starter probs

Jumper the starter like this (Shift in Neutral!!):

If this works, you have too much voltage drop in the circuit from Ignition switch to starter solenoid. It's a looong way from front to back in a Bus and everything must be perfect for it to work.

When you get tired of replacing ignition switches, etc., put a booster relay in the circuit.

Speedy Jim

That worked well to jump it at that location, do you suppose I should just run a couple wires with a toggle switch? It hasnt been started all that many times since changing the switch, and as when I did change the switch I messed up some other things in the steering wheel assembly and don't really want to go there again.

The booster relay Speedy Jim is talking about can be installed near the started and all it requires is ground from somewhere around there. It goes between the wire from the ignition switch and the starter solenoid.

This article goes over how the starter is wired and the installation of the booster relay (bottom of page).

FYI - Some don't like the idea of using the relay to fix this problem. The "proper fix" is to run a new wire all the way from the ignition to the starter. IMHO, other manufactures like Ford have used starter relays, very similar to these, for decades with few problems. To me this is an acceptable solution to old wiring.

AshMan40

It might help if I actually included the link:

AshMan40

You only need one wire from the solenoid spade terminal. You can even tap into that wire conveniently under the rear seat. Look for the Red wire spliced to a Red/Blk on the left side. Just jumper that point to battery (+) with a toggle switch/push button.

Jim

I like the Ford solenoid method. I've heard some people use a horn relay. Anyway you get a better connection to the starter is the goal. Good luck, believe you me , it is a common problem. these cars are getting old.

blah...bullshit.... fix the starting system *then* add the relay to "improve" all you want...there's nothing "acceptable" about covering up problems...that's a hack fix...

Agreed... Fix the problem, not the symptoms. The VW system worked for decades without problems... without a relay.

Jan

It's easier to add a relay than to replace the wiring harness.

Uh oh. I sense a religious war coming on.

I put the push button switch in line to be able to start the beast, thanks Speedy. I also like to not engineer problems in this fashion, but alas it is done this time. The red wire under the seat was spliced, so before I installed the push button switch I put a meter on the wire from the key switch while it was unspliced and the voltage remained at a little under 12 volts while in the start detent. Then if I went under the car and hooked it up to the starter and checked the voltage again it wouldn't get above 1 or 2 volts. Seemed odd to me. Thanks all.

it's easier to fill rust holes with "bondo" than it is to repair it properly too....doesn't make it right...VW people are notorious for being tight assed hacks....i wonder why?

Now you have a problem with rust too? Man, you have some serious issues!

the only issues i have is with bad advice and hack fixes...