79 Rabbit wont start

Ask your question in the VWvortex forums. Many experts congregate there.
Also, if you don't have one, get a Bentley service manual. It is filled with
useful info.
 >> Stay informed about: 79 Rabbit wont start 

Ask your question in the VWvortex forums. Many experts congregate there.
Also, if you don't have one, get a Bentley service manual. It is filled with
useful info.
 >> Stay informed about: 79 Rabbit wont start 

From memory, it's been a long time since I had a rabbit to work on. But, you
should have 2 wires on the coil power side. One maybe red which is the feed
from the starter during cranking to boost the voltage for spark. The other
wire maybe be violet which is a resistance wire that comes from the ignition
switch. It should be easy to trace down the issue once you get a wiring
diagram/manual.


"motelvw" <motelvw.RemoveThis@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:1163355324.893647.93190@k70g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> No, I do not have power at the coil with the ignition on. Are you
> talking about the condensor on the distributor? I have a Bentley Haynes
> and Idiots but I'm new to Rabbits. If this was a Vanagon I'd have it
> running.
>
> Mike L wrote:
>> motelvw.RemoveThis@sbcglobal.net wrote:
>> > My 79 Rabbit (gas) died while idling. Ran perfect before that. I have
>> > spark and fuel when the key is in the starter position. As soon as I
>> > let it to run position it dies. New fuel pump relay. Fuel pump works
>> > when jumpered. New ignition switch did nothing. Could a coil fail and
>> > cause this? I'm a Vanagon person and new to Rabbits.
>> >
>> > p-mail me too as I may miss a post here.
>>
>> Older Autos had a so called ballest resistor for the ignition coil.
>> When in start position, the current bypassed this resistor and put 12
>> volts to the coil, when running it was ~ 9 volts. This was to boost
>> spark at start and save the points while running. The Haynes manual
>> says you have one. (0.9 Ohm) (Some also had a fuse, possibly in-line)
>>
>> This may not be the issue, but, you may have a bypass circuit for
>> starting and running circuit that fails. (Fuel or ignition)
>>
>> With ignition on, do you have power at coil ?
>>
>> Start from there...
>>
>> Mike
>
 >> Stay informed about: 79 Rabbit wont start 

From memory, it's been a long time since I had a rabbit to work on. But, you
should have 2 wires on the coil power side. One maybe red which is the feed
from the starter during cranking to boost the voltage for spark. The other
wire maybe be violet which is a resistance wire that comes from the ignition
switch. It should be easy to trace down the issue once you get a wiring
diagram/manual.


"motelvw" <motelvw.TakeThisOut@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:1163355324.893647.93190@k70g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> No, I do not have power at the coil with the ignition on. Are you
> talking about the condensor on the distributor? I have a Bentley Haynes
> and Idiots but I'm new to Rabbits. If this was a Vanagon I'd have it
> running.
>
> Mike L wrote:
>> motelvw.TakeThisOut@sbcglobal.net wrote:
>> > My 79 Rabbit (gas) died while idling. Ran perfect before that. I have
>> > spark and fuel when the key is in the starter position. As soon as I
>> > let it to run position it dies. New fuel pump relay. Fuel pump works
>> > when jumpered. New ignition switch did nothing. Could a coil fail and
>> > cause this? I'm a Vanagon person and new to Rabbits.
>> >
>> > p-mail me too as I may miss a post here.
>>
>> Older Autos had a so called ballest resistor for the ignition coil.
>> When in start position, the current bypassed this resistor and put 12
>> volts to the coil, when running it was ~ 9 volts. This was to boost
>> spark at start and save the points while running. The Haynes manual
>> says you have one. (0.9 Ohm) (Some also had a fuse, possibly in-line)
>>
>> This may not be the issue, but, you may have a bypass circuit for
>> starting and running circuit that fails. (Fuel or ignition)
>>
>> With ignition on, do you have power at coil ?
>>
>> Start from there...
>>
>> Mike
>
 >> Stay informed about: 79 Rabbit wont start 

From memory, it's been a long time since I had a rabbit to work on. But, you
should have 2 wires on the coil power side. One maybe red which is the feed
from the starter during cranking to boost the voltage for spark. The other
wire maybe be violet which is a resistance wire that comes from the ignition
switch. It should be easy to trace down the issue once you get a wiring
diagram/manual.


"motelvw" <motelvw.RemoveThis@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:1163355324.893647.93190@k70g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> No, I do not have power at the coil with the ignition on. Are you
> talking about the condensor on the distributor? I have a Bentley Haynes
> and Idiots but I'm new to Rabbits. If this was a Vanagon I'd have it
> running.
>
> Mike L wrote:
>> motelvw.RemoveThis@sbcglobal.net wrote:
>> > My 79 Rabbit (gas) died while idling. Ran perfect before that. I have
>> > spark and fuel when the key is in the starter position. As soon as I
>> > let it to run position it dies. New fuel pump relay. Fuel pump works
>> > when jumpered. New ignition switch did nothing. Could a coil fail and
>> > cause this? I'm a Vanagon person and new to Rabbits.
>> >
>> > p-mail me too as I may miss a post here.
>>
>> Older Autos had a so called ballest resistor for the ignition coil.
>> When in start position, the current bypassed this resistor and put 12
>> volts to the coil, when running it was ~ 9 volts. This was to boost
>> spark at start and save the points while running. The Haynes manual
>> says you have one. (0.9 Ohm) (Some also had a fuse, possibly in-line)
>>
>> This may not be the issue, but, you may have a bypass circuit for
>> starting and running circuit that fails. (Fuel or ignition)
>>
>> With ignition on, do you have power at coil ?
>>
>> Start from there...
>>
>> Mike
>
 >> Stay informed about: 79 Rabbit wont start 

From memory, it's been a long time since I had a rabbit to work on. But, you
should have 2 wires on the coil power side. One maybe red which is the feed
from the starter during cranking to boost the voltage for spark. The other
wire maybe be violet which is a resistance wire that comes from the ignition
switch. It should be easy to trace down the issue once you get a wiring
diagram/manual.


"motelvw" <motelvw.RemoveThis@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:1163355324.893647.93190@k70g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> No, I do not have power at the coil with the ignition on. Are you
> talking about the condensor on the distributor? I have a Bentley Haynes
> and Idiots but I'm new to Rabbits. If this was a Vanagon I'd have it
> running.
>
> Mike L wrote:
>> motelvw.RemoveThis@sbcglobal.net wrote:
>> > My 79 Rabbit (gas) died while idling. Ran perfect before that. I have
>> > spark and fuel when the key is in the starter position. As soon as I
>> > let it to run position it dies. New fuel pump relay. Fuel pump works
>> > when jumpered. New ignition switch did nothing. Could a coil fail and
>> > cause this? I'm a Vanagon person and new to Rabbits.
>> >
>> > p-mail me too as I may miss a post here.
>>
>> Older Autos had a so called ballest resistor for the ignition coil.
>> When in start position, the current bypassed this resistor and put 12
>> volts to the coil, when running it was ~ 9 volts. This was to boost
>> spark at start and save the points while running. The Haynes manual
>> says you have one. (0.9 Ohm) (Some also had a fuse, possibly in-line)
>>
>> This may not be the issue, but, you may have a bypass circuit for
>> starting and running circuit that fails. (Fuel or ignition)
>>
>> With ignition on, do you have power at coil ?
>>
>> Start from there...
>>
>> Mike
>
 >> Stay informed about: 79 Rabbit wont start 

From memory, it's been a long time since I had a rabbit to work on. But, you
should have 2 wires on the coil power side. One maybe red which is the feed
from the starter during cranking to boost the voltage for spark. The other
wire maybe be violet which is a resistance wire that comes from the ignition
switch. It should be easy to trace down the issue once you get a wiring
diagram/manual.


"motelvw" <motelvw.TakeThisOut@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:1163355324.893647.93190@k70g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> No, I do not have power at the coil with the ignition on. Are you
> talking about the condensor on the distributor? I have a Bentley Haynes
> and Idiots but I'm new to Rabbits. If this was a Vanagon I'd have it
> running.
>
> Mike L wrote:
>> motelvw.TakeThisOut@sbcglobal.net wrote:
>> > My 79 Rabbit (gas) died while idling. Ran perfect before that. I have
>> > spark and fuel when the key is in the starter position. As soon as I
>> > let it to run position it dies. New fuel pump relay. Fuel pump works
>> > when jumpered. New ignition switch did nothing. Could a coil fail and
>> > cause this? I'm a Vanagon person and new to Rabbits.
>> >
>> > p-mail me too as I may miss a post here.
>>
>> Older Autos had a so called ballest resistor for the ignition coil.
>> When in start position, the current bypassed this resistor and put 12
>> volts to the coil, when running it was ~ 9 volts. This was to boost
>> spark at start and save the points while running. The Haynes manual
>> says you have one. (0.9 Ohm) (Some also had a fuse, possibly in-line)
>>
>> This may not be the issue, but, you may have a bypass circuit for
>> starting and running circuit that fails. (Fuel or ignition)
>>
>> With ignition on, do you have power at coil ?
>>
>> Start from there...
>>
>> Mike
>
 >> Stay informed about: 79 Rabbit wont start 

From memory, it's been a long time since I had a rabbit to work on. But, you
should have 2 wires on the coil power side. One maybe red which is the feed
from the starter during cranking to boost the voltage for spark. The other
wire maybe be violet which is a resistance wire that comes from the ignition
switch. It should be easy to trace down the issue once you get a wiring
diagram/manual.


"motelvw" <motelvw RemoveThis @sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:1163355324.893647.93190@k70g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> No, I do not have power at the coil with the ignition on. Are you
> talking about the condensor on the distributor? I have a Bentley Haynes
> and Idiots but I'm new to Rabbits. If this was a Vanagon I'd have it
> running.
>
> Mike L wrote:
>> motelvw RemoveThis @sbcglobal.net wrote:
>> > My 79 Rabbit (gas) died while idling. Ran perfect before that. I have
>> > spark and fuel when the key is in the starter position. As soon as I
>> > let it to run position it dies. New fuel pump relay. Fuel pump works
>> > when jumpered. New ignition switch did nothing. Could a coil fail and
>> > cause this? I'm a Vanagon person and new to Rabbits.
>> >
>> > p-mail me too as I may miss a post here.
>>
>> Older Autos had a so called ballest resistor for the ignition coil.
>> When in start position, the current bypassed this resistor and put 12
>> volts to the coil, when running it was ~ 9 volts. This was to boost
>> spark at start and save the points while running. The Haynes manual
>> says you have one. (0.9 Ohm) (Some also had a fuse, possibly in-line)
>>
>> This may not be the issue, but, you may have a bypass circuit for
>> starting and running circuit that fails. (Fuel or ignition)
>>
>> With ignition on, do you have power at coil ?
>>
>> Start from there...
>>
>> Mike
>
 >> Stay informed about: 79 Rabbit wont start 

It is probably the fuse box or the wiring near the fuse box. You can look
for burnt terminals at the fuse box wiring plugs.
Start following the ign coil power source wire from the ign. switch when it
is on.
Now when you start to touch the fuse box that wiring will probably start
working! 8^o

I think some people (mechanics???) bypass the fuel pump relay and hook the
fuel pump directly to the ign switch. NOT GOOD since it can cause problems
with some terminals burning at the fuse box.
Also I think VW repositioned the fuel pump relay taking it out of the fuse
box and putting it above the fuse box in it's own socket.
This is probably not your problem but at least check for any burnt/loose
terminals or connectors.

One quick way around this might be to run a wire from the ign switch to the
ign. coil for test purposes. Your '79 might have a resistor in the wire
reducing voltage to the ign. coil.

"motelvw" <motelvw.DeleteThis@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:1163355324.893647.93190@k70g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> No, I do not have power at the coil with the ignition on. Are you
> talking about the condensor on the distributor? I have a Bentley Haynes
> and Idiots but I'm new to Rabbits. If this was a Vanagon I'd have it
> running.
>
> Mike L wrote:
>> motelvw.DeleteThis@sbcglobal.net wrote:
>> > My 79 Rabbit (gas) died while idling. Ran perfect before that. I have
>> > spark and fuel when the key is in the starter position. As soon as I
>> > let it to run position it dies. New fuel pump relay. Fuel pump works
>> > when jumpered. New ignition switch did nothing. Could a coil fail and
>> > cause this? I'm a Vanagon person and new to Rabbits.
>> >
>> > p-mail me too as I may miss a post here.
>>
>> Older Autos had a so called ballest resistor for the ignition coil.
>> When in start position, the current bypassed this resistor and put 12
>> volts to the coil, when running it was ~ 9 volts. This was to boost
>> spark at start and save the points while running. The Haynes manual
>> says you have one. (0.9 Ohm) (Some also had a fuse, possibly in-line)
>>
>> This may not be the issue, but, you may have a bypass circuit for
>> starting and running circuit that fails. (Fuel or ignition)
>>
>> With ignition on, do you have power at coil ?
>>
>> Start from there...
>>
>> Mike
>
 >> Stay informed about: 79 Rabbit wont start 

It is probably the fuse box or the wiring near the fuse box. You can look
for burnt terminals at the fuse box wiring plugs.
Start following the ign coil power source wire from the ign. switch when it
is on.
Now when you start to touch the fuse box that wiring will probably start
working! 8^o

I think some people (mechanics???) bypass the fuel pump relay and hook the
fuel pump directly to the ign switch. NOT GOOD since it can cause problems
with some terminals burning at the fuse box.
Also I think VW repositioned the fuel pump relay taking it out of the fuse
box and putting it above the fuse box in it's own socket.
This is probably not your problem but at least check for any burnt/loose
terminals or connectors.

One quick way around this might be to run a wire from the ign switch to the
ign. coil for test purposes. Your '79 might have a resistor in the wire
reducing voltage to the ign. coil.

"motelvw" <motelvw.RemoveThis@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:1163355324.893647.93190@k70g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> No, I do not have power at the coil with the ignition on. Are you
> talking about the condensor on the distributor? I have a Bentley Haynes
> and Idiots but I'm new to Rabbits. If this was a Vanagon I'd have it
> running.
>
> Mike L wrote:
>> motelvw.RemoveThis@sbcglobal.net wrote:
>> > My 79 Rabbit (gas) died while idling. Ran perfect before that. I have
>> > spark and fuel when the key is in the starter position. As soon as I
>> > let it to run position it dies. New fuel pump relay. Fuel pump works
>> > when jumpered. New ignition switch did nothing. Could a coil fail and
>> > cause this? I'm a Vanagon person and new to Rabbits.
>> >
>> > p-mail me too as I may miss a post here.
>>
>> Older Autos had a so called ballest resistor for the ignition coil.
>> When in start position, the current bypassed this resistor and put 12
>> volts to the coil, when running it was ~ 9 volts. This was to boost
>> spark at start and save the points while running. The Haynes manual
>> says you have one. (0.9 Ohm) (Some also had a fuse, possibly in-line)
>>
>> This may not be the issue, but, you may have a bypass circuit for
>> starting and running circuit that fails. (Fuel or ignition)
>>
>> With ignition on, do you have power at coil ?
>>
>> Start from there...
>>
>> Mike
>
 >> Stay informed about: 79 Rabbit wont start 

It is probably the fuse box or the wiring near the fuse box. You can look
for burnt terminals at the fuse box wiring plugs.
Start following the ign coil power source wire from the ign. switch when it
is on.
Now when you start to touch the fuse box that wiring will probably start
working! 8^o

I think some people (mechanics???) bypass the fuel pump relay and hook the
fuel pump directly to the ign switch. NOT GOOD since it can cause problems
with some terminals burning at the fuse box.
Also I think VW repositioned the fuel pump relay taking it out of the fuse
box and putting it above the fuse box in it's own socket.
This is probably not your problem but at least check for any burnt/loose
terminals or connectors.

One quick way around this might be to run a wire from the ign switch to the
ign. coil for test purposes. Your '79 might have a resistor in the wire
reducing voltage to the ign. coil.

"motelvw" <motelvw.DeleteThis@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:1163355324.893647.93190@k70g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> No, I do not have power at the coil with the ignition on. Are you
> talking about the condensor on the distributor? I have a Bentley Haynes
> and Idiots but I'm new to Rabbits. If this was a Vanagon I'd have it
> running.
>
> Mike L wrote:
>> motelvw.DeleteThis@sbcglobal.net wrote:
>> > My 79 Rabbit (gas) died while idling. Ran perfect before that. I have
>> > spark and fuel when the key is in the starter position. As soon as I
>> > let it to run position it dies. New fuel pump relay. Fuel pump works
>> > when jumpered. New ignition switch did nothing. Could a coil fail and
>> > cause this? I'm a Vanagon person and new to Rabbits.
>> >
>> > p-mail me too as I may miss a post here.
>>
>> Older Autos had a so called ballest resistor for the ignition coil.
>> When in start position, the current bypassed this resistor and put 12
>> volts to the coil, when running it was ~ 9 volts. This was to boost
>> spark at start and save the points while running. The Haynes manual
>> says you have one. (0.9 Ohm) (Some also had a fuse, possibly in-line)
>>
>> This may not be the issue, but, you may have a bypass circuit for
>> starting and running circuit that fails. (Fuel or ignition)
>>
>> With ignition on, do you have power at coil ?
>>
>> Start from there...
>>
>> Mike
>
 >> Stay informed about: 79 Rabbit wont start 

It is probably the fuse box or the wiring near the fuse box. You can look
for burnt terminals at the fuse box wiring plugs.
Start following the ign coil power source wire from the ign. switch when it
is on.
Now when you start to touch the fuse box that wiring will probably start
working! 8^o

I think some people (mechanics???) bypass the fuel pump relay and hook the
fuel pump directly to the ign switch. NOT GOOD since it can cause problems
with some terminals burning at the fuse box.
Also I think VW repositioned the fuel pump relay taking it out of the fuse
box and putting it above the fuse box in it's own socket.
This is probably not your problem but at least check for any burnt/loose
terminals or connectors.

One quick way around this might be to run a wire from the ign switch to the
ign. coil for test purposes. Your '79 might have a resistor in the wire
reducing voltage to the ign. coil.

"motelvw" <motelvw RemoveThis @sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:1163355324.893647.93190@k70g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> No, I do not have power at the coil with the ignition on. Are you
> talking about the condensor on the distributor? I have a Bentley Haynes
> and Idiots but I'm new to Rabbits. If this was a Vanagon I'd have it
> running.
>
> Mike L wrote:
>> motelvw RemoveThis @sbcglobal.net wrote:
>> > My 79 Rabbit (gas) died while idling. Ran perfect before that. I have
>> > spark and fuel when the key is in the starter position. As soon as I
>> > let it to run position it dies. New fuel pump relay. Fuel pump works
>> > when jumpered. New ignition switch did nothing. Could a coil fail and
>> > cause this? I'm a Vanagon person and new to Rabbits.
>> >
>> > p-mail me too as I may miss a post here.
>>
>> Older Autos had a so called ballest resistor for the ignition coil.
>> When in start position, the current bypassed this resistor and put 12
>> volts to the coil, when running it was ~ 9 volts. This was to boost
>> spark at start and save the points while running. The Haynes manual
>> says you have one. (0.9 Ohm) (Some also had a fuse, possibly in-line)
>>
>> This may not be the issue, but, you may have a bypass circuit for
>> starting and running circuit that fails. (Fuel or ignition)
>>
>> With ignition on, do you have power at coil ?
>>
>> Start from there...
>>
>> Mike
>
 >> Stay informed about: 79 Rabbit wont start 

It is probably the fuse box or the wiring near the fuse box. You can look
for burnt terminals at the fuse box wiring plugs.
Start following the ign coil power source wire from the ign. switch when it
is on.
Now when you start to touch the fuse box that wiring will probably start
working! 8^o

I think some people (mechanics???) bypass the fuel pump relay and hook the
fuel pump directly to the ign switch. NOT GOOD since it can cause problems
with some terminals burning at the fuse box.
Also I think VW repositioned the fuel pump relay taking it out of the fuse
box and putting it above the fuse box in it's own socket.
This is probably not your problem but at least check for any burnt/loose
terminals or connectors.

One quick way around this might be to run a wire from the ign switch to the
ign. coil for test purposes. Your '79 might have a resistor in the wire
reducing voltage to the ign. coil.

"motelvw" <motelvw RemoveThis @sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:1163355324.893647.93190@k70g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> No, I do not have power at the coil with the ignition on. Are you
> talking about the condensor on the distributor? I have a Bentley Haynes
> and Idiots but I'm new to Rabbits. If this was a Vanagon I'd have it
> running.
>
> Mike L wrote:
>> motelvw RemoveThis @sbcglobal.net wrote:
>> > My 79 Rabbit (gas) died while idling. Ran perfect before that. I have
>> > spark and fuel when the key is in the starter position. As soon as I
>> > let it to run position it dies. New fuel pump relay. Fuel pump works
>> > when jumpered. New ignition switch did nothing. Could a coil fail and
>> > cause this? I'm a Vanagon person and new to Rabbits.
>> >
>> > p-mail me too as I may miss a post here.
>>
>> Older Autos had a so called ballest resistor for the ignition coil.
>> When in start position, the current bypassed this resistor and put 12
>> volts to the coil, when running it was ~ 9 volts. This was to boost
>> spark at start and save the points while running. The Haynes manual
>> says you have one. (0.9 Ohm) (Some also had a fuse, possibly in-line)
>>
>> This may not be the issue, but, you may have a bypass circuit for
>> starting and running circuit that fails. (Fuel or ignition)
>>
>> With ignition on, do you have power at coil ?
>>
>> Start from there...
>>
>> Mike
>
 >> Stay informed about: 79 Rabbit wont start