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Mon May 26, 2008 2:09 pm

I have a 73 914 with a 2.0 litre. Awesome car, been driving it tons, no problems.

Today I get in to take it for a drive and nothing, doesn't turn over. It's NOT the battery, it's new, I boosted the car to make sure. I have power to everyting, gauges, stereo, lights etc.

I removed the fuse box and encountered a "clicking" from one of the relays while trying to start it. The black round one, far left, drivers side. I swapped out the "clicking" relay with the others, no luck. Could it be something in the ignition? Sometimes in the past I've had to "turn the key really hard" to engage the starter, wonder if this is the cause of the problem?

Keep in mind this is a NOT a project car, I've drivin it hundreds of miles recently with no issues. It's always started fine.......until now.

Any suggestions or advice greatly appreciated.

Tue May 27, 2008 7:27 am

Can't be sure, mine is a 75' but under the passenger seat is a relay that if the wires are loose or damaged, the car will not turn over.

I think it is part of the "saetbelt" saftey system.
P.S. it can be overidden!! Look for the big red wires.

Hope this helps. Bezzer, AKA Alan

Tue May 27, 2008 10:31 am

Thanks Alan,

I looked can't see anything. Ok here goes my embarassing question......where exactly is the starter? :oops: Is it possible to short out the starter?

How difficult is it to get inside the steering column? If I can remove the casing, maybe a wire in the ignition switch is causing the problem. It's gotta be something simple.

Wed May 28, 2008 7:03 am

The starter is , as you lie under the car from the back, on the left (drivers side) Removing the rear wheel gives good access. It has a standard VW hook up, and it can be jumped by crossing the two large terminals, but good God man your going to be under the car!!!!

The round relay is not (to my knowledge) associated with the starter. If your fuel injected it may be any number of relays, not associated with the starter. There are several "safety " devices that prevent a starter from working. Don't dissemble the stering colum for a lose wire elsewhere. Check seatbelt connections. Also check that the large wires on the starter are secure and corrosion free. NOTE: ANYTIME you mess with these wires unhook the battery!!!

You can check the key switch by removing the small push on wire from the starter and checking it for 12 volts when you turn the key to the start postion (not the on position but the full twist to start position) it should indicate 12 volts at the end of the wire terminal. Switches can and do go bad.

I have had these units with bad selinoids (sp). If you cross jump the large terminals on the starter (see above) and it sparks but still does not activate the starter you may have a bad selinoid.

Above (or in this case below) all, be carefull under there.

Wed May 28, 2008 10:23 am

Alan,

Thanks for your help. I actually went over to 914World and was able to get tons of help. Sounds like it's the plastic ignition switch in the column.

$8 part, $20 shipping to Canada :? and a week and a half wait. Once again, your time is appreciated.

Take it easy,

Jeff

Wed May 28, 2008 11:01 am

Sweet...like may VW's the ignition switch fails. Make sure you don't have a huge, heavy key ring, they ruin switches fast. :D enjoy your 914, they are fun to drive.