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Tue Aug 27, 2002 9:36 am

new starter, starter solenoid, regulator, battery, ignition switch, clean connections, charged battery. but still some times the ignition does nothing?both light come on. if i jump the starter without completly starting the bus i can then go the the ignition and start it. and then will start every time after. random thing. thought someone might have experienced this ghost.thanks in advance.

Tue Aug 27, 2002 12:48 pm

I had a bus that did the same thing thing. It really sucked and I replaced all the parts you mentioned, then I sold it. It was later that I was talking with the guy who bought it when he told me some guy on the internet helped solve the problem. Apparently there is a ground strap on the either the starter or alternater that connects to the frame of the bus. So after I spent 800 bucks and sold it for that, it was just a tiny dam strap. good luck..oh that was a 72 westy BTW.

DA

Tue Aug 27, 2002 1:35 pm

It's possible the ground strap is dirty, it's also possible your starter bushing is worn out.

If that's not it, then your wiring harnesss is just old and is losing too much voltage along the way, you'll have to install a starter solenoid relay, sold at most VW stores.

I'm assuming your Bus is 6v, I've never had these problems with a 12v VW.

Tue Aug 27, 2002 2:35 pm

No, that screw just holds the switch in place.

Tue Aug 27, 2002 2:39 pm

6v Kicks Ass!...or was that 12v? After you find the problem,please post what the cause was. Thanks

Tue Aug 27, 2002 2:51 pm

i saw my ignition switch screw to hold the ignition switch in place was loose, does the ground the switch? i tightened it and it has not, not started yet?

Tue Aug 27, 2002 6:02 pm

I've got a similar problem with my Beetle (apologies, wrong forum, but same topic). I've replaced the generator, voltage regulator, ignition switch, battery, etc., all to no avail. The problem is intermittent, but the frequency seems to be increasing. Sometimes it won't start after half an hour, sometimes it's fine for days. My volt meter reads just under 12v before starting in these cases, and the speedo lights come on...? Should I give the starter solenoid relay a try, or do you guys suggest a different approach? Thanks, and apologies if I've been a little vague.

Tue Aug 27, 2002 11:45 pm

My bug did the same idea. Had to keep jump starting the starter, idiot book style, screwdriver across leads. I think we finally ended up replacing the ground and hot wire to the starter. It solved it...or it quit doing it. Have yet to have the problem on the SC but then the only prob I have had on there was when the hot wire to the starter broke and I was literally welding with the lead to the carb stands...bad. I just replaced the cables and it seem to work fine though.

Wed Aug 28, 2002 8:23 am

My 72 bay was a bitch, replaced most of the above after knocing 7 bells out of the Soleniod with a hammer regulary. Problem was?
Starter switch behind ignition. Full of grime. I split mine, not a good idea. so had to replace it. not too expensive. try rinsing out in electrical solvent bath.