Date:         Tue, 20 Aug 2002 07:38:54 -0700
Reply-To:     mark drillock <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         mark drillock <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject:      Re: Crazy Coolant Light Question
Comments: To: Doug Alcock <doug.alcock@HEWITT.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

You didn't say what year Vanagon you have this problem with. It sounds
like you are getting a "low coolant level" warning. Is the tank possibly
a little low? Not the tank you can see from the license plate door but
the main tank that you have to open the engine lid to see. It should be
completely full, no air at the top.

If that's not it and you have a 1986 or newer you can easily help
isolate the problem by removing the relay in socket 3 marked "43" on the
relay itself. The earlier waterboxers have it in a much less accessible
spot. If you remove the relay and the problem stops then you can be
certain that the source of the problem is the "low coolant level"
circuit.

If the problem persists with relay "43" removed, the problem is with the
engine temp sender circuit.

This "blinking LED" trouble is a pretty common topic on the lists. I
have been thinking about writing a FAQ article for it so maybe the time
has come.

There are 2 versions of the relay "43" so the behavior of the gauge and
LED depend on which one you have.

Mark

Doug Alcock wrote:
>
> Hi gang,
>
>         My coolant warning light seems to have lost its mind. When I start
> the van the light blinks and the temp needle goes off the scale. After
> driving for a while it will return to normal behaviour and then start
> blinking again. This is making me crazy --------any thoughts on what the
> problem might be???
>
> Thanks,
> Doug