TheSamba.com :: View topic - Igntion Problem

Fri Jan 11, 2019 7:00 pm

Hi All,

I'm broken down on the road in Guatemala during a test drive (van has been sitting for 2 years) I'm having an issue with the ignition. It was working intermittently and has stopped working completely. What I mean is that when I turn the key in the ignition, the dash lights come on, etc, and when I turn the key to start nothing happens. There is no noise.

I have had this happen before and replacing the ignition switch fixed the issue. I have two spare ignition switches on hand and I used both of them but neither worked. I also rocked the van back and forth in 3rd gear, jumped the starter (which works) and checked all the connections for the coil, distributor, and sparkplugs (which all looked good).

I'm next to a hill, so next is to try a push start down the hill.

I would really like to get to the bottom of this problem so that my van starts again after I turn it off.

Any help would be great.

Thanks.

Fri Jan 11, 2019 7:55 pm

Sticky solenoid would cause your issue...not uncommon.

Also check all your battery, starter & main ground connections...
(bottom of battery box, tranny mount & DS engine block to frame)

- Dave

Fri Jan 11, 2019 9:30 pm

I'll check it out. The solenoid. Pushing her downhill worked great. Now I just have to figure out what the issue is.

Fri Jan 11, 2019 11:01 pm

Try to get one of these and use it to connect directly to the starter solenoid. It will help your troubleshooting:

Sat Jan 12, 2019 5:11 am

It sounds like You actually have a starter problem, not an ignition problem.
Once the engine rotates with the key on, it fires and runs.

Check the wires on the back of the alternator for being tight and no broken wires or terminals.

I know you are air cooled but the large red wire being compromised killed my WBX

Dave

Sat Jan 12, 2019 6:00 am

If you have an idiots guide its very applicable to the aircooled vans. John gives great direction on testing the primary circuit.

Tap the starter with a hammer and try the key again. Worked last week on my f150. has worked on my VWs too.

Thats a good looking remote starter. Mines down to two wires and some alligators.

Sat Jan 12, 2019 7:54 am

With the blade of a screwdriver, you can jump from the big B+ lug on the starter solenoid (the one with all the wires on it) to the male spade with the red/white wire on it (remove the wire from the spade first) and the starter should slam the drive into the action and scare the crap out of you. Make sure the P-brake is on, the tranny is in neutral, and the wheels chocked so that you don't get yourself run over. The key needs to be in the ON position for the engine to start.

Making up an 8 inch long 10 gauge jumper with a female spade on one end can make this job easier and safer. Install the female spade on to the male and then touch the other end of the jumper to the big lug.

I just pulled the starter out of my 83 1/2 on Thursday and lubed the solenoid plunger with Super Lube, we will see over the years how well Super Lube does here.