Actually, as much as I would like to be considered
really smart, it isn't my idea it is VW's.  In the
very late 80's/early 90's due to changing times (many
aftermarket radios) and customer complaint they
switched from the "always on" radio that they have
been using since the early beetles to a 'key in
ignition-on' radio setup.  They apparently didn't want
to redesign their entire ignition system to include an
'acc' position (who can blame them?).  All I did was
read about it somewhere, then search for the wire.

Glad to be of help... since I have the incorrect
tires, don't bleed my coolant correctly, and don't
know how to light the fridge I was really starting to
feel useless on the list....... ;)

Speaking of which - I'm thinking about starting a
totally unofficial and probably highly offensive
vanagon-L FAQ.  Any suggestions?  Send me problems and
answers that you get all the time (i.e. tires,
lighting the fridge, etc) and I'll start working on
it...

Mark
87 Westy
84 Scirocco
--- "Keese, Brian W" <bkeese@indiana.edu> wrote:
> Thanks Mark, this is a great idea!  I'm going to
> look into it over lunch
> today.  I did wonder about the side-effects of
> leaving the ignition on...
> but was actually more concerned about (bothered by)
> all the idiot lights
> being on in an otherwise dark van.  Your solution,
> if I can find the right
> wire, will resolve both issues.
>
> I know all of this seems crazy, but what seems more
> crazy (to me anyway) is
> that VW didn't provide an accessory position on the
> ignition switch!
>
> Thanks again,
>
> Brian
> 84 Westy
> "The Ark"
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Mark Mages [mailto:wasserbox@yahoo.com]
> Sent: Tuesday, July 25, 2000 4:57 PM
> To: Keese, Brian W; vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Switched power for vanagon radio
>
>
> Why not just run it to the "key in ignition" wire
> that
> makes the open door chime go off.
>
> Key in - radio works, key out, radio shuts off.
>
> Seems like a lot of confusions to turn on your
> radios... (you put your left leg in, your right leg
> out, do the hokey pokey and your radio comes on....)
>
> Mark
>
> Also - i heard a long time ago that it was bad to
> keep
> the ignition in the "on but not running" position..
> something about sending electrical signals around...
> anyone?

=====
Mark
If you're not paranoid, you're not paying attention.

87 Westfalia Gl
84 Scirocco 8v
http://student.fortlewis.edu/~mwmages/

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