I recently got my Vanagon back from almost 12 months in a repair shop.It had been sitting for a few years after failing the emissions test (three times).The repair shop got it running and roadworthy again.They also got it through emissions.The interesting thing is that even though it passed emissions, the readings were worse than when it failed years ago.Even though it now has a new cat and muffler, a new AFM, a new oxygen sensor and new fuel injectors.It passed because they have relaxed the standards.
My current issue is starting.I have only driven the van a couple of times since I got it back.Those times it started fine.Then the last time I was about to go for a drive, I turned the key and nothing happened, it did not turn over.Since the repair shop installed a new battery, I first suspected it either failed or they did not tighten the terminals properly.It was a few days before I got time to troubleshoot it further.Before I started messing with it, I tried starting it again, and it started ok.So now I'm dealing with an intermittent problem and can't rely on it starting.What should I check? Could this be the ignition switch?I've never had a starting problem in the 25 years I've owned this van.
-David (1987 Wolfsburg Vanagon)