Kevin,

What did the battery terminals look like before you brushed them off?
Intermittent electrical issues are the worst thing in my book.  Make sure
you've got good contact on both battery posts, both alternator posts and the
ground.

Matt
http://zenoswagen.wordpress.com

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Kevin Gilbert
Sent: Tuesday, January 05, 2010 6:06 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
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