Tony,

Sounds like the ignition switch as Jim has stated.  Or it could be an
alternator/battery issue or both.  I would get a new battery and a new
ignition switch.  You can drop the lower column cover, unplug the old
ignition switch from the harness and plug the new one into the harness
without installing it.  Use a small screw driver to turn it in the slot
that is on the side that is away from the plug just like you would be
turning the key in the ignition normally.  If the van starts right up
and is back to normal then that is the problem, get it home and install
the new switch.  If not, install the new battery (group 41 from
Wal-mart).  Now try starting it.  Even if the alternator is toast it
should start up and be able to be driven for an hour before getting so
low that it kills the engine again (try not to run any other lights or
fans if you can help it).  Use a volt meter at the battery to see if the
alternator is putting out.  It should be doing at least 13.5volts.  You
may have to rev the engine above 2000 rpms to get it to kick in.

Let us know what you find out.

Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com

PS
Welcome to the Vanagon List!

On 12/20/2013 1:46 AM, Anthony Boscolo wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> This is my first post so I will try to be as clear as possible. I have an
> 1986 Syncro GL.
> Driving up to the mountains tonight the head lights went out...about 20
> seconds later the engine died...the key is stuck in the ignition and if i
> turn it the dash lights (bat,ox, etc...) don't respond.  There is no noise
> at all if I turn the key.
>
> At the time I had the rear heater on full, and was running the
> high-beams...and I may have had the front heater/fan on as well.
>
> Any thoughts on what went wrong? fuse?  if so I can't figure out which one.
>
> In the meantime, the Van is on the side of the road on SR 410 just before
> the turn up to crystal mt. If you see her, wish her good thoughts.
>
> Thanks for the help
>
> --
> Anthony Boscolo | 206.794.1727 | abosail@gmail.com
>
>
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>

--
Thanks,
Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com
Phone: 856-327-4936
Fax: 856-327-2242