After I recently installed a starter in my '70 Super Beetle, the headlights quit working, and after getting the engine running, the starter would sometimes keep running until I backed the key toward the off position. Also, the engine would keep running when I took the key all the way to the off position and removed it. Thinking the light problem may be related to the ignition problem, I took the switch apart from the lock column by pulling from the bottom. I removed some grease from around the switch and found a copper (?) piece about half way between a penny and a nickel. It's only round on about a third of the edge; the rest is cut out with rectangular or square shapes, forming an overall triangular shape; it has raised contact points and a couple of tabs that stick out. It does not appear in the Haynes manual and gets no mention in Muir's book. I have tried to put it back in and then snap the switch back in place, but this resulted in a little smoke. So now, I've got some grease to put back where I think I remember finding it and want to try to put this together so I can at least get the car running again, even if I then have to drive it to the mechanic. I would appreciate any advice. Thanks!
- posted
16 years ago