yes, most likely you fixed the problem.
one of the failure modes of poorly connecting battery cables is what you
experienced......
when it gets a load, or a high load, you'll hear a small kinda 'zap' sound
when they loose contact.
I can't explain why there is a sound, but I have experienced it many times.

and the symptom is, everything seems normal, until you try to access power
from the battery, then there's a zap/disconnection,
and there's "nobody home" i.e. no power anywhere.

Scott

----- Original Message -----
From: "Kevin Gilbert" <kggilbert@MYACTV.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, January 05, 2010 6:06 PM
Subject: Electric Problem Solved - I Hope

> Vangoneers,
>
> After fulfilling all holiday family commitments, I decided I deserved
> an overnighter in the Maryland mountains Monday. My '84 Westy went
> dead at the gas pump on my way out of town.
>
> I turned the key, heard a 'snap' from somewhere, and lost all power. I
> pushed the van away from the pumps, and spent time checking fuses,
> relays, wiring, ignition switch, connections, etc. as best I could in
> the cold, wind, and waning light. Once, power returned, but
> disappeared on turning the key. I heard the 'snap' sound coming from
> the battery compartment.
>
> I removed the battery cables and wire-brushed them and the terminals,
> and re-connected everything. The VW started right up, and was fine the
> whole chilly trip.
>
> So, did cleaning the terminals and cables fix the problem, or did I
> just get lucky? I' d like to prevent this from recurring. Suggestions?
>
> Thanks.
>
> Kevin
> '84 Westfalia - 21 years of (mostly) reliable travel