Starter Won't work after a long drives

[Wildthings]

New ignition switches cost like $10. Buy a replacement for the one you have and a spare.

[Joey]

I think I may have found the problem. I was inspecting the ignition switch and connections and discovered the windshield washer hose going from the wiper switch to the windshield washer nozzles is leaking whenever I use the washer fluid. The hose is dry rotted and has cracks everywhere. The washer fluid is somehow making its way to the ignition switch assembly. When I had the no start problem I was using the washer fluid a fair amount because of splattered bugs on the windshield. I'll replace the washer hose and hope the no start problem goes away.
_________________
Joey

‘60 Kombi - '74 Bus - '79 Panel - '65 Beetle

[Manfreds78bay]

I read on the forums a while back that the original vw starters that came with the buses where bulletproof and having one rebuilt was better than buying a new one for reliability.

I took that advice and found one had it rebuilt by a local shop and have had no issues with the starter at all.

I also installed the hot start relay from Bus Da Pot and love it.

I know. I know. It's not fixing the real problem, but it's nice to have a bus you can relay (get it?) on while you track down this issue.

Am I wrong?
_________________
1978 2.0L FI Campmobile

1982 AMC Eagle SX4 4.2L FI

[SGKent]

[bobnorman]

[Stuartzickefoose]

[SGKent]

lube the solenoid if whacking it makes it start. It is the most common issue VW starters have.

[tootype2crazy]

[mnskmobi]

I suggest the OP try and grease the bushing. I had the same problem and after fruitless attempts to disassemble the solenoid ended up reinstalling everything and greased the bushing as per Bentley. Problem solved!

[Stuartzickefoose]

my problem has a new starter, and hitting the starter when you have the key turned made it start working, which points to a sticky starter. i think i am going to replace the starter (again) and see what that does. autozone sells em for about 40 bucks, so its not gonna hurt that bad.


i think they are remanned, but if it has a lifetime warranty, ill swap it out if the issue reoccurs.
_________________
Stuart Zickefoose

2011 Jetta Sportwagen TDi 6 speed manual

206-841-7324
[email protected]

[bobnorman]

[germansupplyscott]

[Joey]

It wasn't the battery. I always carry an extra fully charged battery with me on long trips. I swapped it and it still wouldn't start. My battery lives under the Z-bed. The ground cable goes from the battery to one of the seat belt mounting bolts. All is clean and tight.

BTW - the vehicle were talking about here is my '74 Bus which has a '79 FI engine/trans.

I'm going to check the connections at the ignition switch this evening to make sure all is good and clean.
_________________
Joey

‘60 Kombi - '74 Bus - '79 Panel - '65 Beetle

[GeorgeO.]

I've experienced this problem and it came down to the water level in my battery. Drive for any extended period of time and it would not start. Low levels of water in the battery can quickly discharge a battery to where you loose your cranking amps. I've experienced broken battery cables as well. As long as you don't have grease or grime on your starter post and connections, you may want to try there.

[SGKent]

[airschooled]

[Stuartzickefoose]

i have a 78 automatic that i just put a new ignition switch, starter, and cleaned all connections and had it charging perfectly, and starting every time. guy took it on a trip and after highway miles, had a hot start problem. he made it home by whacking the starter....but its a NEW starter! any ideas?
_________________
Stuart Zickefoose

2011 Jetta Sportwagen TDi 6 speed manual

206-841-7324
[email protected]

[busdaddy]

[SGKent]

[bobnorman]