Date: Wed, 5 Nov 2014 06:22:57 -0500
Reply-To: Dennis Jowell <dennisjowell@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Jowell <dennisjowell@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Warning light
In-Reply-To: <BAY403-EAS428455486A71AA18A0D7B17A0870@phx.gbl>
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Got it. It's the coolant light going off at low idle once in a while. Will clean the 2 prongs on cap and check coolant level.
Thanks for the info
Dennis Jowell
Scotch Hollow Farm
Newbury, Vermont
> On Nov 4, 2014, at 7:45 PM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
> Just be clear which light. The oil pressure warning light is next to that
> oil can looking symbol in the center of the cluster. The coolant warning
> light is in the coolant temperature gauge.
> The oil pressure warning system is a bit complex. There are two sensors. A
> .3 bar (~4 psi) normally closed is located between the push rod tubes. There
> is a higher pressure switch .9 bar (~13 psi) normally open switch located at
> the rear of the engine. The switches use the different logic to provide a
> fail-safe. Defeating the .9bar switch will require connecting the signal
> wire to a chassis ground.
>
> With key on, engine off, the low pressure switch will be closed causing the
> light to blink. The high pressure switch is ignored. When the engine is
> started oil pressure will open the low pressure switch and turn the light
> off. Sufficient pressure will also close the high pressure switch. Above
> ~2,000 rpm the dynamic oil pressure control board will check the high
> pressure switch. If that switch is open you will get the light and buzzer.
> Once latched, it will stay activated until the high pressure switch is
> closed or the ignition is cycled.
>
> So your symptoms are indication a problem with the high pressure switch
> including even having the wrong one or a marginal oil pressure situation.
> Low oil pressure can be caused by a number of factors such as incorrect
> viscosity, high oil temperature, worn pump or bearings, clogged oil filter,
> oil dilution, etc. A healthy engine should be able to maintain close 10
> psi/1,000 rpm. There are times when the Vanagon engine cannot do this but
> not being able to maintain 12-13 psi above 2,000 rpm should get your
> attention. A common cause for high oil temperature is overfilling. The top
> mark on the dipstick is not the "full" mark. It is the "maximum do not ever
> exceed no matter what" mark. At oil and filter time 4.5 quarts is all you
> need. For the high pressure switch I am finding that much of the
> after-market stuff is inconsistent. Go to the dealer and be sure to get the
> correct one.
>
> Dennis
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> Dennis Jowell
> Sent: Tuesday, November 04, 2014 3:35 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Warning light
>
> I am trying to understand the warning light on the temperature gauge of my
> 1988 Westy.
> Going off the interstate the light and buzzer goes on for a second. If I
> accelerate slightly the light and buzzer goes off. Is this telling me that I
> am low in coolant? Coolant temperature is mid range all the time. Or is it
> and oil pressure issue? Read my Bentley and owners manual still no
> explanation.
>
> Dennis Jowell
> Scotch Hollow Farm
> Newbury Vermont