Do the headlights shine bright?

Will it jump start from another vehicle? If so, then battery *might*
be low. Try charging it.

Were there any warning signs before hand? i.e. starter getting slower?
Intermittent starter motor?

If it was already turning over and starting in similar cold temps, and
this just suddenly happened, and if the battery checks out ok and
battery connections or starter connections (dirty and/or loose) are
ok, it might be ignition switch.

Is this an automatic?

Assuming it is in properly in "park" when trying to start it, (and I
can't recall exact name of part) it might be the "safety" switch. This
switch prevents if from being started in gear. Failure of it could
prevent it from turning over.

It has been said, but check battery condition, connections, then
starter connections.

Cheers,

Neil.

On 1/25/08, Aileen Boyd <aileen.boyd@gmail.com> wrote:
> While I know this could be fairly simple. I am very new to my Vanagon. It's
> been mighty cold here in upstate NY. Close to 16 degrees and sometimes -15
> with windchill factor. I have not been driving my 88' Westy very often (2-3
> short trips a week). The other I went to start her up, and nothing. Coolant
> light flickered, went off and the battery light stayed on. No turnover or
> noise as if it was attempting at all. Is this as simple as a battery
> recharge (brand new high-end battery was put in in August). Or could this be
> the Alternator? Anything else? Suggestions welcome.
>
> --
> If not Peace, then Justice.....
>

--
Neil Nicholson. 1981 Air Cooled Westfalia - "Jaco"
http://web.mac.com/tubaneil

Engine swap beginings: http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/