Ed, thanks. Going to spend some time with this.

John

On 9/1/2013 10:55 AM, Ed McLean wrote:
> Check my 2001 post on this list #151356.  You can find this by searching
> "volt" and "email99".
>
> In my '86 I found the starter would turn the engine over at a voltage that
> was too low for the engine computer to work.  Try jump starting.  If it
> starts, this might be your problem.
>
> Or, there might be a bad connection in the electrical system supplying
> current to the ECU.
>
> Or, of course, it could be something else.
>
> Good luck.
> Ed
>
>
>
>
> On Sat, 31 Aug 2013 19:06:10 -0500, JRodgers <jrodgers113@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
>
>> Scenario:
>>
>> Sam's parking lot with a nice slope.
>>
>> Vehicle - '88 GL with manual Tranny.
>>
>> Park. First gear. set Brake. Exit vehicle.
>>
>> Spend the money in Sams.
>>
>> Back to the parking lot.
>>
>> Unlock, enter driver side, close door - WHAM - door won't even shut.
>> Bounces back open. Examine locking mechanism - something is loose. Work
>> with the little loose thingamajig until it flips over and will engage
>> the locking bar on the door post. (Mental note to self - look and see
>> what's loose when home.)
>>
>> Key in the ignition - Tranny to neutral, turn switch - system hot, pause
>> - turn switch to engage starter. Starter engages and turns engine like
>> crazy. Engine refuses to start. Doesn't even sputter. Ignition off - try
>> a gain. Same scene. No start - even a sputter.
>>
>> Next effort: Vehicle in 3rd gear - clutch in, ignition on but not to
>> start, release brake, turn wheels towards down hill, start to roll. Pick
>> up a little speed, release clutch, engine coughs, starts, runs fine all
>> the way home.
>>
>> Test: Tried it again. Same scenario. Starter turns engine but it won't
>> start. Roll it down hill, engage engine with ignition on - starts every
>> time.
>>
>> It's a mystery.
>>
>> Anyone have any ideas as to what's going on?? Door AND engine?? Vanagon
>> gremlins have taken up residency maybe? I'm mystified.
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> John
>