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Mon Jan 01, 2007 8:08 pm

I just joined recently and hope someone will have a solution to my problem. My 84 rabbit diesel normally runs very well. Occasionally, however, it will stall out without warning. When I try to restart the car I get no red dash lights with the ignition switch in the "on" or "start" position and the car will not start. It can take anywhere from an hour to 12 hours until the red dash lights work and the car is able to start. My VW mechanic has installed 6 different ignition switches (aftermarket new, original used, Made in Germany new etc) but the problem persists. Another mechanic told me that I need a brand new fuse box but the gray fuse box has about 100 wires attached so replacement would require a whole new wiring harness. (I know there was a recall on fuse boxes in 1980 but my car is an '84) Anyone have any ideas? Is there a way that some kind of an emergency toggle could be wired in to bypass my problem and get me started?

Tue Jan 02, 2007 10:37 am

Check your ignition wire from key to switch. Remove under side of steering wheel. There will be a black wire. Wiggle it.

Sat Jan 06, 2007 11:33 am

dieselman wrote: I just joined recently and hope someone will have a solution to my problem. My 84 rabbit diesel normally runs very well. Occasionally, however, it will stall out without warning. When I try to restart the car I get no red dash lights with the ignition switch in the "on" or "start" position and the car will not start. It can take anywhere from an hour to 12 hours until the red dash lights work and the car is able to start. My VW mechanic has installed 6 different ignition switches (aftermarket new, original used, Made in Germany new etc) but the problem persists. Another mechanic told me that I need a brand new fuse box but the gray fuse box has about 100 wires attached so replacement would require a whole new wiring harness. (I know there was a recall on fuse boxes in 1980 but my car is an '84) Anyone have any ideas? Is there a way that some kind of an emergency toggle could be wired in to bypass my problem and get me started? Why don't you just drive your 57 bel-air or get the Z out of hibernation?

Mon Jan 22, 2007 8:05 pm

check your engine and body grounds that has been a common problem ](*,)

Tue Jan 23, 2007 12:52 pm

I second a ground problem

Fri Jan 26, 2007 9:34 am

If it is indeed the fuse box, you would not need a whole new harness to go with it. The various harnesses that plug into the backside of the fuse box all have large plugs that usually only plug into one spot in the box. There will be a few single wires to deal with, but if you pay attention they should not be a problem (don't pull the old fuse box out before you have the new one, etc.) Just make sure you get the same year and model fuse box as you are starting with. Consult your Bentley manual as well.

Waterpumper wiring can be totally intimidating, but once you get going it makes more sense. Plus a diesel should have less wiring that a gasser.

Wed Mar 07, 2007 6:13 pm

Also check the two wires coming off the batteries positive side. Trace them down toward the starter. There should be two white connectors try to take them apart and look for corrosion. I had same problem cleaned the connections and ended the problem.