Also check the wiring to the fridge relay. It connects between the
alternator light circuit and grounds at the starter. The concept is that the
starter when energized prevents the relay from turning on from the warning
light circuit which is a bit strange as the alternator has to be running to
provide power. Anyway if the circuit is not right when the alternator turs
on it can keep the starter solenoid from dropping out. The starter signal
does also go to the ECU to run the pump while cranking.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Richard Golen
Sent: Thursday, June 26, 2014 4:47 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Starter solenoid powered by fuel pump
circuit....arrrrgg...long...help!!!

Dear all,

I spent the good part of today trying to figure out why my starter would not
disengage when the key turned to on....

Put in a new ignition switch...same problem...
Put old starter back...same problem...
Undid accessory battery and relay...same problem.

The switch power to the starter solenoid is getting current when the switch
is turned to start, and when the ignition is in the on position.

I took out my multimeter and checked the switch and the wiring plug....the
starter side of the switch was getting power with the key on and at start.

Took the plug off and made a jumper with 4 leads. One to the main
power...one for the ignition/instrument panel....one for the fuel pump and
the last one for the starter solenoid.

Connected all but the starter solenoid terminals, and then connected the
starter. Engine started...starter engaged...disconnected the starter
wire....starter still stayed engaged.

Tried it a second time, but disconnected the fuel pump wire....starter
immediately disengaged. Went to the starter and attached a multimeter and
would get voltage to the solenoid wire in the engine compartment when the
fuel pump was getting power from my jumper wires up front.
Disconnect the fuel pump wire from the jumper, no power to the solenoid.

I a checked the wiring diagrams and the only circuit that seems to be in
common with the fuel pump and starter is the ECU... Could my ECU be going
bad? Last week I was getting some smoke from the ECU area...took it apart
but didn't see anything that looked burnt or fried.

HELP!!!

Ric
87 Westy

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