I nominate the mickey mouse circuit that activates the starter solenoid.  By
my measurement, the solenoid draws about 37 amps.  This is not a reasonable
current for the contacts in the ignition switch.  Eventually you end up
banging on the solenoid to get it to work.  The most effective remedy is the
"hard start" relay.

Larry A.

On Tue, Jul 15, 2008 at 2:09 PM, joel walker <uncajoel@bellsouth.net> wrote:

> ok, anybody else working on this?
> this is what i've got so far ...
>
>
>  Common Electrical Problems
>  found in
>  1980-1991 Volkswagen Vanagons
>
>
>  1. Ground Cluster - under dash, left/driver side,
>  above fuse box.
>  push-on connectors become corroded/dirty
>  and fail to make consistent electrical contact.
>
>  2. Fan Resistor - Radiator Fan
>
>  3. Fan Resistor - Rear Seat Heater Fan
>
>  4. Fan Resistor - Dash Heater Fan
>
>  5. Power Windows
>
>  6. Power Door Locks
>
>  7. Ignition Switch - steering column
>
>  8. Headlight Switch - dash instument pod
>
>  9. Engine ground strap - left/driver side of engine
>
> 10.  ??
>
> so do we want to identify the problem area and location, and then
> state the likely cause of the problem, and then the/a cure?
>
> unca joel
>