I had this problem (no start) on my '88 GL.  What I eventually noticed
was that the fuel pump was not cycling as it should when the key was
turned to "on" so I changed the relays, but the problem came back.  I
finally traced it to a crispy ring terminal on the large red wires at
the alternator, not enough juice getting to the ECU I think.  Replaced
the ring terminal and all is well.

Gregory Smith
'88 Vanagon GL
'77 Lancia Scorpion

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Date: Tue, 10 Sep 2013 22:03:15 -0500
From: JRodgers <jrodgers113@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Help! I've got Vanagon Gremlins!!!

I have not found the solution ot my one episode of "failure to start".
Have not been able to get a repeat of the syndrome - until today. Went
in a building, came out - failed to start. Starter engaged, engine
turned vigorously - would not fire. Tried twice. Then decided to let it
rest a bit. 20 minutes later it fired right off first try. Ran fine all
the way home, Made several stops. started every time. Weird. But the
fact that sitting and cooling for 20 minutes seemed to have an impact
may be a clue.

Door catch - driver door - inop - know what that is about - just the
timing of the event is bad. But - I can close and lock the door.

AC quit today. Just simply died stone cold dead. I had ti running, then
suddenly got a whiff of something acrid-electrical, and the AC stopped -
period. Fans went off line. I immediately turned all switches off -
tested the air fro further fumes but there were none. Something fried -
but no fire, fortunately.

ARGGH! Such things always happen at the worst times - when a potential
buyer is coming to look. Thus my suspicions of gremlins. I think they
know and planned it!!

John

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