Club 80-90 Forums

Hi,

I bought my first campervan a vwt25 (1985) last night and i was driving it home, stopped at the garage to put some petrol in it and it just cut out. It wouldn't start again and i had to have it transported home, a bit gutted really.

When i turn the ignition, the dashboard shows an oil light and a battery light and that is it. It doesn't even try to turn over. But yet it was fine when i test drove it. the lights all work and the mechanic who was called out said the starter was ok just wasn't getting any power even though the batterry was ok and the fuses are all ok. Also when i stopped a puff of smoke, smelt electrical, came from the sterring wheel area. also when i try to operate the full beam the hazards also come on and also the windscreen wipers??

Does anyone have any advice as to where the fault may lie, any info would greatly be appreciated, thanks in advance

I would start by checking the connections behind the ignition key.
Also while the steering column cover is removed, check the condition of all wiring under there. It sound as if some cables could have shorted around or near the steering column itself. If this is the case I would renew all affected cables back to the fusebox.
Ps. I would disconnect the battery first...

Welcome to the club by the way! Sorry I'ts started with such an abrubt end but we'll help you get it sorted!

Hey plantpot, welcome to the nuthouse!

Put your location in....maygbe that someone is just round the corner from you!!

We are generally a helpful bunch....and don't forget to go and say hello in Chat!

As for electrics.....I tend to leave mine for Mark!! Especially where batteries are concerned.....

Good luck sorting it

Em
x

As VWCamperfan said

Take off cowling and wiggle the cables that connect into block, in which connects into ignition barrel.

I get it all the time, its the black and yellow cable for me.

My money's on the signal wire on the startermotor ... it's a yellow crimp 6mm female ... water runs along this and fooks the terminal. When you replace it use a heatshrink sleeve to prevent future unpleasantness.

Welcome to the Club BTW

Ian

Ian Hulley wrote:My money's on the signal wire on the startermotor ... it's a yellow crimp 6mm female ... water runs along this and fooks the terminal. When you replace it use a heatshrink sleeve to prevent future unpleasantness.

Welcome to the Club BTW

Ian

Mine did exactly the sam as Ian suggests and the symptoms were the same, ignition lights on, fuel pump on etc but not even a click from the starter (apart from the smoke & burning smell though). Easy enough to sort but a bit of a pig to get to!!
Sounds like there could be some shorting out up front too though, are you practical or are you needing help?
Either way good luck with it and welcome to the joys of classic motoring, it's not all like this honest
Andi

Hi guys,

Thank you for the advice and the warm welcome. I guess i'm a bit practical but need to learn an awful lot, i've printed all your advice and can't wait to finish work to have a look at 'Bob'! Thanks again.