'74 Super Beetle - Bad ignition switch?
Clinton Saari
I have a 1974 Super Beetle. Every once in a while, when I turn the key to
start it, the dash lights dim, but nothing happens to the engine. It doesn't
turn over or anything. The car has a new battery and a new starter. I'm
wondering if a worn out ignition switch would cause this. It doesn't do it
often, and when it does, I usually have to turn the key 3 or 4 times, and then
it starts right up. Any ideas, anyone? Thanks!
Loren Scibbe
> .
yep...it sounds like a bad switch to me...i have the same problem
on my 75 FI beetle...I bypassed it by unplugging the wires from
the back of the switch and setting up a few jumpers so mine starts
every time...HOWEVER..I would not recommend this for you!
Luckily the new switch is not very expensive but it can be tricky to install
as the steering wheel and some components need to be removed first.
If youre mechanicaly inclined and have a steady hand go for it...
if not take it to an experienced vw mechanic. Good luck.
lscibbe
Darwin
csa...@future.atlcom.net (Clinton Saari) wrote:
>I have a 1974 Super Beetle. Every once in a while, when I turn the key to
>start it, the dash lights dim, but nothing happens to the engine. It doesn't
>turn over or anything. The car has a new battery and a new starter. I'm
>wondering if a worn out ignition switch would cause this. It doesn't do it
>often, and when it does, I usually have to turn the key 3 or 4 times, and then
>it starts right up. Any ideas, anyone? Thanks!
My 71 does the same thing. a friend of mine who is a mechanic told me
that was what it was.. a new swich is in the mail on its way to me and
my beetle right now...
...
Darwin
@inetnebr.com
http://incolor.inetnebr.com
MyVWsGotMe
In article <50a2k5$b...@library.airnews.net>, csa...@future.atlcom.net
(Clinton Saari) writes:
>I have a 1974 Super Beetle. Every once in a while, when I turn the key
to
>start it, the dash lights dim, but nothing happens to the engine. It
doesn't
>turn over or anything. The car has a new battery and a new starter. I'm
>wondering if a worn out ignition switch would cause this. It doesn't do
it
>often, and when it does, I usually have to turn the key 3 or 4 times, and
>then
>it starts right up. Any ideas, anyone? Thanks!
Could well be a bad starter solenoid. If it works when
you tap on the solenoid, it's time for a new one.
Was it a rebuilt you just put in?
Also look at the battery cable, and make sure
the ground strap from transmission to frame is
in good shape, and connected!
And look at the condition of your red/black
solenoid wire, under the left side of your rear seat,
where there's a connector in the wire. Water can
eat this thing alive, so be sure it's all clean and
shiny, not green and crunchy. Have much fun!
Rob
Rob <--- 74 Sun Bug, 66 Sunroof Bug, 71 Notchback
Brian Hill
Darwin wrote:
>
> csa...@future.atlcom.net (Clinton Saari) wrote:
>
> >I have a 1974 Super Beetle. Every once in a while, when I turn the key to
> >start it, the dash lights dim, but nothing happens to the engine. It doesn't
> >turn over or anything. The car has a new battery and a new starter. I'm
> >wondering if a worn out ignition switch would cause this. It doesn't do it
> >often, and when it does, I usually have to turn the key 3 or 4 times, and then
> >it starts right up. Any ideas, anyone? Thanks!
>
> that was what it was.. a new swich is in the mail on its way to me and
> my beetle right now...
>
> ...
> Darwin
> @inetnebr.com
> http://incolor.inetnebr.com
Hey guys you might want to look at your battery cable clamps (at the
battery). These clamps have a tendency to develop small cracks that
reduce the amp capacity of the wires to the starter ergo not letting it
turn over. My '73 SB had the same problem and it took me weeks to
figure out. When warm (i.e. starter required less amps) it would crank
right over. When cold...nothing! Hope this helps.
-------> Brian '73 Superbeetle
RubatoGuy
Often all you need to replace is the plastic part of the ignition switch
that makes the electrical contacts - these often crack in late-model bugs.
As I recall the part is only about $15.00
Paul Smith
In article <50bbfo$5...@hawk.inetnebr.com>, dar...@inetnebr.com (Darwin) wrote:
>csa...@future.atlcom.net (Clinton Saari) wrote:
>
>>I have a 1974 Super Beetle. Every once in a while, when I turn the key to
>>start it, the dash lights dim, but nothing happens to the engine. It doesn't
>>turn over or anything. The car has a new battery and a new starter. I'm
>>wondering if a worn out ignition switch would cause this. It doesn't do it
>>often, and when it does, I usually have to turn the key 3 or 4 times, and
then
>>it starts right up. Any ideas, anyone? Thanks!
>
>My 71 does the same thing. a friend of mine who is a mechanic told me
>that was what it was.. a new swich is in the mail on its way to me and
>my beetle right now...
>
I'd go for the switch. I have been through 2 in 9 months on my '70 Camper.
It's just what you describe, warning lights dim but there is nothing from the
solenoid or anything. Then it will suddenly start. You might want to check the
condition of the wire from the switch to the solenoid and check the connection
at the solenoid, otherwise you'll be throwing money at new switches without
getting an improvement.
Cheers,
Paul
lcb7...@gmail.com
John
configuration, plastic , metal of varying quality. I find I have to take the
switch out to confirm type and then buy switch. Fortunately its not a huge
drama to replace switch. If you can get metal go for it. All the plastic
ones seem to get brittle quickly and go like your existing switch. Best of
luck.
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