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Ignition switch going bad?
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fishgo
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Joined: June 21, 2018
Posts: 127
Location: Madison, WI
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PostPosted: Tue Jun 23, 2020 8:44 am    Post subject: Ignition switch going bad? Reply with quote

I've noticed that occasionally my attempt to start the van doesn't turn over the starter. Twist the key to the start position, nothing happens. Reset key and turn over again and the van fires right up. Happens 1 time out of 100.

I have a spare switch and am wondering if I should be proactive and put it in. It's travel season now and I'd rather be driving and repairing, but this is a small concern.
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bobbyblack Premium Member
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PostPosted: Tue Jun 23, 2020 8:50 am    Post subject: Re: Ignition switch going bad? Reply with quote

Order another spare now. Tonight, go do the replacement with the one you have in hand. Takes very little time, really.

As far as weather or not this is why your starter doesn't spin 1 of 100 times, probably not. Most usually, the first thing to not work is headlights, and front blower but starter goes, and engine runs. You might not even notice the first symptoms if you aren't using radio/blower/headlights...

Your problem is most likely a wire harness issue. Check all connections, from battery back all the way to the Alternator. Check that the small wire that goes to the starter is tight and corrosion free.

-bobby
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fishgo
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PostPosted: Tue Jun 23, 2020 9:02 am    Post subject: Re: Ignition switch going bad? Reply with quote

bobbyblack wrote:
Order another spare now. Tonight, go do the replacement with the one you have in hand. Takes very little time, really.

As far as weather or not this is why your starter doesn't spin 1 of 100 times, probably not. Most usually, the first thing to not work is headlights, and front blower but starter goes, and engine runs. You might not even notice the first symptoms if you aren't using radio/blower/headlights...

Your problem is most likely a wire harness issue. Check all connections, from battery back all the way to the Alternator. Check that the small wire that goes to the starter is tight and corrosion free.

-bobby



I actually ordered and have on hand a spare for my spare! Any recommended reads or sites to show how to swap it out?
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plummerdesign
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Joined: September 04, 2010
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PostPosted: Tue Jun 23, 2020 10:39 am    Post subject: Re: Ignition switch going bad? Reply with quote

http://www.oldbluesblog.com/files/Vanagon-ReplacingIgnitionSwitch.pdf
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