My Thing Won't Start...any Trouble-Shooting Out There?

JimmyThang

(new Thing Owner and Samba Member)

Got my Thing 4 weeks ago...it was running fine (even had it checked-out & got the thumbs up)

This morning it wouldn't start. Engine seems to turn over fine. Held down gas pedal and cranked it for a good 12 seconds...smells of gas.

...I'm assuming it's electrical??

Is there any material/video/training on some basic trouble-shooting for electrical issues? What should I be checking, looking for?

I am a "newbie" mechanic, but smart and eager to learn and do myself.

But MAN, there is definitely a SHORTAGE of VW Thing training on the Interwebs...any direction/advice would be SOO HELPFUL!!

THANK YOUUUUUUU

Wildthings · Samba Member Joined: March 13, 2005 Posts: 50352

With the ignition on you want to see 12 volts on the (+) side of the coil when you turn the engine over by hand. On the negative side of the coil you want to see the voltage pulsate between 12 volts and zero volts.

Don't leave the key on more more than three or four minutes at a time when doing this check.

portraitmac · Samba Member Joined: August 23, 2010 Posts: 17

Welcome! Lot's of knowledgeable folks here. For videos, try Bug Me:
http://www.bugmevideo.com/index.html

Shoyrtt · Posted: Fri Aug 29, 2014 2:33 pm Post subject:

Welcome to the world of air cooled VWs. Cool

Back in 1983 (I was 15) I bought my first car, a 66 Bug for $700. The car was stuck in 2nd gear. Crying or Very sad

Instead of digging in and fixing it for me, my Dad bought me this book:

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

http://www.amazon.com/How-Keep-Your-Volkswagen-Alive/dp/156261343X

Hands down the best book to get your start in VW repair. VWs have been called "tinker mobiles" because you do tend to spend quite a bit of time working on them to stay running. Buy the book! Wink

Back to your problem. Did you check for spark? Remember this isn't "Thing" specific. You can search here on the Samba or Google as the Thing type 1 engine is the same as many other VW models. If you don't have spark, then we can help you track down the problem.

Here is a basic video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUOmsGiirTU

GI Joe · Posted: Fri Aug 29, 2014 10:40 pm Post subject:

I'll guess at a bad coil!! Or a burnt out Pertronix electronic ignition unit(if installed)...

Get THAT book!! It's a fun read, and a massive wealth of knowledge!
_________________
'74 Thing, "Our Thing".... Blue 181

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'71 Beetle RPU
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=8080337#8080337
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JimmyThang · Posted: Sat Aug 30, 2014 2:35 pm Post subject:

GI JOE nailed it!

I ended up checking everything, and power stopped at the COIL. Then, I had a mechanic friend come up, he confirmed: COIL is bad...it was aftermarket to begin with Sad

Thanks for the advice and feedback everyone...I just ordered that VW Book! Comes tuesday!

STLCAR · Posted: Sat Aug 30, 2014 4:27 pm Post subject:

When you get the book take it to fedex and have them spiral bind it and put a laminated cover on it. Did it to mine last month to help with all the wear it gets.

GI Joe · Posted: Sat Aug 30, 2014 8:44 pm Post subject:

..... Me?? I got one right?? Wow, no one has ever given me credit, thank you!! Wink

Glad ya got it sorted! Bosch Blue Coil is the way to go!!
These Things are really simple!!

guppysoup · Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2014 4:04 pm Post subject:

The originals were spiral bound in black and white. My first car a 1967 VW bug came with one back in 1972. I was lucky to get a couple more a few years ago from his son Craig in SMA. Wink

The new ones fall apart pretty quickly but have alot more updated info.
_________________
1973 Thing/Safari
1985 Bug/Vocho wanna be class 11
2014 Amarok TDI 4x4


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