Good to know, Dennis!!

John

On 12/15/2013 12:51 PM, Dennis Haynes wrote:
> 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
>>>>
> .
>