One of the most important parts of preventing damage is to o=know and understand how the warning lights work and what they are indicating. The Battery warning light is an extremely critical warning light. Not only does it check that the alternator is charging, but that the alternator and water pump is actually spinning. No water pump means no coolant flow and without flow, the temp gauge will not give a warning until you start making steam and damage has begun. The Battery light should be checked each time the engine is started. Now the O2 sensor light is really useless. It is normally activated by the mileage counter. When the ignition is turned on, the O2 sensor light will turn on with the Battery light as a bulb check. So the O2 light can turn on by itself when the counter turns it on. Whenever the Battery light comes on, the O2 light will also light up. The flickering battery light is often a sign of worn brushes and/or bearings in the alternator. While you can replace the brushes or the regulator assembly, the worn brushes are really an indication the alternator is ready for a rebuild. Dennis -----Original Message----- From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of AAG - Larry Word Sent: Tuesday, November 13, 2007 9:23 PM To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM Subject: 1985 Vanagon - batt./OXYS dash lights on? On my return trip from Fla., these 2 lights started to "blink" and now are running constant at high rpm? Is this an "bad oxygen sender" light and if so, why the battery light "on" also? My generic oxygen sensor is only 1-2 years old, is it normal to have to replace so often? PS. My 1.9l gas engine does not have a catalytic converter as I'm in a non-emission's county. Can I run my engine w/o an oxygen sensor and ignore the lights? If so, what harm would that do? Thanks for info. Larry Ga. |
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