It is pretty common to have a little snap sound coming from the battery
compartment.  Happens when one of the ends of the ground cable is corroded
and does not deliver enough juice that's needed.  It can overheat too.  The
same happens between the body and the transmission too.  Starters don't want
to work well.
Cleaning and using a new bolt will do it, but put some grease over it to
preserve it.
The spark can also ignite hydrogen in the box and blow up the battery.
Happened with me.  Like a gunshot.
Zoltan

----- 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