RS:
Since you had no clicking or wind down on the starter...
I would start by looking at the ignition switch.
Intermittent starting problems almost always end when the ignition switch
(where the key goes in) is replaced.

FWIW, one possible cause for ignition switch failure is too many keys on the
key ring/fob.

Stephen Steele
Chillicothe OH
'89 Westy no name yet
'73 Sportsmobile Pop Top...  Creamsicle?
'91 Caravelle  "Hans"... FS
'90 Carat      "Parts"
'74 MGB  My first car...yep, I've kept it since '74
'00 Jetta TDi daily driver
'02 Jetta Wagon VR6  Wife's car
Ex Vans/VWs:
'81 Vanagon  from 1985-1990
'84 Westfalia  "Fritz" 2000-2004 now with Son #1
'87 Westfalia  "Franz" 2002-2005  now with Son #2
'88 Jetta GL  1990-1992
'92 Jetta GL  1992-1998
'90 Jetta     1999-2003
'91 Jetta Diesel STOLEN 10-12-06
'81 Rabbit diesel   1999-2003
'82 Caddy VW Diesel P.U.  1999-2004

on 8/8/07 1:17 AM, Robert Stewart at robertmstewart@MAC.COM wrote:

> Hello everyone,
>
> I have an 88 automatic, all of a sudden last Sunday the van would not
> start. I use the van every other day and drive it all weekend long
> without an issue till recently.
>
> On Sunday I went to the van after about 3hrs and tried to start her
> up. Nothing, the lights on the dash were on with full power, stereo
> worked just fine, I even pulled out the jumper system and charged up
> the battery just to be safe, nothing worked. I then opened up the
> plastic shroud around the ignition removed the plastic and exposing
> the steering column and the lead wires to the ignition, I could see
> nothing wrong.
>
> I wanted 5 minutes and gave it shot, she started up instantly as
> usual. What the hell is going wrong here?
>
> The starter was replaced about 4 months ago with brand new bosch
> unit. I don't even here a clicking at all, just nothing happens when
> you go to start the van, just the lights on the dash, no sound nothing.
>
> I also replaced the alternator about 9 months ago, I believe I got
> from Vanagain.
>
> Any ideas?
>
> --
> Rob
> NYC/Bloomingburg NY
> 88 Wolfsburg, Silver
> 222,225 miles - automatic
> AIM: rmstewart@mac.com