Date:         Thu, 31 Aug 2006 15:50:10 -0500
Reply-To:     Ian Steele <steele@GEOSCI.UCHICAGO.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Ian Steele <steele@GEOSCI.UCHICAGO.EDU>
Subject:      blinking temp gauge
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

New to the list with one incentive being a tech problem thats got me
baffled; hopefully, someone can help.  Here goes:

1983 Vanagon, runs great but----  the little light in the temp gauge
flashes continually.  So far turned off and done each of the following
and then started again:

1)  I've checked the coolant level switch in the fluid reservoir by
taking plug off and, after first confirming that ground side indeed went
to ground, shorted the plug across the two terminals to bypass switch -
result, light still blinks.

2)  Temperature sensor seems to work properly as gauge temperature goes
from cold to mid-scale as engine warms.

3)  Replaced coolant level relay (plug-in unit above ground star which
is in turn above fuse panel.  No change, still blinking.

4)  There is not much left in the circuit except for the temperature
gauge assembly itself.  Not sure how to get at this easily, so hope I've
missed something easier.  Does all this sound familiar to anyone?
Comments welcome, especially how to rule out the gauge itself.  Also is
there any electronics in the gauge or does the blink originate in the
coolant level relay?  The diagrams in the green book are not very
specific at this level.

Thanks in advance,


--
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    Ian M. Steele                              Geophysics: 773-702-8109
    Department of the Geophysical Sciences     Chemistry:  773-834-5861
    The University of Chicago                  FAX:  773-702-9505
    5734 S. Ellis Ave.                         Home: 219-873-1159
    Chicago, IL  60637                         Cell: 773-330-4302

    e-mail: steele@geosci.uchicago.edu    or   iansteele@comcast.net
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