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General Information => Troubleshooting => Topic started by: theman53 on July 11, 2011, 04:44:57 pm

Title: Ignition Switch???
Post by: theman53 on July 11, 2011, 04:44:57 pm
I have a problem. Just happend right now. I turn off the key and the car keeps running. I stalled it and thinking it was a fluke as it happend once a long time ago started it again and it did it again.

So is it the famed ignition switch or some relay.
Title: Re: Ignition Switch???
Post by: ORCoaster on July 11, 2011, 06:03:41 pm
When a switch no longer becomes a switch it becomes either a fuse or a wire.  Sounds like you're in for new keys for the car but old ones for the doors.  If they even lock anymore.
Title: Re: Ignition Switch???
Post by: theman53 on July 11, 2011, 07:11:03 pm
I just took it for a trip again and it was fine. I think it might have been because the trip I took that did it was real short after an all day trip.
I have no clue what it is, but it went away for now.
Title: Re: Ignition Switch???
Post by: vanagonturbo on July 11, 2011, 07:53:48 pm
Î have never seen an ignition switch cause this problem. I have seen the fuel shutoff solenoid cause this problem on more than one occasion. Check for power at the shutoff solenoid when the key is off. That will give you a good idea where to start.

Also, replacing the ignition switch does not require replacing the tumbler/lock assy. so no need for an additional key.
Title: Re: Ignition Switch???
Post by: ORCoaster on July 12, 2011, 06:53:39 pm
I have seen the fuel shutoff solenoid cause this problem on more than one occasion.  (Vanagonturbo, 2011)

You mean they just stick open?  That little spring doesn't push down on the opening and shut the fuel off?  I had a solenoid go out on me a bit ago where when given power it wouldn't pull the valve part up.  When I replaced it I noticed that there was some wear on the parts and wondered if it could ever be stuck in the open position. 

Is this the situation you are describing?
Title: Re: Ignition Switch???
Post by: vanagonturbo on July 12, 2011, 07:59:00 pm
I have seen them fail both ways. No start or no turn off. It is usually due to metal particulate in the pump that causes it from my experience. it gets stuck in the plunger and holds it open or gets stuck in the sleeve the plunger slides in and holds it either way.
Title: Re: Ignition Switch???
Post by: Baron VonZeppelin on July 12, 2011, 08:07:09 pm
I would guess fuel shut-off solenoid too.
They do get hung like that, as one symptom, when they get near retirement - or when they just need a good check-up/cleaning.

" Usually " a problem ignition switch takes the opposite approach.
As in car won't start/trigger the starter.

But most of us have found out - anything is possible with these cars.
They can be the most forgiving - and the most unforgiving.
Title: Re: Ignition Switch???
Post by: ORCoaster on July 12, 2011, 08:18:22 pm
Amen to that!
Title: Re: Ignition Switch???
Post by: theman53 on July 12, 2011, 08:30:34 pm
worked fine all day today...except now there is a huge oil leak when sitting. NEVER ends
Title: Re: Ignition Switch???
Post by: ORCoaster on July 13, 2011, 06:06:18 pm
Don't it seem to go.  When it stops raining and the sun comes out you have to watch out you may sit in a wet spot on that recliner chair trying to enjoy the rays.
Title: Re: Ignition Switch???
Post by: bajacalal on July 13, 2011, 11:38:25 pm
Once you change the ignition switch on one of these cars, you will realize why they are the source of so many problems... It's just a cheap, plastic, piece of crap part on these. I can get them for under $5 each and they look like they're worth half that. It could be the solenoid on the pump too but my money is on that switch.
Title: Re: Ignition Switch???
Post by: theman53 on July 19, 2011, 04:20:11 pm
FOUND!

I shut it off the other day and it didn't shut off. Popped the hood pulled the 12v off the stop seliniod and it kept right on running. I may try to pull and clean it, but I have another one that just came today. This was new with Giles rebuild approx. 26,000 miles ago less than 1 year in service. Hope the new one lasts longer as they are 50.00 new from az autohaus.
Title: Re: Ignition Switch???
Post by: ORCoaster on July 19, 2011, 08:46:32 pm
Half that in other places.  25 or so.
Title: Re: Ignition Switch???
Post by: theman53 on July 19, 2011, 08:58:40 pm
pics or I don't believe you :D
Title: Re: Ignition Switch???
Post by: ORCoaster on July 19, 2011, 09:04:47 pm
http://catalog.importrp.com/ShopByVehicle.epc?q=1981-VOLKSWAGEN-Rabbit--L--Custom/l4_1.6l_diesel_cr-Diesel--Injection&yearid=1981&makeid=VOLKSWAGEN&engineid=1285062%40%40RABBIT+L+CUSTOM%2FL4_1.6L_DIESEL_CR%40%40RABBIT+L+CUSTOM&catid=Diesel+Injection&subcatid=Injection%20Pump%20Stop%20Solenoid&mode=PA


Looked it up just minutes before reading your post it was in another I was following.
Title: Re: Ignition Switch???
Post by: theman53 on July 19, 2011, 09:14:20 pm
Guess I should have specified Bosch. I think Az has one cheaper than 50, but not a bosch. I even checked fleabay.
Title: Re: Ignition Switch???
Post by: ORCoaster on July 19, 2011, 09:17:23 pm
Not Fleabay,  Fleecebay. 
Title: Re: Ignition Switch???
Post by: theman53 on July 21, 2011, 07:56:43 pm
to those that have done it, do you have to take any part of the TD pump apart to replace the shut off seliniod? The last 3 times i have tried to turn it off I ended up shutting it down with the brakes and clutch. Looks tight coming out of there. I really don't want to piss with this in the 110F temps either.
Title: Re: Ignition Switch???
Post by: rabbitman on July 21, 2011, 09:41:32 pm
Sometimes when it's cold out (40-50 below) mine won't shut off either, it just idles down to about 500rpm and keeps on chuggin', eventually it might quit but I usually stall it. I think it's the solenoid causing it.

Other times I try to start it (any weather) and it'll crank and crank, so I let off and try again and it'll fire right up. I blame that on the key switch.
Title: Re: Ignition Switch???
Post by: ORCoaster on July 21, 2011, 09:50:27 pm
To remove the solenoid I use a big box end wrench.  24 mm I think.  Mine is fairly open to work on but still is tight.  A shallow socket might be a better choice.

110 F.  You have to move to the coast like some of us  50-60 tops. 
Title: Re: Ignition Switch???
Post by: theman53 on July 22, 2011, 05:42:12 am
Rabbitman, I pulled the 12v off the seliniod so I know it wasn't getting juice and it kept on running. It just looked like there was a LDA in the way of the thing to get it to come out. I guess I will find out tonight. 110F hottest it has been since 95 and it was supposed to be the hottest day of the year for us...I hope.
Title: Re: Ignition Switch???
Post by: rabbitman on July 22, 2011, 06:59:05 pm
I don't have an LDA so it's a piece of cake, not sure how much it'll get in the way.

The worst part is a end wrench is hard to find room to turn it and a socket might not fit from the top.
Title: Re: Ignition Switch???
Post by: theman53 on July 22, 2011, 07:47:12 pm
got er did

Big club(adjustable wrench) and 8mm for the small nut and fingers for most of the removal. Somehow lost the spring in the new one and had to rob the spring from the old. I had the new plunger in the pump with the spring and whenever I went to put the seliniod in it wouldn't go and lifted it back out and there was no spring.
I started it once and it shut right off so I hope it is fixed.
Title: Re: Ignition Switch???
Post by: theman53 on July 29, 2011, 03:48:20 pm
Brand new shut off didn't shut the car off 2 times today.

I really think it is the pump. I am going to send this back to Giles and see if he can't right the thing. It has way too high egt for the power output and now this no shut off deal. I really think something is messed with the pump.
Title: Re: Ignition Switch???
Post by: R.O.R-2.0 on August 03, 2011, 02:28:32 pm
Brand new shut off didn't shut the car off 2 times today.

I really think it is the pump. I am going to send this back to Giles and see if he can't right the thing. It has way too high egt for the power output and now this no shut off deal. I really think something is messed with the pump.

im leaning towards that too..

giles is human, im sure he makes mistakes every once in a while.. he prolly finished your pump on friday afternoon.. had beer on his mind or something  8)