There is a control module (labelled 43) up under the dash forward of the
fuse panel.  Hard to get to with the dash on but possibly could reach it
through the panel opening.

Do this, tuning ignition off between each step:

1) ground the temp sensor (the one with the single wire) briefly.  Needle
should head for the sky, if not you have more problems than a flashing light.

2) Unplug the connector from the coolant-level probe.  Needle will either
head offscale or stay put.  If it heads offscale then the flasher circuit
in the gauge is bad.

3) If it stays put then it's still probably the gauge, but you need another
test.  If you can remove the control module do that -- if the gauge still
flashes continuously it's definitely the gauge.  If not it's the module.

4) If you can't remove the module, open the panel connector shell and
remove pin 14, with a double yellow/red wire on it.  Plug it back in
without that wire.  If still flashing, it's the gauge, if not then the
module.  Put the wire back.

If (since) it's the gauge, you have three choices: a) replace it, b) remove
the faceplate (rivets) and internal circuit board (solder) and replace the
aluminum (probably) electrolytic capacitor sticking out of the side of the
board.  Use a 16v or 25v tantalum cap of the same value, and observe
polarity.  Almost certainly this will fix the circuit -- now you have to
put it back together.  Or c) put a piece of tape over the light.  If your
test #2 made the needle go offscale you will still have this indication of
low coolant (or overtemp -- up to you to figure it out, just as it would
have been with the light flashing).  If test #2 did not make the needle
climb then your only low-coolant warning is the light.

david

At 08:21 AM 7/27/2001, Tim Timothy wrote:
>I just got an '84 vanagon which has a flashing Water reservoir level/engine
>temp warning light flashing continously.
>With engine cold and reservoir full it continues to flash.
>With temp switch wires and water level switch wires jumpered, it still
>flashes.
>Have not been able to find a relay or anything associated with these two
>switches and warning lamp.

David Beierl - Providence, RI
  http://pws.prserv.net/synergy/Vanagon/
'84 Westy "Dutiful Passage"
'85 GL "Poor Relation"