Tarheel wrote:

> I am having ignition problems with my 86 cabrio.  Starts right up, drive it
> a little while stop, and it will not start,,,no click, nada.  Battery good,
> no shorts, starter new.  Sometimes if I hold the key in the stat position
> for 5 seconds it will engage.  Automatic transmission.
>
> Any ideas, or any resources you can point me to?
>
> Adam Puzerewski
> 81 westy
> 74 beetle
> 86 cabrio
> Vanagon Partsmobiles

If your starter and solenoid are new, you probably need a relay.  I've done
this on 3 VW vans: 76, 80, & 84.  The relay should be designed for 12V service
and should be able to switch 20 amps or so.  Put it under the back seat.  The
actuator coil connects to the wire from the ignition switch (ground the other
end of the coil).  The switch contacts of the relay connect to the large
starter terminal with the cable to the battery and the smaller push-on terminal
that originally connected to the ign.
  I believe that one of the list vendors offers a suitable relay.

Larry A.
Chicago
91 GL  "Vinnie"