Is the coil receiving primary voltage?  Connect a test lamp between #1 on the
coil and ground, turn the starter and the test lamp should flash.  If not the
wiring or the ign. switch need exploring.

-Dana-

Steve Cotsford wrote:
>
> Hi group!
>
> This may not be specifically Vanagon related but I know some people have
> fitted GTi Golf engines or GLi Jetta engines to their vans.
> My son broke down halfway from home to college after spring break and he has
> no sparks.    His car is an '86 GLi with the 1.8 l engine and has the knock
> sensor system on the distributor instead of advance/retard mechanisms.
> I have not yet found any documentation on how to trouble shoot it.    I have
> never seen such a complicated ignition system before.
> Are there any experts on the list that could shoot me some pointers or send
> me some pages from a Bentley manual on this ?
> So far I have substituted the distributor, coil , ignition module to no
> avail, but I have just discovered the knock sensor module/computer.
> What are the chances this is what has gone bad and how can I test it?
>
> The car is about 2 1/2 hours drive from home, in Savannah, Ga
>
> Thanks for any help you can offer,
> Steve Cotsford
> 84 Wolfsburg Westy