>Oh, and here's another one: what is it with the Vanagon gas
>indicator? Why does it move around so much and why does it
>indicate empty when I still have 3 gallons?

Simply bad design. My Vanagon's gauge begins to drop rapidly after a
fillup, and I'm sure it reads empty very prematurely. It also lurches
around on bends or hills and is very slow to settle back afterward.

Japanese cars have far better electrics, or at least Toyotas do, but
don't expect reliable electrics from mr Lucas (the English Prince of
Darkness) or his germanic cousin Herr Robert Bosch.
--
Regards
Andrew