I have had the same experience, And so did my dad.  We have an 85 and an 84
GL.  Try crawling underneath with a long screwdriver and a hammer and
hitting the silenoid on the starter.  If this doesn't work, have somebody
crank on the engine at the same time.  If it starts, then the solenoid is to
fault and a new / reman starter assembly is needed.  If none of this works,
then I do not know.  The alternator light is no big deal and should be
unrelated to the starting problem, just give it a slight rev and it will
charge.  An alternator shop told me that this was normal for all
alternators.
-----Original Message-----
From: Marcus Elia <Marcus_Elia@PCBE.EDU.ON.CA>
To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM <Vanagon@VANAGON.COM>
Date: Thursday, October 08, 1998 4:42 PM
Subject: Uh-oh, won't start

>Dear List:
>
>I feel like a prodigal son, even though I was pretty much just a lurker
before
>I let my subscription lapse...  Oh well, I have an important question
(aren't
>they all) so here it is:
>
>Dela won't start.  Turn key, no go.  Signs&symptoms:
>
>1. No problems with starter thus far
>2. I can hear the relay clicking when the key is turned
>3. Will start with a push, even just a little solo, level-ground nudge
>4. (This could be important)Lately the alternator light has been staying on
>after start-up until I rev it ever so slightly...  Could this be a bad
ground?
>or are my brushes worn?
>
>Theory--  Could this be something by the name of solenoid?  What do I check
>with my little circuit-tester?   I want to drive to St. Catherines this
>weekend...  It's always this way.  Whine, whine, whine.
>
>Any help is much appreciated, but can only be received by personal reply as
my
>list status is still lapsed.
>
>Thanks again,
>
>Marcus Elia
>'84 Westfalia (Dela)
>'87 Jetta (Yetta)
>
>p.s. Joel and Rick-- I addressed this to you personally in case the list
was
>still having problems and because you have been kind and helpful in the
past!
>Thanks, M.
>