Date:         Tue, 12 May 2015 23:21:52 +0000
Reply-To:     Jim Felder <jim.felder@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jim Felder <jim.felder@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Ignition/starter switch failures
Comments: To: Ed McLean <email99@bellsouth.net>
In-Reply-To:  <vanagon%2015051218501975@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8

Don't waste your time or money on anything but the correct german-made
switches. Someone on the list will chime in. Buy a spare in case they quit
making them. The last Meyle I installed (which will the the last Meyle I
install) lasted exactly a week. German one from Old Volks Home--no problems.

Jim

On Tue, May 12, 2015 at 5:50 PM Ed McLean <email99@bellsouth.net> wrote:

> Over the last year I have had 3 ignition/starter switch (111 905 865L)
> failures after not having but 3 failures in the preceding 22 years, all
> with the same Vanagon.
>
> Has the quality of these electrical switches declined?  They look just
> like they always have.
>
> I haven't changed the load on the switch with recent modifications or
> component replacements except for the starter so I don't think they are
> being overloaded.  Does the gear drive TDI Jetta Bosch starter draw more
> current for solenoid activation than the original late Vanagon starter?
>
> Maybe I have just gotten a bad batch of switches?
>
> Is there a particular brand of switches to steer clear of or is there a
> brand that is superior to others?  One of these that failed was Meyle
> brand and another was a premium priced one from Worldpac.  Does anyone
> have any experience with NAPA's Altrom brand"
>
> Thanks for any and all comments.
>
> Ed
>