MayBob Posted March 25, 2016 Report Share Posted March 25, 2016 I am a new member and this is my first post I'm in need of a little help. So my vehicle is a 1985 720 rwd 2.4L. The problem I am having is that my truck sometimes will not start, and then after doing basically nothing it will run just fine. When the issue occurs it's like my key does nothing. I have no power to the fuel pump, it won't turn over, no clicking noise. Also I get no response from anything in the accessories position, no radio, no dash lights etc. My headlights still, work cigarette lighter works, basically anything that works without the key in anyway. I strongly suspect the ignition as all my fuses appear functional, tested with multimeter. My dad is using this as another reason I need a new car, but I will never give up on my truck. Any advice or experience you guys could share would be greatly appreciated. Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted March 25, 2016 Report Share Posted March 25, 2016 It would appear to be the ignition switch.... BUT first... Reach up behind the ignition switch and unplug and plug it in several times. This will polish the contacts an firmly seat the connection. See if this helps. Next check the fusible links. The 720 has three, one Black and two Green and they are about 4 inches long with plastic connectors on the ends so they can easily be removed from the harness and changed. They are located very close to the positive battery post connected to the positive cable. Generally there is one Black and one Green more or less together sharing a plastic connector. The other Green one is close by with it's own connector. The one you have to examine should be the Green one paired with the Black. The fusible links are a special wire with a special coating that is fire resistant. The fusible link is expected to melt and break the electrical connection if over loaded, yet not catch fire. It may appear crisp and burned or normal, but the wire inside is melted. Usually you can tell by looking at or feeling it. If they appear normal try unplugging several times like the ignition switch to clean, polish and seat the connection. If this does not work, feel free to replace the ignition switch. 1 Quote Link to comment
Doctor510 Posted March 25, 2016 Report Share Posted March 25, 2016 Install a 12V 30 amp "hot start" relay. Old school VW trick. Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted March 25, 2016 Report Share Posted March 25, 2016 When the issue occurs it's like my key does nothing. I have no power to the fuel pump, it won't turn over, no clicking noise. Also I get no response from anything in the accessories position, no radio, no dash lights etc. My headlights still, work cigarette lighter works, basically anything that works without the key in anyway. If the ignition is not turning on the heater or wipers, radio or dash gauges, then a hot start relay probably won't help. Quote Link to comment
maswov Posted April 5, 2016 Report Share Posted April 5, 2016 Most likely it's the battery. There can be a bad cell and the symptoms will be exactly as you describe... absolutely nothing, release the key try again and it will start just fine. Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted April 6, 2016 Report Share Posted April 6, 2016 Never seen this. Easy check is swap a borrowed battery in and try. Ignition switch or bad fusible link. Quote Link to comment
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