Date:         Tue, 9 Aug 2011 13:12:30 -0400
Reply-To:     Ken Wilford <kenwilfy@COMCAST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Ken Wilford <kenwilfy@COMCAST.NET>
Subject:      Vanagon Radiator Fan Resistor Available at Van-Again
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Dear List,

Just want to give the list a heads up on the state of the low speed
resistor for the Vanagon radiator fan.  As many of you know this is the
large resistor that looks like a roll of nickles and lives behind the
driver's side headlight.  This resistor allows the low speed of the
radiator fan to come on for all Vanagons from 86-91 with AC.  The part
number is 251971284H
If this resistor fails it can cause only the high speed fan to come on
at a higher temperature than normal.  This can put added strain on the
cooling system and even lead to the van overheating.  Also if it fails
it can cause problem with the air conditioning system not functioning
properly.  You can test to see if your low speed fan is working pretty
easily.  Just turn the ignition on and then turn the AC on at the
temperature switch.  The low speed fan should come on immediately.  If
it doesn't then most likely this resistor is bad.

The resistor has been discontinued by VW a couple of years ago.  I was
getting them from Germany but that route dried up as well.  Now there is
no source of the original one available at the moment.  We have an
alternative unit that looks the same as the OE one, is from the same
manufacturer, works the same, the only real difference is the plug that
plugs into the electrical system is different so you have to cut the
wiring off of your old unit and splice it on to the new one.  These are
available right now.  I have about twenty.  However the bad news is that
these are now becoming scarce and I am not sure if I will be able to get
any more in the future or if I do they may be even more expensive.  My
point is that if you have an 86-91 Vanagon and your resistor is bad you
definitely want to get one now.  However if you have never had a problem
with this resistor, you might want to buy one now as a spare.

I have been selling them to folks who are searching for them on-line and
soon they will all be gone.  I am not worried about selling them.  I am
concerned that there are folks on this list that are looking for them
and can't find one or will be caught off guard by this issue.

I just wanted to give you a heads up on this problem.  If anyone is
interested please pmail me off list.

--
Thanks,
Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com
Phone: 856-327-4936
Fax: 856-327-2242