Date:         Mon, 23 Aug 2010 07:42:02 -0700
Reply-To:     Shawn Wright <vwdiesels@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Shawn Wright <vwdiesels@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Starter doesn't turn after replacing weak battery
Comments: To: "Jack R." <jack007@comcast.net>
In-Reply-To:  <004301cb42cc$dd65a9a0$9830fce0$@net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

On Mon, Aug 23, 2010 at 7:09 AM, Jack R. <jack007@comcast.net> wrote:

> 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?
>
> Don't think so.


> 2. what should I do first to diagnose the problem?
>
> Check the terminals at the starter, clean and re-attach.


> 3. Is the starter not turning failure related in any way to the weak
> battery?
>
> Possibly. Did you confirm the old battery was really weak? I've had
batteries go beyond 10 years and work fine in a gas van. A diesel is a
different matter, as much more current is needed. Likely you have
loose/corroded connections at the starter, or your ignition switch is going.
If you are comfortable with this method of diagnosis, turn key to ON, ensure
van is in neutral, block wheels, then short the two starter terminals
together with a screw driver. I would recommend someone in the van when
doing this, and/or having the rear wheels on jack stands. This should engage
the starter. I did this on my Jetta for some time until I was able to
replace the ignition switch. It is also possible the starter solenoid is
weak, or sticking.

>
>
> Thanks for the help!
>
>
>
> Jack R.
>
> 84 Westy Wolfie w/2.1L
>
> N. of Detroit
>



--
Shawn Wright