If you have an air-cooled van and experience
the dreaded “click” when trying to start your van,
it could be that the original wiring and ignition
switch now has a higher resistance than it did
back in the 70’s and cannot cope with the current
required to turn the engine over using the starter
motor.
One way to counteract this is to fit a relay that
takes the current load and the ignition switch
activates the relay.
A relay sourced for this application can be
purchased from Just Kampers; JK part number
J12928.
Parts required
Suitable cable for wiring the relay – suggest
Halfords 12v 17A cable sold in 4m reels
Several crimp connectors
The relay itself – JK part number J12928
Method
It is advisable to always disconnect the vehicle’s
battery before carrying out any work on the
electrical system.
- Mount the relay in a safe place as close to the
starter motor as possible. - Take the existing wire from terminal 50 on
the solenoid and extend it to reach the relay
position. - Connect this extension from terminal 50 on
the solenoid to terminal 86 on the relay. - Now connect terminal 85 on the relay to a
good earth on the vehicle body/chassis. - Connect terminal 87 of the relay to the live
terminal of the vehicle’s battery. - Now connect terminal 30 on the relay back
to terminal 50 on the starter solenoid.
Whilst every attempt is made to ensure that
these instructions are as accurate and clear as
possible, the author or club itself cannot be
held responsible for misinterpretation of these
instructions or for any subsequent accident or
damage caused through mis-fitted parts.