Further investigation shows that jumping the battery has no effect, still no crank. The spades on the neutral switch appear tight, as do the bolts off the battery terminal. 

The key turned to start powers up the fuel pump, so it can't be the ignition switch right?

-craig

On Mar 4, 2012, at 12:35 PM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com> wrote:

> Automatic or not you just need basic troubleshooting skills here. There is
> only one extra switch for an automatic and it is fairly easy to get to. 
> 
> Get a test light or voltmeter. 
> At the starter with someone holding the key in the start position check for
> voltage at the solenoid terminal connection. Tyr twice with the negative
> meter lead on the engine/transmission and a good chassis ground. If voltage
> their the starter solenoid is most likely problem. If no voltage, do check
> at the ignition switch. No voltage there bad switch. If switch is good then
> check at the neutral safety switch. Check both sides. If voltage on one side
> and not the other the switch is open. The contacts-sweeper are visible so if
> it is damaged you will see it. If not a switch then look for a broken wire
> or bad connection. 
> 
> Dennis
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> Craig Cowan
> Sent: Sunday, March 04, 2012 11:38 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: No start, no click.
> 
> My 90 automatic bus suddenly won't start. It's had issues with the neutral
> safety switch but has at least always started in neutral. I drive it
> yesterday without any problems.  Today though, not even a click from the
> starter. I've shifted it from part to neutral a million times and tried in
> both positions. Alas, no luck. 
> I have never dealt much with automatics so have no idea where to start. Do
> the safety switches fail completely? Can they be bypassed?
> 
> The batter is good and even with a buddy jumping it, no luck. 
> 
> Thanks!
> 
> -craig
>