Date:         Thu, 16 Oct 2014 05:56:46 -0400
Reply-To:     Frank Condelli <RAlanen@AOL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Frank Condelli <RAlanen@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Flashing temp gauge
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252

        Jeff, here’s the story I just wrote for someone on FB.

The number one reason the coolant light flashes "slowly" when that reservoir is full is because of a faulty coolant level sensor. They are cheap, I sell them for $9.95 and they go bad OFTEN. Now, if your sure that level sensor is good and the tank is full the next places to look for the problem are; the wiring from the sensor to the controller on the fuse box or the little square box, with a 43 or 48 on it, that looks like a relay but is actually an electronic computer which differentiates the signal as being a coolant level check "slow flash"or an overheating condition " rapid flash". To check this device you need a new one or a known working used one. Then if that does not cure the problem the next place is the capacitor on the back of the computer board that's inside the temp gauge that has the red LED that's flashing. That capacitor is a known failure item and it is very difficult to locate a replacement that FITS in the space where the original one is and even more difficult to get in there to replace it. A new or known good used gauge with the temp and red LED indicator is an easier way to get that problem fixed. NOW, go forth and see what you find !


On Oct 16, 2014, at 12:00 AM, Automatic digest processor <LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM> wrote:

> Hi everyone.  85 Westfalia GL, automatic.  295k km.  2.1 Boston Bob =
> (only about 10,000km tops on it).
> 
> First of all the disclaimer:  I like driving and camping.  Lousy at =
> fixing.  Just try and inform myself through the list.
> 
> Temp light flashed continuously although the gauge read normally.  It's =
> often flashed longer than necessary - especially when it's humid.  Could =
> generally be solved by ensuring that I waited 2-3 seconds in the 'on' =
> position before moving to 'start.'
> 
> About a week ago it wouldn't stop flashing.  Took it in to my garage.   =
> They told me they traced it to the instrument cluster and that the =
> entire cluster ideally needed to be replaced.  Sounds extreme to me.  =
> But I can't find the gauge for sale online either?
> 
> Should also mention that today i retrieved the van and now the needle =
> maxes out upon startup as well :)  A lovely complement to the flashing.
> 
> So what is the preferred approach here?  Replace the instrument cluster? =
> The gauge?  If I need either, are they the same for all model years?



Cheers,    

Frank Condelli
Almonte, Ontario, Canada
'87 VW Westy, '00 Kawasaki 250 Sherpa, "98 Ducati 750 Monster & Lionel Trains (Collection for sale)
Frank Condelli & Associates - Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the Ottawa Valley
BusFusion a VW Camper camping event, Almonte, ON, June 05 ~ 08, 2014