Date:         Thu, 7 May 1998 09:14:19 -0700
Reply-To:     Björn <bratjen@DIRECT.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Björn <bratjen@DIRECT.CA>
Subject:      Re: Blink'n Ignition Light
Comments: To: Vanagon@vanagon.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

At 09:27 PM 06/05/98 -0400, you wrote:
>Knowledgeable Vanagonites,
>Early in life, I learned that, after you turn on the ignition key, you
>wait for the Blink'n Ignition Light to stop blink'n before starting the
>engine. But what I never learned is 'what am I waiting for?'. What is
>actually going on while I'm waiting? Why does it sometime take longer to
>stop blinking than other times? I hate things like this. I can't sleep
>at night worrying. :-)
>Larry and his '86 Syncro Vanagon GL Westfalia Camper.
>
>
The psychological answer:
You have to get over the patterns you learned in your earlier life.

The philosophical answer:
How can you learn what you are waiting for?

The technical answer:
When you turn on the ignition key the fuel pump is pressurizing the fuel
system. You can hear that little hum in the back. You do not have to wait
for the light to stop blinking before you start the engine. The blinking is
just a programmed item to alert you to dangers. For example: When the engine
overheats the light will start blinking at first and then be on
continuously. (Maybe that's a compensation for the positioning of the light
behind the needle of the temperature gauge when the engine is warm).

The friendly answer:
Don't worry, be happy!

Björn




Björn Ratjen

1987 Syncro Est Alia (self camperized)
1995 Passat TD
(1982 Vanagon Diesel)
1979 VW Bus (self- camperized)