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Well my 71 VW will not turn over. I drove it in the big storm we had this winter and everything was fine except getting stuck twice. It has been sitting outside. Anyways, new battery, and when I try and turn it over, nothing, no click, nothing. Before I pull the starter, is there a glitch to these things or something I should look at. I bought the car from my son’s friend because they had to move and I am not a vw guy.
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VW will not turn over
- Thread starter sp53
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Geo Hahn
Yoda
Offline
What model is this?
On mine (an 84 but they don't change much) the ignition switch is a common failure point. Luckily in my case it is a cheap part and easy to swap out:
VW Ignition Switch
I seem to recall they used that same switch in many models & for many years. That is a Bosch p/n on that listing so perhaps that will tell if it fits.
Other areas to check are clean solid connections at the starter and (as always) good grounds.
On mine (an 84 but they don't change much) the ignition switch is a common failure point. Luckily in my case it is a cheap part and easy to swap out:
VW Ignition Switch
I seem to recall they used that same switch in many models & for many years. That is a Bosch p/n on that listing so perhaps that will tell if it fits.
Other areas to check are clean solid connections at the starter and (as always) good grounds.
Bruce Bowker
Obi Wan
Offline
Any dash lights? Headlights? Or is everything just dead as if no battery in it?
It is a super beetle Geo and that was my first guess, and I like the price too. Is there an easy way to hotwire it? The stereo works fine and the dash lights are strong. It is in kinda in a difficult spot to work on and there is a hill. Perhaps I should try a push start? I just do not want to have to drag it back if it does not start. I thought perhaps the solenoid because I looked at one on line and it had this moving part that I am not familiar with. It would start real easy before and crank strong.
Geo Hahn
Yoda
Offline
Well if it's on a hill and you're at all lucky it should start right up once it's moving... use 2nd gear of course (assuming you're pointed down hill).
Do you have a wiring diagram? If not, sure to be one online.
If all else fails you can ask over at the Samba (or I can ask for you):
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewforum.php?f=3
Do you have a wiring diagram? If not, sure to be one online.
If all else fails you can ask over at the Samba (or I can ask for you):
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewforum.php?f=3
Scot1966
Jedi Hopeful
Offline
sp53 said:
My 73 super beetle did the exact same thing. An easy way to bypass the ignition switch for a quick, easy test; Pull up the back seat, find the wire that runs through the floorpan to the solenoid. It should be red,posibly white striped, and goes right next to where the positive lead goes through the pan. Follow the red wire towards the drivers side of the interior. There is a connection that has a plastic insulator that you can disconnect. Run a jumper from the solenoid side of the wire long enough to touch it to the positive side of of the battery, If it turns over, it is probably the ignition switch.
Banjo
Yoda
Offline
On my 70 Type 3 the battery was loose and when it shifted a bit it pulled the solenoid wire off the starter. The wire ran next to the battery before it went through the bulkhead. It was a very quick fix in the parking lot to reach under and pop it back on.
Did I mention this cars was a complete pile when I got it? (Still is to a slightly lesser degree)
Anyhow, it'd be a good idea to get a wiring diagram/ shop manual, and take a look through it. It'll come in real handy if you're planning to keep the car for a while.
As said above, the ignition switch is a very common issue.
Another trouble spot is the plastic connector at the base of the steering column where the body harness connects to the pigtails on the ignition switch. Make sure it hasn't pulled out, or started to melt. they run a lot of current through that switch. It's a common thing to wire a relay inline to lessen the draw. it greatly improves the life of the switch.
The Samba forum is a good resource for all things VW. But be aware, it's a different culture than this site.
Did I mention this cars was a complete pile when I got it? (Still is to a slightly lesser degree)
Anyhow, it'd be a good idea to get a wiring diagram/ shop manual, and take a look through it. It'll come in real handy if you're planning to keep the car for a while.
As said above, the ignition switch is a very common issue.
Another trouble spot is the plastic connector at the base of the steering column where the body harness connects to the pigtails on the ignition switch. Make sure it hasn't pulled out, or started to melt. they run a lot of current through that switch. It's a common thing to wire a relay inline to lessen the draw. it greatly improves the life of the switch.
The Samba forum is a good resource for all things VW. But be aware, it's a different culture than this site.