Now that has possibilities!  That could easily be the case - one of
those "intermittent short to ground" sort of things.

Will check it out.

John

On 9/11/2013 10:54 AM, Gregory Smith wrote:
> 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
>
> ------------------------------
>
> 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
>
> ------------------------------
>