Board Logo
Go To Bottom

Printable Version  
[ Total Views: 726 | Total Replies: 20 | Thread Id: 107144 ]
Author: Subject:  Ignition problem
Memberdonn
Wolfsburg Elder
*******


Avatar


Posts: 3515
Threads: 428
Registered: November 30th, 2005
Member Is Offline

Location: NEWCASTLE NSW
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Blue
Mood: LAID BACK AND CONFUSED

posted on September 10th, 2014 at 03:45 PM
Ignition problem


So out of the blue the bug has developed an ignition problem, turn the key, dash lights come on, turn further to start and nothing changes, the dash lights stay on the same brightness but nothing else, starter doesn't click, doesn't even try to turn the engine over, nuffn, any clues as to where to start?:mad:



I dream of a day when a chicken can cross a road without being asked for it's motive!
Memberdonn
Wolfsburg Elder
*******


Avatar


Posts: 3515
Threads: 428
Registered: November 30th, 2005
Member Is Offline

Location: NEWCASTLE NSW
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Blue
Mood: LAID BACK AND CONFUSED

posted on September 10th, 2014 at 05:13 PM



Just some more info that may or may not be relevant, when the ignition is turned on the hand brake light is illuminated even though the hand brake is not applied. It goes out when the engine is started ( clutch start) not sure if it did this before, I have had the car for only a few weeks. :smirk: and can't say that I have noticed it before.



I dream of a day when a chicken can cross a road without being asked for it's motive!
Super Moderatormatberry
Super Moderator
Go hard or go home
*******

Rank Avatar

Avatar


Posts: 8114
Threads: 134
Registered: March 7th, 2006
Member Is Offline

Location: Cooroy Qld
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Blue
Mood: enjoying waving at all my Kombi buddies from my T3

posted on September 10th, 2014 at 06:59 PM



Souds like the ignition switch contacts have worn out. Might just be the plug on the column , what model car, guessing your cabriolet



Matt Berry Motorsports...air cooled advice, repairs and mods Ph 0408 704 662
OFF-ROAD,CIRCUIT,DRAG,STREET,ENDURANCE
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo199/mattberry-photo/20032011354-2.jpg
Memberdonn
Wolfsburg Elder
*******


Avatar


Posts: 3515
Threads: 428
Registered: November 30th, 2005
Member Is Offline

Location: NEWCASTLE NSW
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Blue
Mood: LAID BACK AND CONFUSED

posted on September 10th, 2014 at 07:07 PM



Yes Mat, 76 cab, converted to RHD about 20 years ago as I understand it



I dream of a day when a chicken can cross a road without being asked for it's motive!
Super Moderatormatberry
Super Moderator
Go hard or go home
*******

Rank Avatar

Avatar


Posts: 8114
Threads: 134
Registered: March 7th, 2006
Member Is Offline

Location: Cooroy Qld
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Blue
Mood: enjoying waving at all my Kombi buddies from my T3

posted on September 10th, 2014 at 07:30 PM



Being converted, they may have extended the wiring harness, possibly a connection has failed where there is a join if poorley done, but usually it's the switch or a wire fallen off with your symptoms.
So check the plug at the column, the small wire on the starter solenoid (and under the back seat there is a connector/join in the starter cable), any joins in the harness relating to the ign switch or extension, or the electrical part of the switch.




Matt Berry Motorsports...air cooled advice, repairs and mods Ph 0408 704 662
OFF-ROAD,CIRCUIT,DRAG,STREET,ENDURANCE
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo199/mattberry-photo/20032011354-2.jpg
Memberdonn
Wolfsburg Elder
*******


Avatar


Posts: 3515
Threads: 428
Registered: November 30th, 2005
Member Is Offline

Location: NEWCASTLE NSW
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Blue
Mood: LAID BACK AND CONFUSED

posted on September 10th, 2014 at 08:01 PM



Hmm, just went out to the garage to start investigating, hit the key and it turned over imediatly, turned it off and tried again nuffn, hit it a couple of more times with no go and then and it worked, next time no go :grind: sounds like (before going in deeper) like you may be on it Mat , with the worn contacts, are all these switches interchangeable?
And how do I get the aftermarket steering wheel off, I've tried everything except brute force and a FBH, but can't find the secret.




I dream of a day when a chicken can cross a road without being asked for it's motive!
MemberAA003
A.k.a.: Phill
Custom Title Time!
*****


Avatar


Posts: 1189
Threads: 39
Registered: October 27th, 2011
Member Is Offline

Location: Southern Highlands
Theme: UltimaBB Streamlined2

posted on September 10th, 2014 at 08:28 PM



Starter motor could be defective.



I read it on samba, so it must be correct.

Sometimes Volkswagen dealers sell spare parts. Amazing isn't it!:lol:
Memberdonn
Wolfsburg Elder
*******


Avatar


Posts: 3515
Threads: 428
Registered: November 30th, 2005
Member Is Offline

Location: NEWCASTLE NSW
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Blue
Mood: LAID BACK AND CONFUSED

posted on September 10th, 2014 at 08:35 PM



That's what I thought at first but my limited knowledge suggests that if the starter is the problem then the dash lights would dim when i tried to start it, no?



I dream of a day when a chicken can cross a road without being asked for it's motive!
Super Moderatormatberry
Super Moderator
Go hard or go home
*******

Rank Avatar

Avatar


Posts: 8114
Threads: 134
Registered: March 7th, 2006
Member Is Offline

Location: Cooroy Qld
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Blue
Mood: enjoying waving at all my Kombi buddies from my T3

posted on September 10th, 2014 at 09:52 PM



yep, usually the lights will dim suggesting some actual current flow to the starter.

Steering wheel, you have to get to the nut that's under the horn button....the rest is up to you without a pic to help




Matt Berry Motorsports...air cooled advice, repairs and mods Ph 0408 704 662
OFF-ROAD,CIRCUIT,DRAG,STREET,ENDURANCE
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo199/mattberry-photo/20032011354-2.jpg
Memberh
A.k.a.: Towely BuMpEr KING! ILLegal ALIEN on a roadtrip
Scirocco Rare
fractals - an ever changing lifestyle
*********


Avatar


Posts: 7670
Threads: 375
Registered: February 3rd, 2005
Member Is Offline

Location: noosa hillbilly 'yee har'
Theme: XMBX Pro Green
Mood: A T3 is not a Kombi - stop waving at me

posted on September 10th, 2014 at 10:02 PM



go Donny!



fractal geometry; the inner most limits of mind altering abuse

Fantasy http://seventhchronicle.com 

Z = Z2 + C1/r = 1/0 = infinity

Barrels http://www.barrelman.com.au 

VW Workshop - aircooledgarage.com.au
allcooled.com.au
MemberAA003
A.k.a.: Phill
Custom Title Time!
*****


Avatar


Posts: 1189
Threads: 39
Registered: October 27th, 2011
Member Is Offline

Location: Southern Highlands
Theme: UltimaBB Streamlined2

posted on September 11th, 2014 at 06:19 AM



Quote:
Originally posted by donn
That's what I thought at first but my limited knowledge suggests that if the starter is the problem then the dash lights would dim when i tried to start it, no?


No, not if the starter is o/c. short brushes, solenoid defective etc.




I read it on samba, so it must be correct.

Sometimes Volkswagen dealers sell spare parts. Amazing isn't it!:lol:
Super Moderatormatberry
Super Moderator
Go hard or go home
*******

Rank Avatar

Avatar


Posts: 8114
Threads: 134
Registered: March 7th, 2006
Member Is Offline

Location: Cooroy Qld
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Blue
Mood: enjoying waving at all my Kombi buddies from my T3

posted on September 11th, 2014 at 08:18 AM



^ correct, but in 35 years I've never seen a starter fail into o/c like that, (that I can remember) and in this case the problem comes and goes so my call is switch or wiring o/c (open circuit)



Matt Berry Motorsports...air cooled advice, repairs and mods Ph 0408 704 662
OFF-ROAD,CIRCUIT,DRAG,STREET,ENDURANCE
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo199/mattberry-photo/20032011354-2.jpg
Memberdonn
Wolfsburg Elder
*******


Avatar


Posts: 3515
Threads: 428
Registered: November 30th, 2005
Member Is Offline

Location: NEWCASTLE NSW
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Blue
Mood: LAID BACK AND CONFUSED

posted on September 11th, 2014 at 10:30 AM



Hmm, we'll after an hour or so in a fruitless effort to remove bathe steering wheel I tried starting it again, I've found that by wiggling the key I can get it to start ( still spasmodic fault though fails outnumber the successes ) maybe it's just a worn key:smilegrin:



I dream of a day when a chicken can cross a road without being asked for it's motive!
Memberbeetleboyjeff
A.k.a.: Jeff Walsh
Custom Title Time!
*****


Avatar


Posts: 1773
Threads: 40
Registered: February 13th, 2009
Member Is Offline

Location: Port Macquarie
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Blue ( Default )
Mood: Drive bugs hard

posted on September 11th, 2014 at 01:33 PM



If the key was too worn, it would not turn the ignition, or any key would turn it. If it is turning, it is OK. The problem is the switch at the back of the ignition.

The steering wheel should come off if you have undone the nut on the top of the column. Post a photo.




From your ole' mate Jeff
MemberAA003
A.k.a.: Phill
Custom Title Time!
*****


Avatar


Posts: 1189
Threads: 39
Registered: October 27th, 2011
Member Is Offline

Location: Southern Highlands
Theme: UltimaBB Streamlined2

posted on September 11th, 2014 at 02:45 PM



I've just noticed that it is a '76. These have the plastic ignition switch that fail. They are very cheap and easy to replace.



I read it on samba, so it must be correct.

Sometimes Volkswagen dealers sell spare parts. Amazing isn't it!:lol:
Memberdonn
Wolfsburg Elder
*******


Avatar


Posts: 3515
Threads: 428
Registered: November 30th, 2005
Member Is Offline

Location: NEWCASTLE NSW
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Blue
Mood: LAID BACK AND CONFUSED

posted on September 11th, 2014 at 03:49 PM



Jeff, please don't bring logic into the discussion, it never works with me:crazy: but I think you may be correct as I have an almost new key and that made no difference, finally got the wheel off, seems I was trying too hard,:lol:tonight I'm going to see if I can get the switch out, hopefully it's like AA003 says buy I'm not hopeful



I dream of a day when a chicken can cross a road without being asked for it's motive!
MemberAA003
A.k.a.: Phill
Custom Title Time!
*****


Avatar


Posts: 1189
Threads: 39
Registered: October 27th, 2011
Member Is Offline

Location: Southern Highlands
Theme: UltimaBB Streamlined2

posted on September 11th, 2014 at 08:00 PM



I carry a spare in my glovebox in both T3s. That's how reliable these switches are.



I read it on samba, so it must be correct.

Sometimes Volkswagen dealers sell spare parts. Amazing isn't it!:lol:
Memberdonn
Wolfsburg Elder
*******


Avatar


Posts: 3515
Threads: 428
Registered: November 30th, 2005
Member Is Offline

Location: NEWCASTLE NSW
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Blue
Mood: LAID BACK AND CONFUSED

posted on September 11th, 2014 at 09:23 PM



OK, I've got most of it disasembled (hopefully I can reasemble it when I get the new part :crazy::no:) but I cant figure out how to get the last piece out, the piece with the electrical connections right at the back, I can't get the plastic cover off, seems that it has to come off when the steering column is removed, I'm thinking that there must be a spring clip or screw holding the last piece in. Hopefully I can load some pics

Error
Sorry, you must be a registered user in order to download attachments.


Error
Sorry, you must be a registered user in order to download attachments.


Error
Sorry, you must be a registered user in order to download attachments.




I dream of a day when a chicken can cross a road without being asked for it's motive!
Memberbeetleboyjeff
A.k.a.: Jeff Walsh
Custom Title Time!
*****


Avatar


Posts: 1773
Threads: 40
Registered: February 13th, 2009
Member Is Offline

Location: Port Macquarie
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Blue ( Default )
Mood: Drive bugs hard

posted on September 11th, 2014 at 09:53 PM



Don, on the other side of the column, there is an allen head screw that tightens a clamp around the steering column. Undo that, and you should be able to slide the cast piece off with the switch in it.
It should look like this - you can see the clamp on the left.
http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb364/Jeff_Walsh/General%20VW%20photos/Steeringcolumnbase.jpg




From your ole' mate Jeff
Memberdonn
Wolfsburg Elder
*******


Avatar


Posts: 3515
Threads: 428
Registered: November 30th, 2005
Member Is Offline

Location: NEWCASTLE NSW
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Blue
Mood: LAID BACK AND CONFUSED

posted on September 12th, 2014 at 12:32 PM



ALL GOOD woohoo:starhit:;):dork::lol::tu: Well it seems to be all good, time will tell I guess, thanks Mat, AA003 and Jeff, oh, and h for the gee along and Glen T for trying to help when he realy didn't have much time to spare. Yep, it was the plastic electrical connection thingie, and now I know how to get to it (really simple when you know how) it should be a damned lot quicker if I have to do it again, got the part in Newie too so that's a bonus. Comboyne here we come.



I dream of a day when a chicken can cross a road without being asked for it's motive!
Memberbeetleboyjeff
A.k.a.: Jeff Walsh
Custom Title Time!
*****


Avatar


Posts: 1773
Threads: 40
Registered: February 13th, 2009
Member Is Offline

Location: Port Macquarie
Theme: UltimaBB Pro Blue ( Default )
Mood: Drive bugs hard

posted on September 12th, 2014 at 12:51 PM



Great news.

Looking forward to seeing you at Comboyne.




From your ole' mate Jeff


  Go To Top


Powered by GaiaBB, © 2011 The GaiaBB Group
(C) 2001-2024 Aussieveedubbers

[ Queries: 40 ] [ PHP: 2.9% - SQL: 97.1% ]