Date:         Fri, 1 Dec 2006 08:23:55 -0800
Reply-To:     Mark Drillock <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mark Drillock <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject:      Re: ECS-malfunction indicator light
Comments: To: Gerald Masar <azsun99@EARTHLINK.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <001a01c71505$3f74fdc0$0e493542@computer>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed

No point in connecting them. Some models (89?) have the extra light on
the dash that connects to the ECU pin 20. If yours did you would know.
My 88 doesn't. If you look at both the 87 and 90 diagrams the ECS light
is not shown though the 90 diagram shows the wiring in place. The 86/87
ECU and wiring harness did not support it, then in 88 the 022D version
ECU came out as VW geared up for the OBD features that were being
mandated. The license plate door on my 88 has a sticker that says "OBD
Exempt". Most cars from about 90 on had OBD capabilities along with a
"Check Engine" light or similar. These store error codes that can be
checked, often by closing a switch and counting flashing light patterns.
AFAIK, this never applied to Vanagons.

OBD, On Board Diagnostics, allowed detection of inconsistent sensor
reading, etc, stored as fault codes for trouble shooting later.

OBDII, On Board Diagnostics level 2, required in 1996 and newer cars,
some had it earlier, much more sophisticated system.

Mark

Gerald Masar wrote:

> Well, I searched Google and the archives and see the question has been asked before,
> but found no answer.
> '88 Westy with auto. trans.
> Left side of engine compartment are two yellow, single wire connectors with gray/white
> wires, not connected. Bentley says (current track 20) it's for ECS Malfunction
> Indicator Light & Switch. ECS as in emissions control system. As far as I know, these
> have never been connected on this van and everything seems to work (also AFAIK).
> So, is there such a device? Where? Leave them connected or disconnect?
>
> Thanks,
> Jerry
>