Karen,

Sounds like your starter is definitely to blame. You can replace it if you
want, or have someone do it for you. It shouldn't be very expensive. Before
you do that, though, crawl underneath and find the starter. Check the wires
going to it, and make sure they are all tightly connected. The ignition
switch runs to a female "blade type" connector (sometimes through an
external starting-solonoid). If this connection isn't tight and clean,
you'll get nothing. Follow the positive line from the starter (should be the
heaviest guage wire) to this solonoid if it exists, and check all those
connections.

Last resort: Have someone turn the ignition switch, while you wiggle some of
these wires to find the loose one. Make sure you have the bus in neutral (or
park) with the e-brake on for this one. It will startle you when it turns
over, but have your friend shut it off right away. This is the loose wire.
If all else fails, hit it (the starter) with a hammer while your friend
turns the key. Should this work, replace the starter when you get a chance.

GL,

Ward

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM]On Behalf
Of Karen Gritis
Sent: Friday, May 24, 2002 7:11 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Turn key - nada

I'm having a troubling last couple of months with my vanagon.  It's
suddenly turned into a money pit, whereas before it was pretty trouble
free, routine maintenance only.  I put a new rebuilt engine in it about
2 months ago, since then, it's been one thing after another.

The latest - started it easily, drove approximately 5 miles, parked
without incident, left it parked for about 15 minutes.  When I came back
out to start it, I got absolutely nothing.  No noise, no cranking,
nothing.  Battery is new and strong, lights work and phone charger
works.  There is a clicking from the vicinity of the starter, but
nothing else.  I tried to jump it and still nothing.  I was in a crowded
parking lot with lots of kids around so didn't want to try to roll start
it.   Nothing obviously loose.  What do you think?  Starter?  How can I
check it to make sure?   The shop where I take it is closed until
Tuesday.  I need to try to get it back on the road before then.  There
is a Bug Out near me in Manassas this weekend where I could pick up
cheap parts, actually probably the only place open for me to get parts
this weekend.

How big a deal is a starter replacement?  I can handle a screwdriver,
wrench, etc and once changed the exhaust system on my beetle, but it's
been years and I'm not sure I can handle anything too complex or dirty.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Karen
91 Vanagon