With that I would Hold the ignition key in the start position like
your cranking it and then move the gear shift (wiggle) it all over to
find a sweet spot for it to start. Also Tap the side of the starter
and solenoid with a hammer just a bit. it might be stuck and not
clicking over the starter.
you can also get from most auto parts store a push button starter
switch. You connect it to the starter with gator clips bypassing the
ignition system, Make sure the trans is in N or Park.

Jonce

>IF it is that ..
>real simple.
>first level ..wiggle shifter a lot ..
>try Neutral and Park.
>
>next level up ..remove console cover ...I think that starts with a tiny
>allen screw on the top of the shifter.
>once that cover is out of the way ..
>see two big fat wires on the switch ..
>connect them directly or use a jumper wire with aligator clips etc.
>  it'll start 'anytime' then ..even in gear.
>
>IF that's it.  Often wiggling will get it to work.
>Could just as easily be a starter or other electrical issue.
>
>Scott
>www.turbovans.com
>
>On 9/28/2012 7:05 PM, Jeff Lincoln wrote:
>>I just got a call from someone callingme from the Vanagon Resque Squad list
>>- he is about 3 hours from me.
>>
>>Said he has an automatic and he thinks his issue is a sensor (neutral
>>safety switch??? maybe) that isn't allowing the bus to starte because it
>>doesn't "know" he is in park. I'd like to get this guy somekind of help
>>even if it's an over the phone "try this or that" situation. Any ideas?
>>
>>--
>>Thanks,
>>
>>Jeff
>>'85 GL (Gertie)
>>'78 Bus (Melissa) Patty's Bus