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dabaron
Samba Member
Joined: June 21, 2018
Posts: 2559
Location: Philly, mang
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 Posted: Thu Jan 16, 2020 9:15 am Post subject: Coolant LED flashing after 3 second test - troubleshooting |
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i've been having an issue with the coolant LED flashing after the initial power on LED 3 second test. another thread had this comment that details how the low level LED behaves.
| crazyvwvanman wrote: |
The tank sensor feeds the relay and then the relay determines if the coolant has been sensed low for long enough to notify the driver by flashing the temp gauge led.
The coolant level relay latches the "warning" condition so the led will then continue to blink until the key is cycled off-on to reset the relay.
(tall case early type coolant level relay behaves differently, 83-85)
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when starting the engine cold, the LED flashes and then goes out as expected, then a few seconds pass and the LED begins to flash. the coolant is at the proper mix and level. if i turn the engine off then immediately restart the engine, the LED flashes as usual and then goes out, as expected.
if i stop for a short period, the LED works as expected. if i stop long enough for the engine to cool down, the problem returns.
| crazyvwvanman wrote: |
what happens in the cold if you simply turn on the key and watch the led for a while without starting the engine?
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when turning the key on, the LED does the 3 second test flashing, goes out for a few seconds, and then begins flashing again. the LED does not flash after the 3 second test after power cycling the key.
is this a failing 43/42 relay or a failing coolant sensor or something else?
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jlrftype7
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Joined: July 24, 2018
Posts: 3574
Location: Chicago
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| Posted: Thu Jan 16, 2020 2:02 pm Post subject: Re: Coolant LED flashing after 3 second test - troubleshooting |
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Any Deposits on the Sensor body like build-up?
It 'Seems' like a sensor issue since Coolant Temp appears to be a factory and I'd be surprised that the Relay would be affected by any of that.
But hey, it IS a Vanagon after all.. 
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termuehlen 
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Joined: May 02, 2012
Posts: 993
Location: Redwood City
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| Posted: Thu Jan 16, 2020 2:06 pm Post subject: Re: Coolant LED flashing after 3 second test - troubleshooting |
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It sounds like the relay is trying to do its job if the flashing is interrupted after about 3 seconds. Pull the relay. If the flashing continues, it is likely the capacitor in the gauge assembly. If there is no flashing with the relay out, it is likely the wiring to your level sensor or the sensor itself. You can jumper the electrical connector at the sensor to mimic a properly functioning level sensor.
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dobryan
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