Kombi won\'t start! [fixed !!]

rice_girl Seriously Crusin Dubber

153 posts · joined Jul 2003 · 28 Dec 2004, 7:51 pm

#285148

Help!! Our 73' Kombi started fine this morning, but then boyfriend stalled in the driveway and it wouldn't start after that. Push started it and it went fine until we turned it off again at the servo! Thought it may have been a flat battery as he was hooking up lights and all sorts of things last night but after a full battery recharge and still no cigar we are stumped. Once it's going it is great but it just won't start! Could it be the starter motor relay????

Our auto electrician is away on holidays until the new year and we don't want to worry about whats wrong with it for that long, anyone have an idea on what it could be?

[Edited on 29/12/2004 by rice_girl]

GO MANLY!!

Beaker Casual Dubber

48 posts · joined Dec 2004 · 28 Dec 2004, 8:41 pm

#285177

If the starter motor won't wind over when it's hot, then it'll be the starter motor solenoid. Next time it happens try earthing it out with a screwdriver.

phantom Wolfsburg Wizard

598 posts · joined Mar 2004 · 28 Dec 2004, 9:18 pm

#285207

I had similar with my Falcon years ago (sorry to mention another make here...), it ended up that to start the car I had to get the wife to turn the key while I shorted the starter motor out with my Club steering lock. Interesting thing to do at night with onlookers!

Try that, it may get you going until the sparky is back online. Good luck.

www.canberravw.com

david Custom Title Time!

1,013 posts · joined Nov 2002 · 28 Dec 2004, 9:19 pm

#285210

BanoraBus Seriously Crusin Dubber

137 posts · joined Aug 2004 · 28 Dec 2004, 9:28 pm

#285222

Can the starter motor solenoid be heard throwing out? It might just be sticking in that case it might just need a technical tap, are the terminals clean on the battery and clamps, corrosion will put a high resistance on the wire limiting the current flow to the starter motor.

rice_girl Seriously Crusin Dubber

153 posts · joined Jul 2003 · 28 Dec 2004, 9:36 pm

#285236

BanoraBus wrote:Can the starter motor solenoid be heard throwing out? It might just be sticking in that case it might just need a technical tap, are the terminals clean on the battery and clamps, corrosion will put a high resistance on the wire limiting the current flow to the starter motor.

When turning the key there is no sound whatsoever! no sound of it trying to click over or anything, the battery terminals are clean as we took the battery off and recharged. :S

GO MANLY!!

BanoraBus Seriously Crusin Dubber

137 posts · joined Aug 2004 · 28 Dec 2004, 9:54 pm

#285250

Have you got a test light/ multimeter to see if power is getting to the solenoid if not you may have an open circuit or poor connection on the ignition switch, might even pay to get the battery tested under load it maybe on the way out

rice_girl Seriously Crusin Dubber

153 posts · joined Jul 2003 · 28 Dec 2004, 10:14 pm

#285262

BanoraBus wrote:Have you got a test light/ multimeter to see if power is getting to the solenoid if not you may have an open circuit or poor connection on the ignition switch, might even pay to get the battery tested under load it maybe on the way out

Yes we have a test light and will try that tomorrow, Not to sound like an idiot (although I just may well be!), but where might the solenoid be found? Is there a diagram or photo I could follow?

GO MANLY!!

BanoraBus Seriously Crusin Dubber

137 posts · joined Aug 2004 · 29 Dec 2004, 12:30 am

#285283

You could try the test light at the ignition switch to see if power is passing thru ok, power goes from your battery to the ignition switch then back to the starter motor. Shorting out to poles on the starter motor will prove that it is ok.
Solenoid is mounted on the starter motor, you'll find a picture on the first link also has a fault finding guide

http://www.hallvw.clara.net/starter.htm#Starting

http://www.aircooledtech.com/solenoid_repair/

hope this helps

rice_girl Seriously Crusin Dubber

153 posts · joined Jul 2003 · 29 Dec 2004, 2:05 pm

#285432

Thanks for the help, the problem is rectified! The test light picked up a bad fuse connection. All is now good again, phew!

[Edited on 29/12/2004 by rice_girl]

GO MANLY!!

Davecho Seriously Crusin Dubber

122 posts · joined Jul 2003 · 29 Dec 2004, 2:15 pm

#285435

wohoo!!! told ya i didnt break it :P

'73 Bay - Fergus

BanoraBus Seriously Crusin Dubber

137 posts · joined Aug 2004 · 29 Dec 2004, 8:29 pm

#285522

Always good to hear problems are fixed and even better when they turn out to be cheap 😎

kombi_kid Moderator Good Kid too many projects

124 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 29 Dec 2004, 8:32 pm

#285525

or do a colin and hit the solenoid with a 3 pound hammer itll fix it!!
cheers
rhys
p.s. good to hear its fixed!

it aint just cool its aircool'd