Date: Fri, 26 Dec 2008 10:18:59 -0800
Reply-To: PB <pbrattan@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: PB <pbrattan@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: coolant light / temp sensor - need advice please!
In-Reply-To: <49551106.1040704@cox.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Hi, Joy!
I had this problem this past summer, AFTER having the radiator replaced.
Before it was replaced, the light didn't come on, but the mechanic claimed
that the radiator was about to go out, so I let him replace it. The light
usually went on between 5 and 20 minutes after I started driving, so that's
why the mechanic kept thinking it was fixed.
I took the van back to the (German car) mechanic around 6 times, and he
still didn't manage to fix it! The mechanic replaced the sensors twice, and
tried several other "tweaks." (He tried his best, and really DID want to
fix it, but after 6 times, I took it to a WESTY mechanic, and didn't say
anything to the first mechanic. (He DID do a few EXTRAS at no charge, which
made up for not fixing the light problem.)
The WESTY mechanic diagnosed the problem right away: a hairline crack in
the radiator cap. He said that because of the crack, the fluid wasn't
circulating properly, and I really COULD have ruined the engine. (I only
drove it to and from the service station, so luckily it wasn't harmed.) The
first mechanic claimed that it wasn't a problem, because just like you said,
there WAS fluid in both reservoirs. It's a good thing I didn't listen to
him.
Since the new radiator cap, I've taken it on a 500 mile round trip, and
right now I'm in Arizona, which is 400 miles from home. So far no problems
whatsoever!
I believe we both have the same model and color Westy, so maybe you only
have to replace the radiator cap!
Patti
90 Westy Automatic
****************************************************
On Fri, Dec 26, 2008 at 9:14 AM, mdrillock <mdrillock@cox.net> wrote:
> The blinking may have nothing at all to do with the sensors.
>
> First, unplug the relay in position 3 of the main relay panel and see if
> the blinking problems persist.
> This relay will have a big 43 or sometimes a 42 on the surface facing you.
> You can drive around with this out. The temp gauge will still function
> as before but the coolant level sensor will be disabled.
>
> If the blinking issues cease while this is out then the problem is the
> coolant level circuit.
> If the blinking issues continue, then the problem is in the dash and
> more steps are needed to isolate it.
>
> Mark
>
>
> Joy Hecht wrote:
>
>> Hi folks,
>>
>> I think my coolant / temp sensor may be going, but I'm not sure, wanted
>> your
>> opinion.
>>
>> The blinking red light behind the temp needle has been going on when it
>> shouldn't. Sometimes when I turn on the engine, it goes on to show that
>> it
>> works, and then goes off - all as it should be. But sometimes when I turn
>> on the engine it turns on and then doesn't go off. If I turn the engine
>> off
>> and back on, it will behave properly - go on and then go off. or go on an
>> stay on perhaps 60 seconds and then go off.
>>
>> ...............
>>
>
| 
