Deisel starter motor solenoid electrics help anyone?

[ringo]

I've got an intermittent fault that could be down to dirty connectors. (The van wont turn over as there is no voltage at the starter motor solenoid).

However, it occurred to me that i dont know how the electrics from the ignition switch to the starter solenoid work.

Does anyone know what the circuit looks like (its a diesel) ?

Does it go though the glow plug relay? If it does, i might just pack a spare as it might be this.

Thanks

Ringo

[armyphil]

It's usually a red a White cable for ignition stuff from ignition down to starter solenoid via relays inbetween

[HarryMann]

One switch is always the ignition switch...

No, I don't think it does go through the glow relay.. I'll check though

=== You have probably done the below test... =========

To eliminate the wiring ensure 12V+ is on the starter (thick cable) and bring a cable out from the solenoid connection, to then be flashed onto the battery +

You could also put a jump lead onto the adjacent bellhousing and bring back to battery earth (-)

[HarryMann]

No, Red/Black, straight back to conn. 50 or SO (Can't read it)

[ringo]

Thanks guys.

Yes, i can start the van by hot wiring the solenoid. Im actually thinking about wiring it up permanently until im confident that i have eradicated the issue.

So, if its not dirty connectors, its most probably the ignition switch?

Ringo

[Plasticman]

Hi ringo, havent got the schematics to hand but., I did have an intermittant fault with mine (traced to a poor connection) so wired up a live feed to the solenoid which was operable through the rear flap,
mike

[peteabbott]

Ringo, me ol china. I had this same problem (I keep all the old problems in a big box now as there are a lot of them) Anyway I did all the normal checks and it was the switch. I cleaned all the terminals on the switch but found that when I "twisted" the terminal connector it worked every time.
I cable tied the plug to the steering column and that was a year ago with no problems since...............there ya go, Murray Walker kiss of death !
A friend bought a switch from The Range ? for £10, mounted it in the dash next to the old switch and now has a steering lock only on the old switch and all ignition operations on the new switch. Therefor 2 keys. Dont like it myself, what if he starts it and forgets the steering lock!!! Good luck.

[Mocki]

Ringo, its common for the signal wire (red/black) to go rotten , id try patching in (temp) an replacement run of signal wire and see if it solves it... if it dont its the ig switch (£4) and soo easy to swap out.

[ringo]

Thanks guys - i have a spare switch (it wasnt £4 though but thats VW for you!).

Im going to see how it goes with a new spade connector and if that doesnt fix it im going to have a look at the wire or the switch.

Ringo