[Vwdiesel] Strange no-start problem

[Roger Brown]

Roger Brown wrote:
> Trying to get my '82 fired up after being down for a while.  I did have 
> it running from time to time and the last time I tried to start it, I 
> would get the glow plug light to come on briefly then nothing when I 
> went to start.  No click of the starter or anything. And when I turn the 
> key back to off after that, the parking brake light stays on, somewhat 
> dimmed and I still have 12 volts at the fuel pump solenoid.  I have to 
> disconnect the battery at that point to get the brake light to turn off 
> (hearing a relay click off at that point).  I originally thought it may 
> be a weak battery, but after dropping a new one in there, it still does 
> the same thing.
> 
> I'm thinking a relay may be sticking on somehow, but wondered if anyone 
> has seen something like this before?

Well, I think I found the problem.  Seemed to be a poor ground connection over to the 
block.  Had the battery to the transaxle bracket cable plus a short cable to the body but 
I guess with the newly painted transaxle, there was not enough metal-metal contact to the 
block.  Added a 24" long, 2ga. side post battery ground strap from the transaxle bracket 
to one of the big bellhousing-block bolts.  Tightened it down and now if cranks up nice 
and fast.

-- 
    Roger