1962 Vw bug won't start by key, only push starting or jumping with screwdriver on starter

10

Asked by Jordan Aug 02, 2017 at 11:52 PM about the 1962 Volkswagen Beetle

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have a 1962 Vw bug that will not start unless I push start
it or jump it with a screwdriver from the starter to solenoid.
Other than that the key just gives a Click clunk sound. I
have replaced the positive wire on the battery to the
starter as well as the negative wire. I'm at a loss.

9 Answers

35,395

If it starts with the screwdriver then it's not the battery cables. Check the starter fuse, if fuse is ok, check starter telay

10

I have "hot wired" ( terrible way of putting it) but bypassed the ignition switch and it does the same thing, there is a draw of current from the battery somehow when it gets power to the starter. The flip of the key dims the dash lights and it just clicks once.

1 people found this helpful.
35,395

Run a wire directly from the switch to relay, if it works, u have bad wiring

2 people found this helpful.
16,945

I had one of these cars MANY years ago. Had the same problem. Mount a relay on the body area nearest the starter. Run a power supply through a fuse from the battery to the relay and the starter wire from the Ign key to the relay. This seamed to have sorted the problem out

20

I am trying to load my 62 beetle, it doesn't run so trying to push it. It's on nuetral and hand brake off. Why doesn't it move or roll? Can u gelp

2 people found this helpful.

Swap the feed wire to the starter switch with the headlight feed, behind the dash. The thicker wire provides more juice to the starter..

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