Auto starting problem..

[jamesc76]

there is a switch on the selector to stop it from starting in gear, so probs that at fault, also dunno if the vw have um but there migh be linked to the brake switch too?

[tonytech]

No link to the brake switch.
There are some contacts on the gear lever, two are for the reversing lights and two for the starter motor.
There is an adjustable metal plate that connects the starter circuit.

T

[1664]

I used to start my '86 auto in 'P' or 'Park' - I certainly couldn't start it in 'R', 'D', '1' or '2'. Can't remember if it would start in 'N' or not.

and I can't recall the brake having bugger all to do with it....

[jamesc76]

and I can't recall the brake having bugger all to do with it....

I have never had owt to do with vw auto's but a lot of other cars have it linked

[R0B]

under the gearstick cowl.there is a long plastic bit with contact points on it.on the stick is a small black plastic square with a copper contact on it.this contacts the long bit.chances are the copper contact has worn through.when this happened to mine i had to solder it.i managed to source a new one.iirc vw told me they were obsolete..

Maybe some sort of electrical connection at the bottom of the 'T' bar wearing out?

[1664]

and I can't recall the brake having bugger all to do with it....

I have never had owt to do with vw auto's but a lot of other cars have it linked

Yeah, certainly modern cars tend to. Be desirable if your trying to start in neutral to have some kind of brake applied - I think in 'Park' it locks the wheels anyway; at least that's always been my understanding else there'd be no point having it...

[ryoc]

[quote="R0B"]under the gearstick cowl.there is a long plastic bit with contact points on it.on the stick is a small black plastic square with a copper contact on it.this contacts the long bit.chances are the copper contact has worn through.when this happened to mine i had to solder it.i managed to source a new one.iirc vw told me they were obsolete..


Thanks for the replies, much appreciated..
It appears that I can get to the part from above, that's good.. How do you remove the gearstick cowl? It appears to be in one piece.
Thanks again. - Paul

[ryoc]

Got it, thanks. The copper contacts in the white plastic bit are not worn through, but very dirty after 20 years of use. Also the push in copper connector on the gear selector. I have given them a good clean up. Battery on charge, so will see how it goes tomorrow. Thanks again guys!

[ryoc]

Sometimes it will start, sometimes it won't..

Have to wiggle the gear selector back and forth a few times to start her up.

Does anyone know where I could get the replacement electrical contacts from? No luck so far..

Thanks - Paul

[R0B]

have you tried vw

[R0B]

if you know anyone in the trade.get them to try http://www.thetradepartsspecialists.co.uk/..thats where i got mine from a while back..

the part no's are 311927147B for the big bit.(contact carrier)and 171927145A for the smaller part

[ryoc]

Great! Thanks for that. Have tried online & local vw/audi/merc part supplier without success. Having the part numbers helps a lot. Will contact local garage and try to locate parts. Cheers

[EarthWormJim]

Dont know much about automatics but a mate of mine had an opel monza 3.0 auto and the same problem turned out to be the inhibitor switch If that helps

[R0B]

another thing try your nearest vw van dealership.not car dealership.