hi.
all one has to do is connect an extra wire, about two feet long, to the
trigger terminal on the solenoid,
and stash the wire in the engine compartment is a safe place, like
connected, and end capped off so it can't short out ojn something,  ..
then you're good to go.
  Then you either connect your remote start switch to that wire,
or even just touch the end to your alternator main post -  like if
you're stuck somewhere and the starter won't crank from the key.  So
handy, no tools needed even.

re reaching things ....
it really is necessary to raise vanagons up a little, even on just the
right rear corner so you can get under there, ( like for starter work )
   to do proper work on them, take a real look at things under there, etc.
   A pair of jack stands and a hard level surface are essential. Then
you can do a lot.

As access to starters go, in the automotive world,
The access to the starter on 2WD vanagons, gas or diesel, is about as
sweet as it gets.
Few cars are nicer or easier, starter access wise.

scott
turbovans

On 7/23/2012 4:05 PM, JRodgers wrote:
> Getting to things at times is a problem.
>
> Jay Brown makes a gem of a little wiring harness that you can install
> permanently to make the remote start issue so easy. I'm short and round
> with short arms and trying to hook up a remote start switch to the
> starter solenoid is a royal PITA. I have Jay's little harness
> permanently installed  on both my working vans and it makes connecting
> up the remote start switch so easy. Jay's on the Samba, but monitors
> this list. Drop him a note.
>
> BTW, you DO have to have the remote start switch. It's just that you
> don't have to struggle to get the clips onto the solenoid.
>
> John
>
> On 7/23/2012 2:55 PM, Scott Daniel - Turbovans wrote:
>> 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.
>