Let's start with the "no start" first. While cranking does the alternator
warning light remain lighted and does the tach needle move? If not check the
ignition switch. It may fail to power the ignition circuit while in the
cranking position. Next step is battery and ground connections. A bad engine
ground (the big one) can make for hard starting while cranking.

For the locking mechanism look for something mechanical like a broken spring
in the latch or it somehow got pushed closed while the door was open.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
JRodgers
Sent: Saturday, August 31, 2013 8:06 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: A Mystery

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