Author Topic: 1982 Diesel Rabbit- Will Not Start  (Read 3194 times)

January 20, 2005, 04:38:58 pm

biodieselrabbit

  • Newbie

  • Offline
  • *

  • 5
1982 Diesel Rabbit- Will Not Start
« on: January 20, 2005, 04:38:58 pm »
I need a little information on how to fix a problem with my 82 diesel rabbit.  I have been driving another car until I sell it and I went to start the rabbit and nothing happened.  The starter had been working every time until that day and was replaced in April so I do not think that that is the culprit.  Someone mentioned to me that I should check to see if the automatic transmission lever was allowing electricity through since it will not start in Park or Neutral.  How would you test this?  Any help would be great as I would rather not pay a mechanic to fix it.  Thanks
biodieselrabbit

Reply #1January 21, 2005, 09:06:31 pm

biodieselrabbit

  • Newbie

  • Offline
  • *

  • 5
1982 Diesel Rabbit- Will Not Start
« Reply #1 on: January 21, 2005, 09:06:31 pm »
When you turn the key to start nothing happens, meaning the starter does not even attempt to start.  I did check everything obvious like ground cables, corroded or disconnected wires and cleaned the battery terminals.  You mentioned that the automatics had a problem with heat soaks.  Does this mean they can not start when the temperature is warm or if they are positively charged-something electrical?  If it is the temperature then that can probably discounted since I tried starting it when it was about freezing and the same set thing occured.  I am assuming that it is a 1.6 liter however I do not own a manual (it did not come with the car) so am not positive.  I really disbelieve that it is the starter since it is so new.  Also when you turn the key to the on position the glow plug light comes on and then turns off as usual.  

An additional "After Market Constant Duty Solenoid" has been added to the connection of the bettery to starter as described in your previous post.  The order number for this solenoid is 24059 CQ and the mechanic's report claims that it was added due to "resistance in wiring" and "to get rid of voltage drop."  Is this helpful?  If this is not explicit enough please reply back with other questions.  Thanks again,
biodieselrabbit

p.s. Sorry about the print last time.  It was my first post and it just came out that way.  Now I have figured out the steps though.

Reply #2January 22, 2005, 11:13:18 am

biodieselrabbit

  • Newbie

  • Offline
  • *

  • 5
1982 Diesel Rabbit- Will Not Start
« Reply #2 on: January 22, 2005, 11:13:18 am »
Thanks for the information on the grease.  However wouldn't the grease become usable again once the temperature warmed back up?  It is now close to 50 degrees fairenheit here and the same problem occurs.  Also, I have taken off the plastic cover over the automatic selector but am unsure where the unit is that allows energy through.  I have a Haynes and Chilton manual but neither seem to specify where it is and how to check it.  I will try checking the extra starter solenoid today and probably will lift the car up and run a straight twelve volt current to the starter to check that.  The extra soleniod does make a faint clicking noise when you turn the key to start.  Is that good news?  Thanks again for the help and I will reply tonight as far as progress.

biodieselrabbit