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Can't Get Bug To Start
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swantonphoenix
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Joined: March 17, 2009
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PostPosted: Wed Mar 25, 2009 2:43 pm    Post subject: Can't Get Bug To Start Reply with quote

Yesterday I did some stereo work on my '69. This morning I went out and it wouldn't start. The headlights and radio still come on but when you try to start it, it doesn't even make a sound. I tried to jump it and still nothing. I'm new to the BUG/DO IT YOURSELF thing, whats wrong?[/b] Mad
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fastinradford
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PostPosted: Wed Mar 25, 2009 2:57 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

1. Charge your battery. (don't jump it, charge it). Most auto stores will do this for you for free.
2. Clean connections at battery (both sides of the ground wire), starter, and transmission to chassis ground.
2. Try starting it again, how did you wire your radio up, is it always on?
3. Try jumping the connections on the starter WITH THE CAR IN NEUTRAL, AND THE PARKING BRAKE ON
4. If that worked, then it is an ignition switch type issue, if it did not work, you mostly likely have a bad ground.

5. Explain in detail to us how you wired your stereo up.
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swantonphoenix
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PostPosted: Wed Mar 25, 2009 3:01 pm    Post subject: Bug Wont Start Reply with quote

It had a cd player int he dash already. I took speaker wire and ran 4 pioneer speaker from it. I don't think I messed with anything else electronic or wiring. So it's not the starter.
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hoghead5150
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PostPosted: Wed Mar 25, 2009 3:15 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

first thing first. check the fuses!!
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"i got a friend that knows a guy who's best friend has an uncle that used to have a bug just like yours!"

i measured once, cut it three times, and the damn thing is STILL to short!
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fastinradford
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PostPosted: Wed Mar 25, 2009 3:24 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

hoghead5150 wrote:
first thing first. check the fuses!!
Brick wall

Nice call, but there isn't a fuse for the starter.
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swhitcomb
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PostPosted: Wed Mar 25, 2009 3:32 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Do either of the lights on the dash dim when you try to start the car?
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ashman40
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PostPosted: Wed Mar 25, 2009 7:56 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

If you were working in the trunk you could have accidentally disconnected the starter lead.
Find where the red/black wire from the ignition switch comes into the trunk. It should connect behind the dash to a red or red/black wire that goes down the left side of the body towards the rear. Check and clean these connections.

If these look good there is another junction below the rear seat you can clean and check.
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