It won't start after I've stalled: Vanagon syndrome?

[chuckle-bus-tom]

1991, 2.1 MV, syncro, manual 4speed, on LPG.

I fluffed while pulling out of a parallel parking space and stalled, and now I can't get started again! All the dash lights come on as they should but there is nothing else going on: no turn over or click from the starter. Is this so-called "Vanagon syndrome"?

[Drunk Aardvark]

I had this the day I bought my T25. Turned out to be connector to the starter had come out. If the starters not turning over at all, then check the wiring and power to the starter itself.

[chuckle-bus-tom]

After and hour or so sat, it started first time, started a second time and then nothing. There is a good smell of petrol and a hissing sound (according to my wife who was spotting), so I think the starter is a logical step.

Thanks thus far. Always helps to have someone to banter off of to problem solve! Now, if only I could find a parking spot away from the steaming pile of dog turd I now have to lay next to...

[AdrianC]

Sounds more like ignition switch.

[chuckle-bus-tom]

Still nothing other than dash lights this morning, so few bits ordered from Brickwerks and investigations commence tomorrow.

[chuckle-bus-tom]

Sounds more like ignition switch.

Well diagnosed! Took about an hour to swap, mainly because of my gingerness pulling the ignition barrel off the column, and now all is fine again!

Well, not all. The indicator/full beam selector box pinged open and the little plastic horseshoe fell out without me seeing where it went. I therefore can no longer select full beam

[chuckle-bus-tom]

I have the same problem started again today. How long are the ignition switches supposed to last?

[SILVERFOX2013]

hi m8 have a look and test earth strap chassis to gearbox and if ok check all conetions to starter motor first ports of call then go from thier good luck

[chuckle-bus-tom]

Nah, all that's fine. It's the ignition module and it would appear the ones they sell from Brickwerks are "pooh"!

[SILVERFOX2013]

Nah, all that's fine. It's the ignition module and it would appear the ones they sell from Brickwerks are "pooh"!

i woulden think you could buy a beter one brickwerks sell only quality parts ???

[chuckle-bus-tom]

True, it's either a dud one or there is an underlying problem with my van that needs finding. I'm off to Volkspares up the road who have OEM ones for £9.

[KINGPRAWN]

If ever I stall(2.1DJ) it always takes a good few spins to get it to catch and clear itself again.. Almost asif it's flooding!!.. But has always started again, just makes you sweat abit

[chuckle-bus-tom]

Well, it would appear it wasn't the ignition switch after all! That was definitely the fix before (when I started this thread in June 2013), and with all the same symptoms this time I figured it a no-brainer. My only focus being on changing it over.

Anyway, I swapped it today and cleaned the gearbox earth strap points for good measure (which were pretty rough and had some moisture under them and in the bolt threads) and the van started with barely a flick of the key! While the toolkit was out I thought I'd quickly swap some knackered exhaust gaskets that were causing a noise and when I went to fire up to hear the fruits of my labour: NOTHING

So, work cancelled tomorrow and I'll have a prod at the starter motor, as all fingers point there.

Keep you posted!

[chuckle-bus-tom]

On the plus side though, I got to take the camper for a spin on this beautiful day: windows down, sunnies on and music blaring

[California Dreamin]

It could be one of many things....poor feed wire/spade terminal on the solenoid, the wire often internally corrodes.
Bad earth/pos lead wires....earth on the gearbox nose is prone.
or perhaps the copper braided wire that goes between the solenoid and starter body has corroded to dust (VERY COMMON)
Maybe a burnt out section on the armature or worn out brushes.
Solenoid contacts

Martin