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Light blinks for what reason?
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beteljuze
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PostPosted: Sat Apr 24, 2010 11:32 am    Post subject: Light blinks for what reason? Reply with quote

Ok I did a search but I'm not sure I understand. The red blinking light in the temp gauge blinks when the coolant level in the tank is low, correct? So it doesn't have anything to do with the coolant tempature, right? Thats what the gauge is for. So If your engine is getting hot, the needle will move up. If you start the engine and the coolant level is low, the red light will blink, whether the engine is hot or cold, right?
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BlackDogVan
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PostPosted: Sat Apr 24, 2010 11:48 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

overheat is solid red, low coolant level is blinky

**oops, sorry about the dis-information!**


Last edited by BlackDogVan on Fri Apr 30, 2010 7:56 am; edited 1 time in total
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crazyvwvanman
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PostPosted: Sat Apr 24, 2010 12:24 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Actually, both problems cause a blinking. There is no solid on state for the temp gauge led.

The low coolant control unit relay simulates a hot engine condition to trigger the blinking led. The early version sent a constant hot signal and this made the led blink and also pegged the needle hot. During the 85 model year a different version of the relay was phased in and it sends short 'engine hot' pulses to the temp gauge, enough to make the led blink but not enough to raise the needle very much. The pulses don't create the blinking, they only trigger the led blinking circuit within the gauge itself.

Mark



BlackDogVan wrote:
overheat is solid red, low coolant level is blinky
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pioneer1
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PostPosted: Sat Apr 24, 2010 1:05 pm    Post subject: blinky Reply with quote

Hey: One more thing...the light flashes for a few seconds on start-up.
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Wildthings
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PostPosted: Sat Apr 24, 2010 1:34 pm    Post subject: Re: blinky Reply with quote

pioneer1 wrote:
Hey: One more thing...the light flashes for a few seconds on start-up.


That is to tell you that the system is activated and the light works. In general all warning lights should come on at start up so you will know if they work or not.
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240Gordy
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PostPosted: Sat Apr 24, 2010 1:39 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I seem to remember my dad's bay window doka had a feature where you push and hold the hazard button and all the dash lights would go on.
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mmmdiesel
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PostPosted: Sat Apr 24, 2010 9:11 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

So what does it mean if your coolant level is fine and you get constant blinking on start up, only stopping when you turn off the engine and then no longer blinking when you restart? I'm also getting constant blinking when the engine has been running for a few minutes and temps are reading slightly above half, again stopping when I pull over and re-start? This is with a 1.6td.
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beteljuze
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PostPosted: Sat Apr 24, 2010 9:42 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Yes, Yes, thats close to what I'm talking about. I'm looking at a 90 Camper to buy. The owner states sometimes the red light comes on randomly while he is driving. If he shuts off and restarts it goes out. He says it not overheating or getting hot, and it does it only sometimes.
What does this mean??
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Wildthings
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PostPosted: Sat Apr 24, 2010 9:53 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

These systems get wacky as they age. Connections go bad and parts give out. If you do a search through dozens of post on this subject you will find what others have done.
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Terry Kay
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PostPosted: Sun Apr 25, 2010 12:30 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Try removing the coolant level sensor, and scrubbing it down with some CLR & an old tooth brush.

They get skuzzy in the expansion tank and will do exactly what your seeing happen.
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Nikkoleto
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PostPosted: Fri Apr 30, 2010 4:58 am    Post subject: coolant Reply with quote

What if the coolant warning light blinks as soon as u turn the engine on and the engine is cold?
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foodeater
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PostPosted: Fri Apr 30, 2010 7:52 am    Post subject: Re: coolant Reply with quote

Nikkoleto wrote:
What if the coolant warning light blinks as soon as u turn the engine on and the engine is cold?


read the fifth post in this topic.
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240Gordy
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PostPosted: Fri Apr 30, 2010 7:58 am    Post subject: Re: coolant Reply with quote

foodeater wrote:
Nikkoleto wrote:
What if the coolant warning light blinks as soon as u turn the engine on and the engine is cold?


read the fifth post in this topic.



or religiously read entire threads before posting. or start reading threads from way back just for fun, it can be fascinating stuff. hours and hours of fun.
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randywebb
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PostPosted: Fri Apr 30, 2010 11:27 am    Post subject: Re: coolant Reply with quote

Nikkoleto wrote:
What if the coolant warning light blinks as soon as u turn the engine on and the engine is cold?


self-test for the warning system - normal


this is one thing that should be automatically Emailed to people when they join this forum
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telebiker
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PostPosted: Fri Apr 30, 2010 7:36 pm    Post subject: Re: coolant Reply with quote

randywebb wrote:
Nikkoleto wrote:
What if the coolant warning light blinks as soon as u turn the engine on and the engine is cold?


self-test for the warning system - normal


this is one thing that should be automatically Emailed to people when they join this forum


Along with the caution to change all the fuel lines!
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Baxta
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PostPosted: Fri Apr 30, 2010 8:22 pm    Post subject: Re: coolant Reply with quote

telebiker wrote:

Along with the caution to change all the fuel lines!


I thought the flashing red light was the reminder to change your fuel lines! Laughing
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