Skip to main content
Gerry | Vanagon
Checking account...
← vanagon.com home · Continue the discussion in the forum
Subject:Re: [WetWesties] Help! Stuck in the middle of nowhere!
From:Larry Alofs
Date:Thu, 30 Jul 2015 10:09:14 -0400

For click and hum but no cranking:  Have a helper hold the key in the start
position while you get under there and whack the starter with a hammer or
rock or whatever.  Banging it with a broomstick or pipe inserted above the
rear wheel may also work.
  The "hard start syndrome" typically shows up when the engine is very hot
and gets better after cooling down.  BTDT often.

Bad sound while the starter is cranking:  Most likely problems with the
starter gear or alignment.  Is it manual or AT?

Coolant light flashing when temp seems normal:   Check the coolant level in
the expansion tank and the connection to the level sensor on the top of the
tank.  Else the temp gauge may have an electronic defect.  See the
archives.   :-)

Good luck,
Larry A.

On Thu, Jul 30, 2015 at 8:32 AM, Jeremy Stovin <jjstov@yahoo.com> wrote:

> Still not starting. Wiggled and banged. Nothing. I do feel a click when
> the key is turned. The other click and hum is the fuel pump(I think) under
> the van, by the slider.
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> > On Jul 30, 2015, at 5:37 AM, Jim Arnott <jrasite@EONI.COM> wrote:
> >
> > Crawl under at sliding door.  Grab the starter and wiggle. Is it still
> bolted in? BTDT….
> >
> >
> >> On Jul 29, 2015, at 9:29 PM, Jeremy Stovin jjstov@yahoo.com
> [wetwesties] <wetwesties-noreply@yahoogroups.com> wrote:
> >>
> >> Turned the key, and it started to turn, but making a godawful sound.
> The best comparison is if you turned the ignition after the engine is
> already running, but enough that I felt it under my foot. It did actually
> start and I went on 60 miles to the first sign of civilization.
>