Ignition / starter switch suggestions - (1967 Ghia)

[jacobsteel]

Dear forum. I've had my ignition/starter switch acting up a bit. Contact spray has solved the acute problems so far - but a more permanent solution is wanted.

1) Do you recommend a parallel relay circuit to the starter switch?
Benefit: This could easily also be used with a separate switch in case of malfunction.

2) Is there great variation in quality of the switches available? So far I've been looking at the Heritage Parts switch. Has anyone experience here?

Including pictures of a relay schematic and the present switch.

[runamoc]

[aquifer]

Just a note about the ignition switch. This applies to a beetle, I don’t know anything about Ghia’s but I can’t imagine there would be a difference.

If your switch is failing, you can look for a correct used ignition switch and swap out the lock cylinder to retain your original key, if that’s important to you. I doubt if that’s possible with a new aftermarket ignition switch, but I don’t know that for sure.

Otherwise the hard start relay is probably the right answer. I recently went through this problem with my bug and it ended up being the starter itself. Since it was a rebuilt starter I hesitated to believe I had a starter problem and I went through a ton of troubleshooting (including considering a hard start relay) until I eventually found the problem. I had to replace my newly rebuilt starter.
_________________
Parts needed:
Front & rear NOS or used OEM door panels for a '67 in the original Gazelle color (dark tan/light brown).
Also looking for used white headliner pieces, both perforated and non-perforated.

[OldSchoolVW's]

You say your "ignition/starter switch is acting up", but you didn't specify which functions. If just the "start" function, then yes, a hard start relay is definitely worth trying. If the "run" function (ignition on) function is failing intermittently, you could try using a relay for that circuit. Worn contacts on the 15 terminal may fail to carry enough current to the ignition hot circuits, but they may be good enough to consistently trigger a relay that could take over that task.

This is how I wired it on my '69 (similar on a '66-'67 set up I'm sure):

If you have an original ignition switch, it wouldn't hurt to install both a hard start relay and run relay to extend the life of that switch.
_________________
Tom

"Following distance is proportional to IQ."

"It's okay to think."

"If you don't do it this year, you'll be one year older when you do." Warren Miller

'63 Beetle Sedan
'69 Beetle Sunroof
'70 Beetle Sedan
'73 Type 3 Fastback

[runamoc]

[Bobs67vwagen]

When I had this problem with a 66 bug I just wired a simple momentary switch down in the kick panel in front of the battery. One side went to the battery and the other side went to the solenoid. When the key switch start function would not crank the engine I would leave the key in the on or run position, reach back and press the button which cranked the starter. It worked well for years. If you do something like this just be sure the switch is rated for 12 volts.good luck Bob

[runamoc]