At 06:55 PM 01/26/2000 -0800, you wrote:
>Hi Listees,
>
>starter? loose wire or cable? Please help me folks...this is my daily
>vehicle and getting to my wits end real fast.  I dont know my way around
>the engine well yet even in the daylight...so specifics on your
>suggestions are most appreciated.
>
>thank you Thank you
>gina
>85 vanagon gl
>118,985 miles
>

My first suspician is at 15 years and 129k, you have a synergy of
weaknesses. Check things in this order. Battery rest voltage, test battery
with load tester, check rebound voltage. Clean the top of the battery,
check the batt. cables and terminals for good condition, check the ground
strap at the trans. mount. Check voltage from the switch at the solinoid.
If all that is good, replace the starter.

Don't be suprized to find weakness in any ignition switch or starter that old.

T.P. Stephens aka Doktor Tim
San Juan Island, WA