Date:         Fri, 12 Dec 2014 12:54:06 -0800
Reply-To:     mark drillock <mdrillock@COX.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         mark drillock <mdrillock@COX.NET>
Subject:      Re: My Vanagon's blinking coolant light problem vs other
              peoples'---it all blends together
In-Reply-To:  <ShcF1p01c08X5Fr01hcVm1>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed

The blinking temp gauge light is primarily for a HOT engine warning. The
coolant level warning is a secondary feature that was added later on
some VW models such as Vanagons. That is where they went wrong IMHO,
sharing the same flashing light between 2 warning functions.

The added function relies on an added "relay" connected to the coolant
tank level sensor. The "relay" is the only electrical bridge between the
coolant tank level sensor and the dash warning light. If one were to
simply unplug the "relay" it could help remove any doubt about what was
causing the blinking.  If the same blinking still occurs while the
bridge is out, the cause can't have even the slightest thing to do with
the coolant tank level sensor.

Mark



Jim Felder wrote:
>
> I am having a problem now where on a warm day, I have to shut down my
> engine after starting and restart to get the blinking light to go off. This
> gets worse as it gets colder to the point that in the 30Fs, I might have to
> wait a minute or two and restart as many as three times. It always goes
> off, though.
>................
> My sensor is clean, my connections are good, my coolant is properly mixed
> and fresh and I have pressed the back of the temp gauge while the car is
> running and no change. My grounds are good and in fact I have an extra
> ground or two.
>
> Any ideas? Come on, help me fix it QUICK while it is the only thing wrong
> with the car!
>
> Jim
>