Vanagon starts when it pleases

[Cndyluv]

Hi there. New here. I need HELP PLEASE! I have a 1990 vanagon automatic. Replaced starter and ignition switch battery is new. The van starts when ever it wants too. I thought the new ignition switch I put in today would do the trick. Does anybody know what it might be or how I could find out.? Also it does have an alarm can that not be working properly and cause the van to not start up? Thank you.

[sanchius]

Welcome... You may need to be more specific about the fail symptoms.

no crank or crank + no fire

This is one approach

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[kamzcab86]

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[danfromsyr]

YES, this CAN cause the issues.. amongst other things..
do try it in Neutral 1st. there are 'interlock' starter contacts in the shift console.
they age and get worn out.. they are available new from some vanagon vendors if this proves to be the case..

[michaelbteam]

In our 86 Weekender with about 90K miles, the ignition "hesitates" to engage. I thought at first it was a bad battery, and jumped it a few times. Since then I've seen that if I just hold the ignition on for an extra second, it finally engages the starter.
Sounds like this could be a failing interlock??

[riceye]

Check the small gauge wire at the starter with the female spade connector to be sure the connection is clean and tight. I have had this happen to me.

Probably a good idea to check all of your grounds, as well.
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[tencentlife]

Does the OP mean the engine doesn't always start when she wants it to? Or does it spontaneously start itself at random times, presumed to be according to it's own conscious intent?

Being a VW, the latter is not impossible, except for the consciousness bit.
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