Well miguel, thanks for the tip.  I'll get an ignition switch.

The page that links off of vanagonauts for this is busted.  URL gives me a
404 page not found error.
http://carboncow.net/vanagon/projects/ignition_switch.htm

Can anyone give me a few pointers or maybe somehow they have this page saved
and can pass it along?

Thanks,

Jeff
90GL

----- Original Message -----
From: "miguel pacheco" <mundopacheco@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, December 19, 2008 2:48 AM
Subject: Re: Electrical Nightmare?

> No, it doesn't sound like a nightmare. It sounds like your ignition
> switch is going out. This is a simple thing to replace and, as many
> Vanagon owners know, don't leave home without a spare ignition switch.
> The procedure is detailed on www.vanagonauts.com
> These ignition switches go for around 7.00 at Bus Depot. I mention
> them because I just ordered three (one spare for each of my vans.)
> Here is something you might try first though, remove the plastic
> cladding from beneath the ignition switch (where the key goes) and you
> will see that a plug is plugged into the base of it. Make sure it is
> securely plugged in. Also you can jiggle this plug while the heater
> fan is running. This might make the fan kick on and off, in which case
> this could indicate that the switch is bad, or, as just happened to me
> yesterday, the screw that tethers the switch in place is loose (in
> which case you will still have to follow the procedure to remove the
> switch.) If you don't know when it was last replaced, you should do it
> now, because it is destined to fail and you can do it on your own
> terms. I've owned a dozen Vanagons and have had to replace this switch
> on each one.
>
> Thanks,
>                    Miguel
> BTW Eventually you will lose the ability to start the van too!