Problem solved! Removed cowling under steering wheel, located and unplugged the ignition switch (behind ignition key) pulls straight off, used a continuity tester, power present on largest "red" wire, cleaned the contacts, and plugged it back in... crossed fingers! Started right up! I wish all repairs were this easy!! Jack R. 84 Westy
-----Original Message----- From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Jack R. Sent: Monday, August 23, 2010 10:10 AM To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM Subject: Starter doesn't turn after replacing weak battery My 84 Westy with a 2.1L wouldn't start due to a run-down battery. I charged it, and started fine. I made the dream cruise and all was well. That was, until I went to leave and when I turned the key, it started to engage but appeared to be too run down to start again. So two guys gave me a push, and I popped the clutch and I was off. Put a charger back on the battery when I got home, and once it showed fully charged, turned the key and nothing. I looked at the date on my battery, and seeing it was 11 years old, I thought "dead cells", so I purchased a new Group 41 Battery from Wally World for $67 (made by Johnson Controls).
I Installed the brand new battery and turned the key with nothing again! Starter wouldn't turn!!
So, here are my questions. 1. could I have damaged something electronic by trying to turn it with a weak battery? 2. what should I do first to diagnose the problem? 3. Is the starter not turning failure related in any way to the weak battery?
Thanks for the help!
Jack R. 84 Westy Wolfie w/2.1L N. of Detroit |
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