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.
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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]

[OldSchoolVW's]

In my previous post, I showed how I originally modified the wiring to keep it simple and as close to stock as possible. I currently have it wired as shown below. Faulty connections in the original light switch were causing intermittent failure in the ignition circuit, so I decided to isolate the ignition circuit from the light switch. Since the light switch is a pain to get to, I just decided to replace it, but don't trust it to be as durable as the original. So far this current set up has proved to be reliable.

_________________
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

[jacobsteel]

Thank you all! My ignition switch failed soon after (the connector to the "start" position fell off). As I was traveling I had to solve the problem on the road.

Yes, OldSchoolVW's, the light switch is really hard to get to. To re-attach a couple of cables there took almost as long as the entire relay design...


I ended up getting 30A fused double relay
https://www.biltema.se/en-se/car---mc/car-electric...2000049772

The ignition switch "start" position is activated by a separate Start-switch ("start power"), what remains of the ignition switch activates the "Run-power"

Double relay in place (fused 30A)

Connections to the ignition/starter switch with screw terminals

Schematic for the above double relay, with a common +12V feed.

[indianpeaksjoe]

One more +1 for wiring in a hard start relay, it is really easy to do. I put one on my 66 in like an hour including getting it up on the ramps .
https://robonza.com/beetle/index.php/2024/05/23/hot-start-issue-part-iv-hard-start-relay-install/

-Joe
_________________
Adventures in owning a 66 beetle

[runamoc]

[indianpeaksjoe]

Totally agree! And I have one in there. That was in progress pic, I mention in the linked blog post that I used a grommet.

Good eyes .

-Joe
_________________
Adventures in owning a 66 beetle

[runamoc]