Date: Wed, 20 Sep 2006 07:11:54 -0600
Reply-To: Kath Gene <Kath_Gene@STVRAIN.K12.CO.US>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Kath Gene <Kath_Gene@STVRAIN.K12.CO.US>
Subject: 2nd go through on Oil pressure alarm problems problems--this is a
good one for any one up for a challenge.
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Below is the original e-mail:
What I did last night:
I verified the continuity of the wires from the senders to the plug at
the back of the instrument cluster and it was all good. None of the
wires were switched. I then verified the resistance of the senders in
operation and all was good. The resistance of the low pressure was high
until I started the engine then it went to almost nothing. The high
pressure switch worked backwards-it went from low resistance to very
high resistance at about 2000rpm's. I checked the corrosion on the
connector in the instrument cluster and it was corroded. I cleaned it
carefully and reassembled it to absolutely no change. I then checked
the connections and continuity all the way to the printed circuit board
on the back of the speedometer. All was good and I think I am now left
with no alternative but to change that board. The other reason I am
suspect of this is that when I disconnected the senders from the system
it still went off at about 2000rpm's and not on start-up as I thought it
should. Thanks for the advice so far it's been outstanding!!
Let me know what you all think.
Gene Kath
I have searched the Archives and not found my exact problems.
History on the van:
I have an '86 camper with 110k miles. I recently bought it after it had
been sitting for about 4 years. The only modifications that I can see
is a different radio and speakers. Otherwise the Van is as it came from
Volkswagen. This is a very pristine and extremely well cared for van. I
have not actually checked the oil pressure although I have absolutely no
signs of an oil pressure loss (no lifter noises, rough running, oil
light at start-up). I have a crappy (Fram) oil filter (temporarily)I
plan on changing the oil after I go through the first tank of gas and
putting on a quality one. But I do have 20/50 oil in it.
The issue:
The problem I'm having sounds very ordinary but is getting more and more
weird. As I start the engine and drive away EVERY time, regardless of
engine temp, when the engine gets to about 2200 rpm's the oil light and
buzzer go on and stay on until I restart the ignition. I have no low
rpm flickering and it will not shut off no matter what the rpm's and the
light ans buzzer NEVER turn off unless I restart the ignition.
What I've done so far:
I replaced the high side oil sender with a 0.9 bar unit yesterday to
absolutely no change in the behavior. I also checked continuity from
the sending units to the plug on the back of the instrument cluster and
found that I have continuity from the high pressure sender to the
cluster but not from the low pressure sender to the cluster. This
really throws me since I assumed that would turn the light and buzzer on
immediately upon start-up since it appears it is not getting a signal on
start-up. I also disconnected the plug that both sensors go through
(the one in the engine bay) and ran the engine--absolutely no change in
the symptoms buzzer came on at 2200ish rpm's. Scratched my head and
butt.
Where I think I should go next:
1. I'm going to recheck the continuity between the senders and the dash
connector.
2. Check the resistance to ground of both sending units to make sure
that they are sending a signal.
3. I am going to explore the idea of the oil pressure relief spring
that may be hanging open.
4. I am going to explore the idea of some printed circuit behind the
spedo and tach that can go bad but people have told me that they rarely
fail.
5 look into a possibility of a relay in the system somewhere that is
failing.
Any ideas will not be ignored--please help!!!!
Gene Kath
