Thanks, Scott!

I appreciate your suggestions. I'll try cleaning it and see what happens.

 *Annie Anderson* Blogger, Designer, Thinker & Mom
web: annieandersonblog.com email: lsandrsn@gmail.com
twitter: silverlunace <http://twitter.com/silverlunace> facebook:
anniesanderson <http://facebook.com/anniesanderson>
*Blazin' a trail where there is no path.*

On Thu, Jun 2, 2011 at 9:07 PM, Scott Daniel - Turbovans <
scottdaniel@turbovans.com> wrote:

>  Right ..
> the 'park' contacts in the switch that the starter trigger current flows
> through are tired after 25 years or so..
> the neutral portion has fairly unused contacts.
> Makes perfect sense.
> you could take the shift console apart and clean contacts in the switch ..
> or install a new one.
>
> there is a very tiny allen screw near the top of the shifter that is the
> key to getting started on taking the console and shifter apart.
> scott
> www.turbovans.com
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> *From:* Annie <lsandrsn@gmail.com>
> *To:* Scott Daniel - Turbovans <scottdaniel@turbovans.com>
> *Cc:* vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com
> *Sent:* Thursday, June 02, 2011 8:41 PM
> *Subject:* Re: Neutral safety switch
>
> Scott -
>
> Thanks for responding.
>
> Well, what's happening is that I'll park somewhere and when I come out, try
> to start the van, it doesn't turn over. All the buzzers, lights, radio etc
> all work, you can hear the fuel pump kick in but the engine doesn't turn
> over . . .
>
> UNTIL I jiggle the shifter lever and securely lock it into neutral. THEN it
> will start right up.
>
> First, I thought it was the battery because if I jump it when it's doing
> this, it will start right away also.
>
> But I had the battery tested and it's perfectly fine. The alternator came
> back as being bad, though, so I replaced that. Then it was fine for a couple
> of months and now it's doing it again.
>
> So I did some digging around and my uncle, who is a good mechanic and has
> helped with all the work I've done on the van since I bought it, said it
> could be the neutral safety switch.
>
> And since we figured that out, every time it's happened since, if I do as I
> mentioned and make sure it's securely engaged in neutral, it'll start right
> up.
>
>  *Annie Anderson* Blogger, Designer, Thinker & Mom
> web: annieandersonblog.com email: lsandrsn@gmail.com
> twitter: silverlunace <http://twitter.com/silverlunace> facebook:
> anniesanderson <http://facebook.com/anniesanderson>
> *Blazin' a trail where there is no path.*
>
> On Thu, Jun 2, 2011 at 8:33 PM, Scott Daniel - Turbovans <
> scottdaniel@turbovans.com> wrote:
>
>> The switch is in the shift console , right by the shifter.
>>
>> what symptom are you experiencing ?
>> the only thing that is really associated with the transmission  and that
>> switch is the back up light function. ..
>> and even that is really about the shifter, not the trans itself.
>>
>> the starter trigger signal also goes through that switch.
>>
>> Scott
>> www.turbovans.com
>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Annie" <lsandrsn@GMAIL.COM>
>> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
>> Sent: Thursday, June 02, 2011 8:10 PM
>> Subject: Neutral safety switch
>>
>>
>>  Hello,
>>>
>>> I seem to be having some issues with my transmission and we've determined
>>> that it's the neutral safety switch. I have no idea how to fix it or what
>>> to
>>> do and would appreciate any help you fine folks can give.
>>>
>>> It's an 85 non-westy with an automatic transmission and a 1.9L engine.
>>>
>>> I've looked at the Bentley but frankly, it's just not helping me this
>>> time.
>>>
>>> Thanks, guys!
>>>
>>> *Annie Anderson* Blogger, Designer, Thinker & Mom
>>> web: annieandersonblog.com email: lsandrsn@gmail.com
>>> twitter: silverlunace <http://twitter.com/silverlunace> facebook:
>>> anniesanderson <http://facebook.com/anniesanderson>
>>> *Blazin' a trail where there is no path.*
>>>
>>
>>
>