for ideas before
spending much more time with it. Am I missing something simple?



Thanks in advance for your help,

Clark