Hi Jim,

I haven't got the same van, but just curious (and as far as I know the relay-panel hasn't changed much).

So you have to switch on the lights to start, but do the headlights switch off when you engage the starter (they should)? I will have a look in the bentley's, maybe I'll find a clue.

Grt,
Jaap
'87 caravelle diesel

----- Original Message -----
From: hosel <hosel@QUIK.COM>
Date:         Tue, 25 Nov 2003 18:32:35 -0400
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject:      Re: My lights on in order to start car problem

> In pursuit of solving my having to turn on either the parking or
> headlights so the car will start, I've come up with two suggestions.
>
> Sug. 1 is that there is a faulty ground somewhere and the ignition
> somehow is talking power from the light circuit in order to start. This
> came from a long time VW mechanic. He suggested living with the
> problem.....
>
> Sug. 2 is that someone in the past messed with the relays and put one
> back in the wrong location. This was suggested by my German mechanic
> friend who hasn't worked on VWs since he escaped Germany for better
> bucks... Martin can be intuitive at times and so I'd like to get some
> help from anyone on this list that just might happen to have a 90 GL in
> their stable..... I took a picture of my van's fuse / relay situation. I
> can send that to the person who has a 90' GL if they exist and also are
> willing to help me with this pesky problem. Simply let me know if the
> number of relays and location is the same as yours.... If it isn't...
> then maybe the problem will go away if I change my relays to match
> yours... If they're the same, well on to other theories.....
>
> If anyone with a similar van can help please email me back...
>
> Thanks
> Jim

--
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