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Date:         Sat, 27 Jan 2001 18:47:49 -0800
Reply-To:     Bill Davidson <wdavidson@THEGRID.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Bill Davidson <wdavidson@THEGRID.NET>
Subject:      Re: Flashing Coolant Light, mysteries revealed!!
Comments: To: Mark Drillock <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Mark.... Great Post!

Bill

> As some on the list may remember, there recently was a thread regarding > a reported difference in behavior of the flashing coolant LED from one > Vanagon to another in response to a low coolant level. I can now report > the answer to this mystery. There are 2 (maybe even 3) different > "coolant level low control units" that control the behavior of the LED > when a low coolant level condition is detected in the main tank. > > The original version is part number 251 919 376. > The later (85+) version is part number 191 919 376. > > Both versions start flashing the LED about 10 seconds after a low level > condition is detected but then they have 2 behavioral differences. > > Difference 1. > The original version flashes but also makes the temp gauge needle rise > to the very HOT end of the scale. > The later version flashes the LED but still properly displays the actual > temp of the engine as sensed by the coolant temp sensor. > Difference 2. > The original stops flashing and resumes normal gauge needle operation > about 20 seconds after the low level condition is corrected. > The later version continues flashing after the level is corrected and > only resets after the ignition key is turned off and back on. > > Any year watercooled can have either part number as they interchangeable > other than the differences noted above. I think the later model is to be > preferred as I want to know the reason the LED is flashing. The flashing > LED has 2 meanings. If the engine temp rises high enough it flashes to > draw your attention to the gauge. If the coolant level in the tank is > low it flashes to warn you to check it. With the original control unit > you can't tell which problem you have. I would want the later version so > I would know if the engine was HOT so I could stop ASAP. If it was only > indicating a low level but still a normal temp I would know I could wait > a little while to find a place to stop and check it. > > Mike Snow and I tested both of the above parts in a 1983 with a clock > and large temp gauge in the dash. > Then we tested both of the same parts again in a 1987 with a tach and > the smaller temp gauge. > The behaviors completely followed the control units and the year and > type of dash did not matter. > > There is a 3rd version referred to in the Vanagon parts documentation as > superseding the others in 1989. It is the later number with a "C" > added. 191 919 376 C. We did not have this unit available to check. > > Mark >


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