Date:         Mon, 26 May 1997 01:43:24 -0500
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         tbill <tbill@startext.net>
Subject:      Re: Vanagon Starting Problems

Dyen Fred D. wrote:
> 
> Just took off on a weekend trip with the family and the Vanagon started to
> snit.  Would not crank with the ignition key until a crawled under the van
> and momentarily connected a jumper wire from the starter solenoid
> connection to the battery lead.  Once I made that momentary connection, it
> would crank and start.  As soon as I shut off the vehicle - same senario.
> If I crawled underneath and tickled the starter - works fine until the
> next start.
> 
> I recall discussions in the past regarding starting problems, but failed
> to pay much attention to them.  After 170,000 miles looks like it's my
> turn.  Any assistance is appreciated.
> 
> Thanks, Fred
> 84 Vanagon

Welcome to the club, brother!  My '83 had the same problem, intermitant,
of course.  Mechanic put a little booster box and that worked for a
while, then back to crawling under with a screwdriver.  Finally ran a
wire from solenoid to battery, with a starter button on top of the
battery case.  BTW, it still starts with the key in cool whether.  The
real problem is in the old wiring, in my case where the harness makes a
tight 180 around metal near the engine.

Good luck,

TBill
P.S. I'm off on a 1500 mi trip, better wish me luck!