Date:         Sat, 7 Apr 2001 13:31:44 -0600
Reply-To:     jbrush@AROS.NET
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Brush <jbrush@AROS.NET>
Subject:      Oil Temp Sender Ohms

I am having a problem with my VDO oil temp sensor and since its saturday,
there is no one at VDO to contact, so I thought I might see if anyone here
has ever actually measured the resistance of the sensor, as mine seems to
be out of whack.

I wired up the whole deal from the engine to the dashboard (yikes, that
was fun) and connected it all up. The VDO gauge makes a slight move as I
turn on the key, and then in a matter of a minute, it pegs off the scale.

Measuring the resistance sensor to ground shows 850 ohms, and dropping, as
the oil cooled. (this is at both the sensor, and the dashboard end of the
wire)  It was only running for a few minutes. The gauge is stamped with
322.8-18.6 ohm  @ 12V, so I am guessing the sensor has a problem.

The sensor is in the oil drain plug hole, and I did not use any goop or
sealer on the threads. I was gonna pull the sensor and check, but I think
I will wait rather than dump the fresh oil , and see what VDO and the
vanagon experts say <g>

Anyway, I just know that some of you folks are pretty well versed and
meticulous in your vanagon knowledge, so I thought I might ask what you
think, being a weekend and all. :)

Thanks for all your help,

Regards from Utah,

John