It's extremely helpful to have a Remote Starter Switch as part of your
regular vanagon tools.
I never even drive without this handy tool on board.

Just clip one lead to the 'starter trigger terminal' on the starter
solenoid.   It's usually a medium size black/red wire. Pull that wire
off, connect one clip of the remote starter switch to that terminal,
and the other clip to a good source of 12 volts .,
like the main starter terminal, or the large on on the alternator.
then try the starter. ( leave the ignition off so the engine won't start
during this test )
if it works every time..
then you can start to think about your ignition switch, a known weak
link in vanagons.

if the starter does not 'go '....
like if it softly clicks maybe but doesn't really engage and turn the
engine ... ......while keeping the button on the remote starter switch
depressed , give the side of the starter a medium good whack with a hammer..
if that makes it go one more time, you've identified a weak or tried
starter.

scott
www.turbovans.com

On 7/23/2012 8:50 AM, David Bjorkman wrote:
> Hi All;
> What's that Roseanna Anna Danna's dad used to say, It's Always Something.
> Camper won't start.  Noticed a delay a few (intermittant) times when
> starting over a few weeks.  Turn the key, just a moment or two of
> hesitation, then start.  Then once it wouldn't start so I pushed it,
> jumped in and popped the clutch, and it started and then no problem
> for a few weeks.  Went out this AM and no start. Lights and bells
> fine.  Starter gave no signs of getting tired.  I would like to try to
> electrically "jump" the starter to see if it is broke (I don't think
> so), but havn't done that in a long time and would like a refresher
> from anyone out there who has done this recently.  Any other
> diagnostic hints would also be helpful.  I have a VW inline 4 in
> there, and the starter is somewhat accessable.  Same type starter as
> waterboxer.  I am also facing downhill in a pull in parking spot so
> jumpstarting with a push is not an option (unless I get someone to
> pull me out of this parking spot).
> Dave B.