Author Topic: Intermittent ignition problem (Read 4773 times)

celticthor · « **on:** August 28, 2008, 10:32:07 am »

I just picked up a '81 rabbit N/A and it seems to have a problem every once in a while with the ignition. A couple times I have gone to shut it off and it keeps running (not "dieseling") but running like normal and both times it shut off on its own after about 2-3 mins.

Where should I start when looking for the problem? It also has an electrical drain somewhere that will sometimes make the battery go dead when its parked for a while (I have yet to experience this since I have just been disconnting the + cable on the battery when I park it) I dunno if the ignition issue can somehow be tied in to my electrical drain (I am good with mechanical problems but suck with electrical)

Op-Ivy · « **Reply #1 on:** August 28, 2008, 10:39:50 am »

If you take the positive connection off of the battery when it continues to run, does it stop?

If so then it sounds like your ignition switch could be finished. Easy to replace and fairly inexpensive. $10-15 I would say. It's been a while since I did mine.

Ignition Switch Replacement DIY

celticthor · « **Reply #2 on:** August 28, 2008, 10:48:10 am »

I have yet to disconnect my battery while it was running since it rarely does it but I might as well replace the ignition switch since they are pretty cheap.

Vincent Waldon · « **Reply #3 on:** August 28, 2008, 12:23:05 pm »

Both an afterrun issue and a "battery going dead" issue point to a dodgy ignition switch as one possible cause... and given how cheap they are I think you're on the right track to replace and see.

May well be the original switch ??!!!!!

Vince

BlackTieTD · « **Reply #4 on:** August 31, 2008, 10:52:18 am »

if you want you can determine quickly if its the switch without actually taking everything apart.

just unplug the connector from the back of the ignition switch that is in the car now, plug it directly into the new switch without properly installing it.

use the car key to unlock the steering lock (but wont start the car now since the installed ignition switch isnt actually plugged into anything), and turn on the new ignition switch with a spare key or flat head or whatever.

if it still does it, it isnt the switch. then you can just unplug the switch and return it, plug it all back in as its supposed to be and keep chasing..........