TheSamba.com :: View topic - wont start, not battery or ign switch...in boone nc

Tue May 01, 2012 4:38 pm

Well we can't get her started... Tried byassing ignition, New switch and battery is ok. Help!

Tue May 01, 2012 4:51 pm

What do you get when you turn the key? Do you hear a click on the starter? If not your selenide is bad on the starter

Tue May 01, 2012 6:31 pm

Won't fire or won't crank?

Tue May 01, 2012 6:59 pm

You need to give us more information and understand that the person on the other side (us) have no idea what you're even driving. In your other thread talking about this issue... (http://tinyurl.com/co9he4m&highlight=#5239980) .. people attempted to help you but you never replied after the first post.. (For future reference, go to Forum Index and click "View your posts" on the top right side to keep track).

You did say your mechanic was in charlotte.. From Boone that's a drive.. I know of two great VW shops that are closer/probably better & cheaper.. One is only 30 minutes away from you, the other is about an hour)

Check your grounds (if you don't know how, learn how/find someone who can check. Check battery cables/starter.. Let us know what you hear when you turn the key once/twice/try to start and some more details on your vehicle.

Tue May 01, 2012 8:17 pm

Sorry for the quick post but this was done from a small and dying cell phone while chasing a toddler and trying to help my husband. Please don't be offended if I don't get right back online... but on the road I don't always have that ability.

The problem appears to be new. The van cranks/started when cool this morning but not last night after a two hour drive. We put in a new ignition switch anyways and thought all ok.

Stalled at a store after two hour drive. Tried to bypass ignition switch and nothing. it does not crank. It does not do anything except you can hear the fuel pump and lights etc work. The starter has about 6k on it. tomorrow will check grounds and see how or if power is getting to starter. and if starter is good.

Thank you... probably the first response it spot on.

Tue May 01, 2012 8:18 pm

Feels like my entire financial future ;-)

This is an 85 vanagon, auto, 80K on original engine.

Tue May 01, 2012 8:34 pm

For the referrals, we did end up having it towed. it's home now.

Tue May 01, 2012 8:51 pm

My experience is that most hot no crank problems are the starter, but it can't hurt to see if you have enough volts at the starter while cranking. If it is the starter, I would see if there is a reputable starter rebuilder in your area. The Bosch rebuilds have been hit or miss lately.

-Dan

Tue May 01, 2012 9:29 pm

Thanks Dan, we have the original starter that we changed over when we thought it was a problem (it wasn't). we'll def try to put that back and see what happens. The one we bought and replaced the original with was a rebuild so it's a bummer if that is defective but at least we have the original. Much appreciated!

Wed May 02, 2012 3:31 am

If u get no response except f-pump check the neutral sw under shifter cover as it's an auto, easy to jump and maybe move shifter a couple times for contact if sw not broken, had one get flaky and not turn starter, also can jumper to test.

Wed May 02, 2012 8:16 am

It's an automatic so it has a neutral safety switch. If it doesn't start while in park, put it in neutral and try. The contacts often get worn on the switch and it will have problems starting in park. The switch is located in the shifter housing. Also try just pulling it slightly down out of park and give it a try.

The switch looks like this:

http://www.van-cafe.com/home/van/page_1445_353/parkneutral_position_safety_switch.html

Thu May 03, 2012 1:10 pm

We did try the neutral start. Basically cools off and fired right up today. So need to check selenoid after it refuses to start again (out on a ride right now) and check power... also going to look at relay! Will keep you posted! Keep those suggestions coming though...

Thu May 03, 2012 1:11 pm

PS: Forgot to mention earlier, jump did nothing... nada, zip...

Thu May 03, 2012 1:12 pm

But interestingly enough, might be worth mentioning the contactor in the shifter is failing because our reverse lights don't work again. Used sandpaper to help get connectors back in line and it worked, but now they're out again... hmmm...

Mon May 14, 2012 3:22 pm

Cannot reproduce issue. Seems things got better all on their own!

Mon May 14, 2012 4:38 pm

When u get around to putting orig starter back now would be a good time to replace the starter bushing that fits in the trans housing where end of starter gets it's support. If these get worn enuf they can cause starter problems. A starter with one bad segment in the armature can cause intermitten problem as starter don't stop at same place every time.