I just bought a 1969 beelte that has sat for 3 years. When i start it ~ it only stays running if i hold the key it the start position. Does anyone know what I could do?
2007-05-07 12:47:58 · 7 answers · asked by kevin r 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Volkswagen
Thank you, but the wire from the start position on the key switch had disconnected from the generator warning light.
2007-05-08 14:39:34 · update #1
Well the possible cause could be either the ignition switch or the ignition relay.
2007-05-07 15:45:16 · answer #1 · answered by paul d 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well the first thing to check is that the wiring is correct. For that you need a VW manual (chiltons or similiar) with a wiring diagram (having a manual is almost mandatory since it makes most repairs pretty easy - pick one up on eBay if you don't have one yet - about $5).
Ok.. the wires are right.. ? Then next its the switch.
Find the wires from the switch, and simply jumper them for a a test (yeah.. this is called hot wiring). Connect the ignitiion wire from the battery to the wire that goes to coil and then crank the engine.
If the car stays running, then the switch is bad. or the wire from the switch to the coil is broken or disconnected.
Run a jumper wire from the ignition switch directly to the coil and try it again.. If it works, the wire is bad.. if the problem is still there you need a switch. Again, eBay is a good source. J.C. Whitney also carries them.
good luck
Don't worry about the engine its either good, bad, or simple to replace. Just change the oil bi-monthly and enjoy the car. There's an obvious reason why there are soooo many of these little things on the road - they hold together pretty good.
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2007-05-10 04:46:25 · answer #2 · answered by ca_surveyor 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds like the "kill switch" portion of the ignition switch just went out on you, especialy if you have to manualy hold it in place in order for the engine not to turn off. It should be a inexpencive fix for you. Remeber when ordering the new part that there is the lock cylinder and a electronics part that makes up the whole thing. You want the electronics part. I hope this helps.
2007-05-09 20:35:34 · answer #3 · answered by vankstwer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Somebody may have put in a new starter motor and hooked up the wires wrong. I did that once on my Chevy and it did the same thing.
Here's a tip: once you get it running, start saving your money for a new engine. They don't hold up well unless you drive VERY gently and don't rev the engine up too much.
The studs that hold the heads on are pressed into the block, and with a lot of high revs, these studs tend to start coming loose, letting the head gasket leak, destroying the engine.
2007-05-07 16:59:55 · answer #4 · answered by Trump 2020 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is most likely the ignition switch. they are pretty cheap. dont need new engine and a vw engine is cheap and easy to rebuild. The head bolts are threaded in not pressed.
2007-05-08 05:04:33 · answer #5 · answered by damn longhaireds 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
maybe the starter? i'm not sure, but i owned a 1971 VW beetle, baby blue with a black convertible top, and i loved it! congrats on the new purchase, enjoy it!!!! i loved mine to death :)
2007-05-09 04:18:33 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
go to www.thesamba.com , ask your question there. you will be surprised by the quality of answers you get there.
2007-05-10 11:41:57 · answer #7 · answered by michael_oxgood 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋