1974 thing no power to starter

[VW-junkie]

1974 thing, has been setting in garage for about 1 yr. When parked in garage it was running and starting, no issues. No I have intermittent power when the key is engaged. Engaging key to start, I lose all power, starter does not make any noise, replaced starter, ignition switch, cleaned all battery cables & ground straps. key in ignition at on position I sometimes get power. Tail lights & park lights work, headlights do not. traced power to light switch, both red wires hot, key switch has power and power back to light switch. Fuses are good and light up on each end, battery is charged. Turn ignition switch to start, I lose all power. Let it set for a while power will return. Please help. Thanks

[Ron Domeck]

Make sure the wires on the switch are pushed all the way on. Sometimes they push back on the black plastic plug. Fought this for a year on one of my own.

[germanbilly]

Is the battery new? If it is not have it load tested. Otherwise check your battery connections are clean and tight. Batterys can be shorted inside and do not have the amperage they need to turn the starter over.
GB

[VW-junkie]

Thanks for the quick reply. I replaced the plastic on the ignition switch the connection fit snug. I get power thru the switch back to the light switch. I have cleaned all battery connections at both ends and have remove and cleaned the ground strap. The battery is not new, I will have it checked today. Thanks again for ur insights.

[Ron Domeck]

I know that the plug may fit nice but the wires may not be in the plug all the way. When I would push the plug on, one wire would push back and would barely touch the switch. The terminals are only held in the plug by a little tab, 40 years old ?. Just one thing to check .

[Captain Spalding]

[Shoyrtt]

This wiring diagram might help (from Rebel Wire where I got my harness)

http://ajcustomauto.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/vw-diagrams.bmp

First do you have power coming into the switch "Ing. pwr 30"?

Next, with power from "30" and the key turned to the first position you should have power to the ignition and coil "15".

Finally with the key in the second or start position, the switch sends power to "50".

As Ron and the Captain said check all of these connections. If you have power at "50" and its not getting power to the starter either the connector is bad or the wire is bad. Ohm meter would be your friend here.

[VW-junkie]

Battery checked out strong today. re installed battery. I have contact from positive post on battery to body. I have power to the starter and out the solenoid. I have NO power to voltage regulator or switch. I will be looking for loose wire connections tomorrow. Thanks for the reply with the wiring diagram.