Date:         Tue, 12 Jan 2016 17:46:57 -0500
Reply-To:     Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: '84 1.9L engine -- no start on cold mornings -- starts fine
              late              morning
Comments: To: john <john@JHL.MGACOXMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <1452604529.2286.12.camel@jhl.mgacoxmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"

Time to get and learn to use a meter or at least a test light. At times like this that added relay can be another failure point. You may have some water in the starter solenoid that when freezing is preventing the plunger from moving to engage the gear and close the starter motor contacts. You may even have that problem with the add on relay if not sealed for outside use. A low voltage battery can also cause intermittent starter operation. Try jumping from the battery connection on the starter to the trigger connection. If it goes then look for a switch, relay, wiring problem. If not most likely bad starter. If you need a starter, consider the GoWesty one. You won’t look back. 

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of john
Sent: Tuesday, January 12, 2016 8:15 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: '84 1.9L engine -- no start on cold mornings -- starts fine late morning

My van ('84, 1.9L engine, automatic transmission) is having to spend this winter in my driveway.   Once overnight temperature drop into the low 30s or worse (for middle Georgia), turning the key to the start position will not energize the starter.   I can hear fuel pump turn on.   Not a battery issue as interior lights are bright.   Neutral-start switch on automatic transmission shift lever is bypassed.

I have a Bosch starter relay in the starter motor circuit and everything works fine once the van has been in the sun for a couple of hours.   I am wondering if the contacts in the ignition switch (12 to 15 years since replacement) are worn to the point they will not make contact in the cold.

Is this a possibility?

Thank you,

John