I'm much more of a software than a hardware guy, though I'm trying to get over it with your help.

I have appreciated all the posts on starting problems and intermittent failures.  I have been having a very similar problem, and had determined that it was _not_ 

- the ignition switch
- sparks plugs, distributor cap, rotor
- the fuel pump
- the engine grounds

But it does appear to have been the Hall ignition control unit.  Having it replaced appears to have done the trick, though it may be a bit premature to state that with certainty.

I read what I could find in Bentley, but would someone please give me (us?) the "idoit's guide" to the Hall control unit, what it is, why it is, why one goes wrong and how to diagnose without specialized tools?

Kevin Edwards
Indian Trail, NC

1985 Vanagon Wolfsburg Edition
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Dan Eggert 
  To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
  Sent: Friday, August 31, 2001 2:18 PM
  Subject: Still need help!

  So here's the update on my van and its problem of starting.
  I taped up all the loose wires from the heat booster and tucked them away, checked the fuses and no problems there, checked all the seals on the fuel tank and everything seems intact.  No signs of fuel leaking anywhere, but when I am under the van by the fuel pump and filter I can smell a slight gas smell.  It is not strong by any means.
  When I turn the key to get it started I starts fine, but as soon as I let off the key I stops!  When the key is turned, it responds to the gas pedal but when I let off the key, nothing!
  I'm checking the Bentley right now to see what they might say for trouble shooting.
  Is there any way to reset the computer?
  Thanks again everyone for any help!

  Eggz

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