No crank, nothing at all, intermittent

[pomfritz]

Been having this very intermittent issue, maybe 2-3 times a year but now it’s becoming more frequent.

When I turn the key there is nothing that happens, just the red lights on the cluster light up. But no cranking or fuel pump whine. Every time though, so far, a few tries later it will start up easily. I figure it’s getting worse and will leave me stranded soon enough.

I have a spare ignition switch and am thinking that might be the cause.

Any suggestions?

Thanks
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83.5 233K. GW 2.3, SS exhaust, My German Frau named her Stefi

[Vanagon Nut]

Is this a standard transmission bus?

I would clean the connection at black/red wire (50) to starter then try the spare switch. Theres info here on how to swap in a new ignition switch for testing purposes.

Neil.
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1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA

1988 West DIY 50º ABA

VE7TBN

[pomfritz]

Manual transmission. Thanks
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83.5 233K. GW 2.3, SS exhaust, My German Frau named her Stefi

[bobbyblack]

Well... Hmm, no fuel pump sound either.. I'd take the fuse/relay cover off and leave the key in the 'on' position, tap around a bit on the relays and see if the fuel pump noise comes on. When it does, give a quick twist on the key to the start position and see if it cranks then.

Otherwise, ya, ignition switch. Always carry a spare or three.. Them R cheep, really
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'87 Westy 'Flossie','86 Westy 'R1','86 tintop GL - Subi2.2 'J2','83.5 stock tintop L 'ZoomBus','74 Karmann Ghia, '63 Notch

[Vanagon Nut]

[pomfritz]

Fyi

When I bought the van 3 yrs ago the ignition switch and fuel pump were just replaced by a mechanic of the POs. I’ve heard the switches can be short lived.
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83.5 233K. GW 2.3, SS exhaust, My German Frau named her Stefi

[Gauche1968]

Do you hear the fuel pump spin or no?
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1984 Vanagon GL
1984 Vanagon Westy

[Vanagon Nut]

If you wait for a few minutes then turn the key once from off to ignition on (not to turn starter position), do you hear the fuel pump prime?

This may not apply to Digijet but on my '88 Digifant, if key was turned to ignition on, (not to starter turn position) ignition off, ignition on in quick successions, the fuel pump wouldn't prime each time; it only primed on first turn of key to ignition on or if I waited at least a few seconds between attempts. The engine started fine every time so that pump (ECU) behaviour may be normal.

some ignition switch quality is poor, some is fine.

If the battery connections are clean, and 50 connection at starter and/or ignition switch aren't the issue.....

Bentley shows how to bypass the fuel pump relay to make pump run even if engine is off. That would be my next step.


Neil.
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1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA

1988 West DIY 50º ABA

VE7TBN

[?Waldo?]

[Vanagon Nut]

[pomfritz]

Issue hasn’t occurred since I posted about it so that must’ve solved it. 🙂

Currently I’m suffering from the “can’t find the part I bought and need to reorder so it shows up again” syndrome.
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83.5 233K. GW 2.3, SS exhaust, My German Frau named her Stefi

[?Waldo?]

[pomfritz]

Yes I think we very much need a Vanagon shrink on this forum. 😀
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83.5 233K. GW 2.3, SS exhaust, My German Frau named her Stefi

[mikemtnbike]

I find it very helpful to use a flashlight, in broad daylight, when digging through my parts bin or toolbox. My visual and mental focus automatically goes to the point of light and when it shines upon the item- voila!
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1991 Vanagon GL 2.1 AT Westfauxlia. "Frankie" Totaled https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=764510&highlight=carnage
1995 Eurovan Camper "Marzivan"
2020 GTI SE manual