The current is only part of the question. The solenoid is an inductive load
and when the power is disconnected there is a huge voltage spike. That spike
can jump over a cheap switch and over time weld the contact(s). You want a
good snap action switch preferably with a double break contact. There are
many designed for starter solenoid service.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Steve Cotsford
Sent: Saturday, December 14, 2013 4:12 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Remote Start Hookup - '88GL w/Manual Tranny

What do you think the amperage would be, to trigger the starter solenoid?
It was just going through my mind where to buy a suitable push button switch
to make a suitable set up.    I would think perhaps 1 to 2 amps would do the
job but I cant remember when last I saw a push button bigger than the skinny
electronic ones at Radio Shack and I would want a way to anchor the wires.
Thanks,  Steve

On Dec 14, 2013, at 3:53 PM, Scott Daniel wrote:

> Basically you want to get 12 volts to the 'trigger terminal' on the
> starter solenoid.
> That terminal has medium thick black/red wire on it...a push-on female
> connector.
>
> pull that wire, get 12 volts to the spade terminal is was on.
> Some starter solenoid have two spade terminals there..and sometimes
> one of those will fire the solenoid and starter.
>
> where you get the 12 volts isn't too important as long as it's
> adequate amerpage.
> that could be the starter main post ( 13mm hex nut usually ) the
> alternator main post, or the hot 12 volt post inside the black
> junction box ..
> or heck..
> think outside the box ...you could  get 12 vdc from another battery
> sitting on the floor under the van , just make sure it's grounded to
> the van too.
>
> Scott
>
> On 12/14/2013 9:02 AM, Robert Fisher wrote:
>> It's been a few years but iirc one lead 'goes' to the all-purpose
>> red/hot wire/nut on the back of the alternator and the other to the
>> solenoid. I always clamped to the starter first,  just in case.
>> On Dec 14, 2013 12:47 PM, "JRodgers" <jrodgers113@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>> I really hate coming off as Dumb-butt here - but how the heck do you
>>> hook up a remote start switch on a Vanagon?? I picked one up (HF)
>>> and instructions say hook one lead (red) to the battery! That ain't
>>> gonna happen! Not with the starter where it is and the battery being
>>> under the passenger seat!!
>>>
>>> So what is the real secret?? How do I hook up the black and the red
>>> leads so I can try and start this puppy when standing at the rear
bumper?
>>>
>>> Thanks,
>>>
>>> John
>>>