Starter motors do sometimes just stop working. Could also be a solenoid.
High possibility is ignition or the neutral/reverse light switch. This is a
very common problem on the automatics. Try moving the shifter. Also try
neutral instead of park.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Phil Menchions
Sent: Saturday, August 27, 2011 7:20 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Dead (almost) in the garage

Just attempted to start my van after it was sitting in the garage for a few
weeks. Reconnected the battery (green diode indicated a good charge), oil
and coolant levels good.

Turned the key and heard the fuel pump kick in, red dash lights for the oil
and battery levels lit up and the brief flashing red for engine temp but the
engine did not begin to turn over at all.

So I am at a loss. Starting motors do not fail catastrophically right? Could
this be a wirung issue?

This is an '89 automatic.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Phil Menchions
'89 Westy