I have a 72 super beetle auto stick. Recenlty I have been having a hard time getting the car to start, meaning when the key is in and turned on, nothing happens, and then all of a sudden I try it again and bam it hits and starts right away. Is this a key switch problem, or maybe a nurtal safety problem.
Also when I put the key in the ignition, and turn it on, not all the way, I get a loud screeching sound coming from the speaker area of the dash, any idea what this could be?
Steve
Hiya east,
Just a couple of guesses based on my experience..................
About the starting problem: I would think that your problem is more likely to be found in the keyswitch than in the nuetral safety switch. The nuetral safety switch is basically just a plunger/on-off sort of switch. Very reliable and not prone to breakdown. The keyswitch on the other hand is a more complex mechanism and much more likely to be your problem source.
The noise coming from the speaker area: VWs in the early seventies were equipped with a warning buzzer which was wired into the keyswitch. Many times these buzzers have been disabled by previous owners. And they didn't really buzz, it was more of a high pitched mechanical whine. That might be the source of your intermittant screech.
And finally.............. that you are having problems with starting and (possibly) a problem with a device wired into your keyswitch tends to reinforce the idea that the source of the problem is in the keyswitch and/or the wiring leading into and out of the keyswitch.
Hi Guys,
I just remembered about the buzzers used in North Americian Beetles...
I have read that most were just shorted out so the car would start..
the starter switches in beetles are now Very OLD...
Much older than any other cars on the road [vintage cars excepted]
so the contacts are finally wearing or burning out..
so a replacement of the switch will fix the problem...
My switch was like that but I added a relay above the starter motor
and no more problems..
I also had a problem with one of the neutral switch wires
the end had just about come out of the plastic piece
so it was just touching the neutral switch...
anyway its nothing major...
I also added another - small toggle switch [spring loaded]
to start the engine if the key switch fails...
Lee
OK I had to take a little break from working on my car, as I have said before I have a little one running around who is about to turn one and thats my main priority..lol but man he keeps me busy..:)
Back to the car, I want to explain what is going on in hopes of you guys pointing me in the right direction. As I said before when I stick the key in the ignition and turn it the red lights on the speedometer comes on and the lights work, and so does the horn but I cant get it to even begin to turn over and start. I used to be able to get it to after so many tries, but not now. I havent tried anything yet, but does it sound like a switch or could it be my battery where I haven't started the care in over a month. It seems like all the lights wouldn't work if the battery was dead, but maybe there is just enough power for the lights but not to start. Any help would be appreciated, If you think it is the switch, where do I get one, a link would be helpful, I trued CIP1 and couldn't find one.
Thanks a bunch,
Steve
Hiya Steve,
Usually if you have enough juice in the battery to light the dash lights (assuming here that the dash lights are lighting up bright and NOT just barely coming on) you will have enough juice to get some kind of reaction out of the starter. You might want to hook up your multimeter to both poles of your battery. If it's in good shape you should be getting a reading slightly over 12 volts. If it's in minimally acceptable shape you should get a reading of around 10 volts.
That you get no response when trying to start would indicate (assuming here that the battery is good) that you have a problem with:
1. The Ignition Switch
2. The Nuetral Safety Switch
3. The Starter Solenoid
4. A Wiring Problem
The possibilities and their liklihood.............
1. The ignition switch is a very likely cause of your problems especially if the onset of this starting problem was sudden. The ignition switch has three components. The first is the keyswitch. It's very robust and long-lasting. Regular maintenance of cleaning and lubrication will keep this part going almost forever. The steering lock will work very well if lubricated and cleaned on a regular basis. The electrical switch component is the weak link. And from your description of the problem this is the most likely cause of your problem. I'm not sure of the year of your car, but here's an electrical switch from CIP1.........http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=VWC%2D311%2D905%2D865%2DA
2. While the nuetral safety switch certainly could cause your problem it is much less likely to be the culprit than the ignition switch. It's a simple construction and not prone to breakdown.
3. The starter solenoid is a likely cause. Be certain to check out the electrical connections to the starter solenoid. Make sure all connections are bright and shiny. This is especially important if your battery is a little less than it should be. It takes just about 10 volts to kick this solenoid into action and corrosion could keep the needed current from getting to the solenoid. I'm not sure if you can find just a solenoid replacement. Usually the starter and solenoid are sold as a unit. See this one at CIP1..........http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=BOS%2DSR17X
4. A wiring problem is a less likely possibility. But you should check out your wiring against a good wiring diagram.
Thanks Bookwus I appreciate your response.
I will try all of those solutions. I think it could be the battery or the solenoid connection being corroded, because this problem was all of a sudden and after sitting for a while. After mutiple attempts I could have drained the battery just enough so it wont start. I found this on the samba, if it is the solenoid, is this what I need, because I hate to have to buy a whole new starter.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=541623
Thanks,
Steve
Steve,
Yep, that's (one of them anyway) the solenoid for our cars.
Regards
Volkenstein
Thanks for all the help guys... it ended up being a bad battery. I fixed the problem! Again thanks for all the help.
Steve
that was an easy fix....
I had a similar problem a few years ago...
pulled everything apart looking for the cause.... lol
LEE