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possible bad ignition switch

Posted: Wed Jun 24, 2015 6:34 pm
by mentalQtip
1977 fuel injection bus

I've been struggling with this beast for a long time. I now can't even get it to turn over. Sometimes, not often, it does turn over, then it doesn't for a long time. I've checked power at the wire to the solenoid with a test light and five times it was dead, and once it lit. I'm judging that I have a bad switch. I've heard that switches are a bear to replace. Any thoughts, please?

Joseph

Re: possible bad ignition switch

Posted: Wed Jun 24, 2015 6:48 pm
by cegammel
If it's like the vanagon, then it isn't hard at all, just time consuming. I had a similar issue, replaced my switch, starter, and then finally cleaned all my grounds. The combination has left my van very reliable.

Re: possible bad ignition switch

Posted: Wed Jun 24, 2015 6:58 pm
by mentalQtip
Does it involve removing the whole steering column? And I have read that there is a snap ring that is problematic.

Re: possible bad ignition switch

Posted: Wed Jun 24, 2015 7:16 pm
by tristessa
Get a new switch and test with that before you go tearing the column apart -- you can reach under the column and unplug the harness from the switch, then plug in another switch and see if that helps. CAREFULLY turn the new switch with a screwdriver...

Re: possible bad ignition switch

Posted: Wed Jun 24, 2015 10:58 pm
by mentalQtip
Why a screwdriver? A new switch would have a key, wouldn't it?

Re: possible bad ignition switch

Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2015 4:25 am
by cegammel
The part replaced lies under the key tumbler...I am not sure how it works, but no new keys are required. The Vanagon does not require removal of the column, just the steering wheel, switches, and steering lock mechanism. The buses maybe very different....

Re: possible bad ignition switch

Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2015 6:56 am
by tristessa
The SWITCH is the electrical part, the LOCK is what needs a key. If we're testing with a different SWITCH plugged in, you need something to turn it with, hence the screwdriver.

Re: possible bad ignition switch

Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2015 5:41 pm
by mentalQtip
Ok. New switch added. Screwdriver carefully inserted and twisted. Idiot lights come on and ....... No crank. When I turn to start position the idiot lights go completely out, instead of just dimming. But no crank.
Beginning to suggest a wiring short?

Joseph

Re: possible bad ignition switch

Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2015 6:48 pm
by Amskeptic
mentalQtip wrote:Ok. New switch added. Screwdriver carefully inserted and twisted. Idiot lights come on and ....... No crank. When I turn to start position the idiot lights go completely out, instead of just dimming. But no crank.
Beginning to suggest a wiring short?

Joseph
A starter current draw that sucks the lights off the idiot lights is a potentially serious issue, OR just a loose battery cable . . .
Test the starter at the starter and see if the motor turns properly (bridge the big posts), if it is slow and growly and sparky, the starter motor may have an issue.
Then see if the starter engages and turns the engine by bridging the push-on terminal (red/black wire) with the battery cable post on the solenoid.
If the starter does not turn or sparks excessively, do not melt the new ignition switch. Find out what is going on with the starter.
Colin :cyclopsani:

Re: possible bad ignition switch

Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2015 7:35 pm
by mentalQtip
Battery cables tight. Starter spins. Bridge push on to battery cable post and engine turns briskly. Go back to new switch and........ bright idiot lights that go out when turning to start.

Gee. Whats left?

Joseph

Re: possible bad ignition switch

Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2015 7:37 pm
by mentalQtip
Actually I did see more sparks than I expected but the engine did turn quickly/briskly.

Re: possible bad ignition switch

Posted: Fri Jun 26, 2015 4:34 am
by cegammel
Did you / can you check continuity between the spade at the starter and the switch? In my case, the starter was at fault, even though it passed the spin test. Also....make sure the spade is on the correct post...

Re: possible bad ignition switch

Posted: Fri Jun 26, 2015 10:21 am
by mentalQtip
There is a single spade by itself on one side of the solenoid and on the other side(top) there are two spades joined together. I am vague on which is what.

Joseph

Re: possible bad ignition switch

Posted: Fri Jun 26, 2015 4:23 pm
by tristessa
And which of those do you have the wire connected to?

Re: possible bad ignition switch

Posted: Fri Jun 26, 2015 4:59 pm
by mentalQtip
I now have both attached to the upper spades that are connected. Still no joy.

Joseph