Date:         Tue, 13 Nov 2007 22:29:35 -0500
Reply-To:     Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
Comments:     RFC822 error: <W> MESSAGE-ID field duplicated. Last occurrence
              was retained.
From:         Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: 1985 Vanagon - batt./OXYS dash lights on?
Comments: To: AAG - Larry Word <word_aag@COMCAST.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <001c01c82665$43424cb0$6501a8c0@WordHomePC>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

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.