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trafton
Samba Member
Joined: February 07, 2013
Posts: 3
Location: Utah
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 Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2013 1:08 pm Post subject: 85 Vanagon randomly shuts off |
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| My 85 vanagon randomly shuts off like if I turned the ignition off (all gauges go dead) then a couple seconds later it acts like I just turned the ignition back on (dash lights come on) and it always turns over and usually starts but sometimes takes a while. It used to only do it occasionally while it was still warming up (during summer) but has started doing it more and more (now its winter?). It only happens while im driving and always turns back on in the same amount of time with out me doing anything (except pushing in the clutch). I have no idea where to even start. |
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dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16503
Location: Brookeville, MD
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trafton
Samba Member
Joined: February 07, 2013
Posts: 3
Location: Utah
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| Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2013 8:24 pm Post subject: |
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| Is that how they usually go out? Seems like some kind of electrical thing. It also idles extremely rough and has been missing, especially when it first starts up. My muffler broke off recently, is it bad to run with out one for a while? |
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MidwestDrifter
Samba Member
Joined: June 13, 2012
Posts: 769
Location: Kicking Around Australia
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| Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2013 8:33 pm Post subject: |
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In addition to the ignition switch. It would be a good idea to check the condition of the battery-starter-alternator cable, and the transmission ground strap. If these are intermittent, or corroded it could cause power loss issues.
_________________
2004 Dodge/Mercedes Sprinter (Custom Camper)
2000 Jetta TDI
1982 Diesel Westy W/ ABA I4 hybrid (Sold)
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dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16503
Location: Brookeville, MD
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| Posted: Wed Feb 13, 2013 6:56 am Post subject: |
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You can test your ignition switch without going thru the entire replacement process. Get a new switch, remove the plastic steering column cover that goes over the wiring below the ignition switch area, unplug the harness from the bottom of the switch, plug your new switch into the harness, use a screw driver as a 'key' and try it out. No harm if it is not a bad switch and you probably want to keep a spare in the bus anyway. 
PS If you drive it this way be VERY CAREFUL and make sure the key is in the ignition and turned so that the steering wheel lock is disabled!
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Dave O
'87 Westy w/ 2002 Subaru EJ25 and Peloquin TBD
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