hi.
one.........just go buy one at a FLAPS or Shuck's Auto Supply or whatever.
They run from 10 to 15 bucks for a lower grade one to 40ish for a good one.
One from a Snap-On Tool Truck probably costs 60 bucks.
If you see a Mac Tool Truck ,see what they have.

or........go to a FLAPS and buy a heavy duty generic starter button,
and put heavy duty wires with alligator clips on that.

the electrical part of the ignition switch is a classic weak area in VW's.
And I think everyone knows not to carry a lot of weight ..........like a
carbineer, 8 other keys, and a small knife hanging from your ignition key
while it's in the ignition switch.........or lock assembly to be more
accurate.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Paul" <wognacious@gmail.com>
To: "Scott Daniel - Turbovans" <scottdaniel@turbovans.com>
Cc: <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
Sent: Saturday, September 27, 2008 1:31 PM
Subject: Re: 86 syncro doesn't start

> can you describe how one would make a Remote Starter Switch? I have a
> new/rebuilt starter in my van and it has been acting up once in a
> while, turn the key and nothing happens. Idiot lights come on but no
> start and then it will start. I think it must be ignition switch
> replacement time
>
> On 9/27/08, Scott Daniel - Turbovans <scottdaniel@turbovans.com> wrote:
>> one very efficient way to start on this issue is :
>>
>> you have a Remote Starter Switch ( a tool ) in your tool kit.
>> You've previously rigged a 'starter trigger' wire ( tied into the trigger
>> wire to the starter solenoid, which is a bit hard to access in a syncro
>> anyway )  in your engine compartment so it's easily accessible .
>>
>> you hook up your Remote Starter Switch to that wire, in about 4 seconds
>> you
>> know if the starter is lame/weak............and then you know to work in
>> that area,
>> OR..........if that makes it crank nicely, you know the starter is
>> fine...........and you direct your attention to the ignition switch area.
>>
>> In any case, take a good look, and possibly clean and tighten the ground
>> strap at the front of the transmission.
>>
>> And really............a remote starter switch is SO useful I can't say it
>> enough.  Numerous uses for self-rescue and trouble shooting.
>> I could not fix cars without one.
>> After a simple test light, it's my next most important electrical tool.
>> Even
>> more valuable than a volt-ohm meter, it's that useful.
>>
>> btw, the electrical part of the ignition switch is a common failure item
>> in
>> Vanagons - a somewhat underbuilt part.  On some of my quite old vanagons,
>> I
>> even add a dedicated starter button on the dash, so I don't have to
>> depend
>> on the electrical part of the ignition switch,
>> and those 20 year old wires going all the way back to the starter.
>> Scott
>> turbovans.com
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Matthew Berlett" <Mattmoosh2000@COMCAST.NET>
>> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
>> Sent: Saturday, September 27, 2008 8:15 AM
>> Subject: 86 syncro doesnt start
>>
>>
>>>I turn the key and the engine doesn't turn over but the lights turn on.
>>>It
>>> makes no noise. If I try starting it repeatedly it does start
>>> eventually.
>>> I
>>> am thinking dirty connections somewhere but I don't know where to start.
>>