I know this may not be it, but stereo and some lights are on the number 8
fuse I beleive and the light above the glove box sometimes grounds out and
shorts this area.
Michael in San Antonio
91GL AT 'Gringo'
73 Beetle

On Tue, Aug 11, 2009 at 9:32 AM, Aaron Robinson
<a.robinson.lists@gmail.com>wrote:

> Hello all. I'm leaving on a trip tonight and need to go to work soon.
> This is an '85 westy.
>
> I just pulled the steering column cover and was investigating the lack
> of wipers (they haven't been working for a long time), but it hasn't
> really rained in a long time either. When gently pulling on some
> wiring under the dash, all of a sudden the stereo stopped and the
> interior light I had on started flickering. I think there's a short or
> bad ground somehow, but I can't figure it out.
>
> No fuses blew, I pulled every fuse and still have the issue. With the
> key in the ignition and all fuses out, turning the key to "on" results
> in dim lights osx, ALT and turn signal lights. Leaving it there
> results in a SLOW turning fuel pump after a 5-6 second delay and
> hearing a relay click on. turning the key results in nothing or bad
> electrical sounds at the battery and no crank. Until today, this had
> been fine.
>
> This van has had bad electrical work done, so I'm sure theres
> something, but what is unfused and would cause the starter to not
> crank? If anyone has suggestions, I'm checking mail and will have my
> cell phone (206)409-3765.
>
> Thanks!
> Aaron
> '85 westy.
>