Vanagon Hard Start Relay Kit

(36 customer reviews)

$36.00$48.00

Add to Wishlist
Add to Wishlist

Description

**These take a few days longer to ship than most of my products as they are labor intensive for me to make. 🙂

 

**I will now be offering a plug and play wiring solution for those of you who have a TDi starter upgrade in your van!  The standard ¼” female terminal on the hard start kit kinda fits if you file it down a bit and jam it in place, but they tend to fall off after a few bumps in the road, which can make for some unwelcome troubleshooting a day or two after installing a part that is supposed to improve starting reliability.   The TDI plug uses 2 silicone seals and a heavy duty TE Connectivity power timer terminal inside an injection molded housing. This makes installation a snap. 😉

I am proud to announce that the legend that is Jay Brown (thatvwbusguy) has graciously passed the baton to me and I will be assuming production of this product. 🙂 These will be produced to his exacting specifications, so high quality is assured. 

Having trouble getting your Vanagon started?  This hard start relay is an upgraded version of the classic Bosch WR-1. Since it is designed specifically for the Vanagon, it includes the proper connectors to interface with your starter. No need to cut any wires or crimp on new terminals for your install.

With this relay installed, your ignition switch will only be used to trigger the relay, it will no longer have to carry the starting current to the starter solenoid. This provides a shorter path from the battery to the starter, which ultimately provides more juice to the starter.

 Kit includes fully wired weather resistant 40A relay with Metri-Pak weather resistant inline fuse.  Complete installation instructions and all necessary mounting hardware included.  Fabricated with American made 12GA marine tinned wire covered in protective mesh to resist abrasion and damage from road debris.  OEM style double crimp terminals ensure long lasting electrical connections.
** IMPORTANT INSTALLATION NOTES **:  The hard start relay will not function properly in 1986-1991 Vanagon’s with both Automatic Transmission and Factory Cruise Control due to a relay conflict with the cruise control system.  If your van only has either an Automatic Transmission or Factory Cruise Control, the relay will function properly.
It has come to my attention recently that running a hard start relay with the GoWesty Auxiliary Battery Kit or the GoWesty Gear Reduction Starter may result in complications.  If you have either of these products installed in your van, the use of the hard start relay is not recommended and will be completely at the risk of the installer.

**Please read the installation instructions (page 2 in particular, if you have a dual battery setup!!)
Jay designed the kit based the design on the Bosch WR1, but chose to make it with much better parts.
Fits: VW Vanagon, DOKA, SIKA, Bus, Bug and most air-cooled Porsche’s.
Installation Instructions:

Additional information

Weight 4 oz
Dimensions 6 × 6 × 1 in
TDi Wiring Upgrade

Yes, No

36 reviews for Vanagon Hard Start Relay Kit

  1. Ron McGill (verified owner)

    Super useful and great design!!

    (0) (0)
  2. Adam (verified owner)

    So thankful to have been referred this kit by Ransom at Crooked Finger Designs. Hopefully the solve for my ongoing starter related issues. Thanks Uniwerks for continuing its production and delivery. Your email support was greatly appreciated as well!

    (0) (0)
  3. Jeffry Blaesing (verified owner)

    My mechanic was very impressed with the quality of the merchandise, turns out it wasn’t the issue with the hard start problem . someone had painted over the contact for the ground strap, problem has been solved….

    (0) (0)
  4. William Beach (verified owner)

    Well made, with everything you need and clear instructions. Pretty, too!

    (0) (0)
  5. Reg (verified owner)

    (0) (0)
  6. Jim Schubert (verified owner)

    Very high quality product!

    (0) (0)
  7. Alan MacLeod (verified owner)

    (0) (0)
  8. Willard M. (verified owner)

    (0) (0)
  9. Rafael Robinson (verified owner)

    (0) (0)
  10. Graham (verified owner)

    Great design and execution.

    (0) (0)
  11. Patrick (verified owner)

    (0) (0)
  12. Brad Sisson (verified owner)

    (0) (0)
  13. John C. (verified owner)

    (0) (0)
  14. Dustin (verified owner)

    (0) (0)
  15. STEVEN JACOBS (verified owner)

    Clean and complete assembly.

    (0) (0)
  16. john stevens (verified owner)

    (0) (0)
  17. Peter (verified owner)

    Product seems to be working great! Super easy to install with good instructions and good quality components. Only reason for a 4 is the ground wire fell out because it wasn’t crimped but that wasn’t a big deal.

    (0) (0)
  18. Michael H Balser (verified owner)

    (0) (0)
  19. john murray (verified owner)

    (0) (0)
  20. Chris S. (verified owner)

    Yes, this did fix my starting issue on the Westy after it was warm! I chased the problem for quite a while before I stumbled upon a relay solution in certain forums. This kit is a well known design, incredibly well put together, and easy to install. I did find a similar kit on another popular site for less money, but the fit and finish of Uniwerks looked superior. Also shipping costs evened the playing field.

    Pay special attention to page 2 of the instructions if it pertains to your vehicle. It CAN make your starter run until the key is pulled out (ask me how I know). But the fix is included with the kit, and works exactly as described (also easy to install).

    (0) (0)
  21. Kenneth P. (verified owner)

    Easy to install. The picture looked like a metal tab. The item received was plastic.

    (0) (0)
  22. Joshua Wallis (verified owner)

    This is the premier hard start relay kit for Vanagons. I recommend it to everyone.

    (0) (0)
  23. Stephen Walchli (verified owner)

    Easy install!

    (0) (0)
  24. Steven Trent (verified owner)

    High quality item; easy install

    (0) (0)
  25. Nicholas (verified owner)

    Relay kit works like a champ. High quality build and my questions were thoroughly answered. Thanks again.

    (0) (0)
  26. Mark Wilson (verified owner)

    This kit was everything I expected. It included all the parts needed for each variation of starter, and all the leads were the perfect length to allow mounting in the best location.

    (0) (0)
  27. Anonymous (verified owner)

    (0) (0)
  28. Kyle Kirsch (verified owner)

    (0) (0)
  29. Andrew Tillinghast (verified owner)

    Couldn’t be any better!! A++++++

    (0) (0)
  30. Scott H. (verified owner)

    The fitment, finish, and quality of the components are absolutely top notch. Instructions are thorough, include pictures, and give you easy to follow step-by-step direction. On top of that, the starter relay actually does what it is advertised to do. Starting is noticeably with more vigor. Taking the starting load off the ignition switch was my primary reason for ordering this kit. A very good value.

    (0) (0)
  31. khaled (verified owner)

    The cables and the rest of the parts are very excellent and of good, durable quality. and has free zip ties and 2 extra stainless steel self tapping screws. Even the fuse is covered and well protected from weather effects. Also has manual with photographs for Westfalia and Vanagon to choose from.
    Frankly, it is worth every penny and I am very happy with this product will be in my Vanagon. also thank you for the nice logo sticker.
    I have seen a lot of this product in the market but not as level and good quality of your product.
    Thank you again for your keenness to create the best in the Vanagon market.

    (0) (0)
  32. scott t. (verified owner)

    (0) (0)
  33. Eric Gross (verified owner)

    Looks thourough

    (0) (0)
  34. Rob (verified owner)

    Brilliant piece of gear that will keep my 42 year old volksie smiling.

    (0) (0)
  35. Daniel B. (verified owner)

    (0) (0)
  36. Rob W. (verified owner)

    Really nice product with easy to read instructions. Easy install- roughly 1hr- I took my time. Thanks Chris!

    (0) (0)

Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.