Date:         Sun, 20 Sep 1998 10:52:33 EDT
Reply-To:     Dagbear@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Rico Dagastino <Dagbear@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Temp Warning Light Mystery
Comments: To: vanagon@vanagon.com
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

It is not necessary to "crimp" the connectors together.  But it is necessary
to check the connectors to ensure a tight fit.  The low coolant indicator lamp
is illuminated when one of three criteria are met;
     1. the coolant level falls so that the end of the sensor is no longer
immersed in coolant,
     2. the coolant temperature is overly hot, or
     3. when the ratio of antifreeze to water falls outside the specified
range.
The low coolant indicator lamp control unit measures the resistance of the
circuit as a means of detecting the water/antifreeze ratio.  If abnormal
conditions affect the resistance of the circuit the low coolant indicator lamp
control unit interprets that resistance as an incorrect water/antifreeze mix
and turns the lamp on.  Added resistance caused by loose or dirty connectors
is sufficient to cause this condition.
      In order to check the check the condition of the connectors it will be
necessary to remove them from their housing.  First, slide the rubber boot off
of the connection.  Next, you will need to remove the connectors from their
housing, To accomplish this, use a sewing needle/safety pin or other similarly
sized object to depress the locking tab on the back of the female connector
while at the same time you pull gently on the wire where it emerges from the
plastic body which holds both female connectors.  Repeat this process for the
other wire and connector.  Now that both connectors are free you can examine
their fit on the male connectors at the top of the sensor.  Slide the the
female connectors onto the male connectors.  If the fit is not snug, they will
have to be adjusted.  Don't crimp the female connectors closed, but gently, so
as to avoid forcing them out of their natural shape, close the ends of the
female connectors slightly so that they will be a snug fit when attached to
the male connectors at the top of the sensor.  Reattach the connectors to the
sensor.
      With this having been accomplished, turn the ignition switch to the on
position.  Check the performance of the lamp.  If the operation of the lamp
has not improved, you have at least eliminated one possible cause of the
malfunction.
     Return the female connectors to the plastic housing, cover with the
rubber boot and reattach to the sensor.
       This procedure corrected the problems I experienced with the lamp.
Rico
84GL