What David said - replace that ignition switch pronto.

Your description sounds like one of the more common switch failure modes ie
power to the ECU isn't present in the crank/run position.
A quick trip to your FLAPS is in order.

Good luck, Jake

On Mon, Jul 12, 2010 at 11:19 AM, Mark A Kippert <vanagon@kippert.com>wrote:

> So today is my birthday (54!) and my van, 1986 GL 4-speed, surprised me
> with it's first ever no start this morning. Has just about always run fine
> with no hint of impending trouble. A quick check under "the hood" revealed
> that I have no spark (pulled coil wire at dizzy to check...nothing). I do
> hear the fuel pump charge though, and the starter turns the engine just
> fine.
>
> My question: Could the ignition switch be the problem? I've had two brief
> incidents in the last month where the van stopped dead while backing out of
> a parking space. Just jiggling he key brought it right back to life. I also
> recall about a week ago when the van would not start. I turned the key and
> cranked it for about 15 seconds. Turned the key off...back
> on...cranked...then it started. I'm sure I'll need to replace the switch,
> but could this be related to my no-spark issue.
>
> I don't have time until tomorrow evening to troubleshoot due to birthday
> plans. As such I thought I'd order a new switch to get started.
>
> Any thoughts would be much appreciated.
>
> Mark K
> 1986 GL/2WD/4SPD
> 1990 Carat/2WD/Auto
>

--
Jake

1984 Vanagon GL 1.9 WBX 'The Grey Van'
1986 Westy Weekender/2.5 SOHC Suby 'Dixie'

Crescent Beach, BC

www.thebassspa.com
www.crescentbeachguitar.com
http://subyjake.googlepages.com/mydixiedarlin%27