Date:         Mon, 5 Dec 2011 12:29:27 -0800
Reply-To:     Steven Johnson <sjohnso2000@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Steven Johnson <sjohnso2000@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Voltage regulator or some other electrical issue??
In-Reply-To:  <D1997590-BAB1-4D04-9039-88B98C59DD84@gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

If it is truely the ignition switch, then it should be replaced as soon as
possible.  The
best thing is to test it to see if it is in fact the switch.   Easily don't
with a test light or
voltmeter at the starting solenoid.   Need someone at the switch to turn on
and off and
the coil disconnected!!   If the signal is weak from the switch then the
wiring is probably
not good.   A good fix is to put a relay between a wire tied directly to
the battery and the
solenoid and making the wire from the switch the relay trigger...   This
makes it so you don't
need as much current from the switch and gives a good solid current
directly from the battery
through the relay.  Lot's of info. on this in the archives....

Steven
91 Westy

On Mon, Dec 5, 2011 at 12:16 PM, Annie Anderson <lsandrsn@gmail.com> wrote:

> Hmmm .... the wires at the battery are newer, replaced spring 2010. Not
> sure about the others, though. I'll have to check with my mechanic for that.
>
> ~Annie
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Dec 5, 2011, at 11:51 AM, Steven Johnson <sjohnso2000@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
>
> > More likely your wiring is tired and needs replacing and/or your grounds
> > are not
> > good.   Very common in older vehicles...
> >
> > Steven
> > 91 Westy
> >
> > On Mon, Dec 5, 2011 at 11:46 AM, Annie <lsandrsn@gmail.com> wrote:
> >
> >> So, I went outside a few minutes ago to take my daughter to her bus and
> >> head to my appointment and it won't start. It tries but it's acting very
> >> weak. The more I try starting it, the weaker it gets.
> >>
> >> It does this EVERY time the weather gets cold. Kinda irritating! And
> nobody
> >> is home to jump it. GRRR Another list member emailed me and said it was
> >> possibly the ignition switch. I'll have things tested but maybe this
> >> battery just isn't good enough for cold weather . . .
> >>
> >> *Wishing you success, love + fire in your belly*
> >> *Annie Anderson* ~ Blogger, Designer, Thinker + Mom
> >> Lover of cats, Apple, coffee, old VW's and biking.
> >> Driver of Bartok ~ 1985 VW Vanagon GL
> >> web: Bartok's Adventures <local.annieandersonblog.com/wp> email:
> >> lsandrsn@gmail.com
> >> *Blazin' a trail where there is no path.*
> >>
> >> On Mon, Dec 5, 2011 at 10:35 AM, Loren Busch <starwagen@gmail.com>
> wrote:
> >>
> >>> On Mon, Dec 5, 2011 at 10:27 AM, Annie <lsandrsn@gmail.com> wrote:
> >>>
> >>>>
> >>>> If indeed I do need to replace voltage regulator, though, the local
> >> FLAPs
> >>>> has an AC Delco for $79 and an Import Direct brand for $49. What is
> >>>> recommended?
> >>>>
> >>>
> >>> The voltage regulator/brush pack that is on your alternator looks like
> >>> this:
> >>> <
> >>>
> >>
> http://www.van-cafe.com/home/van/page_105_245/voltage_regulator_bosch__see_description.html
> >>>>
> >>>
> >>> The regulator part rarely fails but the brushes do wear down, the most
> >>> common failure in an alternator.  It is highly unlikely that the
> brushes
> >>> have failed this soon.  If the regulator needs replacing it is part of
> >> the
> >>> alternator and should be included in any warranty.
> >>>
> >>
>