Date: Fri, 14 Dec 2012 14:09:51 -0700
Reply-To: Karl Wolz <wolzphoto@Q.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Karl Wolz <wolzphoto@Q.COM>
Subject: Re: Starter Motor Sudden Failure: Normal?
In-Reply-To: <CAB2RwfjcKM8xS-pccP=m=LE=uMw1Y3XTCZ3wW86qjWicPaDHjg@mail.gmail.com>
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I've had dead batteries still put out 12+ volts; little or no amperage. Bum a known good battery from another vehicle and try that. Or, take this one to your nearest FLAPS.
Karl Wolz
Sent from my electronic umbilicus
On Dec 14, 2012, at 12:46 PM, neil n <musomuso@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> Thanks Scott and Tom
>
> Yah, ironically, this van is in "transition" mode; the aux. battery is
> in the middle of being installed and my jumpers, spare ignition
> switch, starter motor, are all in the other Westy.
>
> "helpers" at the mall are usually much older than me, and/or are well
> dressed and well heeled females, neither of which I would consider
> asking to push my Westy. This is not a sexist age-ist attitude! Just
> based upon respect and logic. :^)
>
> (then again, chances are greater that someone over 50 is sure to know
> how to drive a standard transmission!)
>
> I recently installed a "kill switch" to turn off the remote power door
> lock system and stereo memory. But even though I've left those items
> "on" the last while, battery was still showing 12.8 Volts and easily
> took a charge when topped up about a month ago. (due to these sources
> of electron drain)
>
> Tom: having a battery switch was something I was considering installing.
>
> Scott: more irony. The recently purchased remote start switch is still
> in the package, and very likely buried in my electrical parts
> box...... located in the stranded '88 ! Didn't think of it as a
> trouble shooting tool. Something to remember!
>
> Neil.
>
>
>
> On Fri, Dec 14, 2012 at 1:07 AM, Scott Daniel - Turbovans
> <scottdaniel@turbovans.com> wrote:
>
>
>> if the parking lot is always busy ..
>> there will be helpers around to push,
>
>> I sure recommend a 'starter trigger' wire in the engine compartment ..
>> ( connected to the solenoid trigger terminal and stashed in the engine
>> compartment where you can touch the other end to your hot alt post ...very
>> handy for testing purposes, self-rescue, and to connect your Remoter Starter
>> switch to for doing compression checks, etc. )
>>
>> It does sorta sound like a suddenly dead starter to me.
>>
>> Did you eyeball and wiggle/twist on the battery cable clamps at the battery
>> ?
>> ( though if they are weak and loose contact it's usually not the symptom you
>> are describing ....about the headlights going nearly dim. )
>
>
>> On 12/14/2012 12:13 AM, neil n wrote:
>
>
>
>> .... Voltage at battery and alternator
>> stud: 12.8 Battery posts + clamps, and starter 30 connection are
>> clean. Solenoid connection is fairly clean. (certainly not corroded)
>> Turning key dims headlights nearly completely.
>
>>
>> I'm hoping it's the ignition switch but if not......
>>
>> Can a starter (or solenoid) just suddenly fail? In my experience they
>> usually give warning signs; slow and/or intermittent cranking.
>
>
>
>
> --
> Neil n
>
> 65 kb image Myford Ready For Assembly http://tinyurl.com/64sx4rp
>
> '88 Slate Blue Westy to be named.
>
> '81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco" http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/
>
> Vanagon VAG Gas I4/VR Swap Google Group:
>
> http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines
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