Ryan
Reverse switch is mounted left side of transmission.You'll see 2 wires to
it.
Turn on ignition.Remove 2 wires from switch.Check for power.Replace the wire
with power on the switch-you should have no power at the other terminal.
Put van into reverse-should have power at the terminal.If not replace
switch.
Hope this helps
Gerry
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ryan Heidcamp" <RHeidcamp01@COMM-WORKS.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, July 22, 2002 1:30 PM
Subject: Why no reverse lights? Why is coolant light flashing? 85

> I noticed yesterday as my dad was backing our 85 Vanagon up the driveway
it
> had no reverse lights.  I didn't have a lot of time to dig into it, since
it
> was looking like rain.  I checked fuse 12 and there's power there.  The
fuse
> is good (the horn works).  I pulled the covers off the tail lights, bulbs
> good, no power with van running and in reverse.  I assume there's a switch
> on the tranny.  Is this correct?  Where is it located?  How do I test it?
> Is there a common fault area (wire comes unplugged) or somewhere I should
> start to look.
>
> Since I have bought the Vanagon, I have battled the blinking coolant
light.
> Everything had been fine, up till Thursday night.  When it was 92 degrees
> out, I had two buddies in the van and most of a Scirocco (motor, both
doors,
> hatch, everything electronic, most of the interior, wheels).  So the van
was
> working a bit.  Anyway the light started blinking.  I checked the fluid
> level yesterday and it was down a little.  I topped it off, but the light
is
> still blinking.  I didn't bleed the system (rushing to beat the rain).
But
> is it possible the sensor in the tank is bad?  The sensor in the tank
> controls the blinking light?  The sensor in the radiator controls the temp
> gauge.  Is this correct?  The van never gets above half temp, unless
sitting
> in traffic for a really long time.  Also the fan kicks on when it gets hot
> and runs after the van is off, so that part works.  I had a trusted VW
> mechanic in Minneapolis, flush and fill last winter with Autobahn.  The
> light would brink until the van got to a normal temp (thermostat open)
then
> go out.  But right now just blinks non stop.
>
> Thanks,
> Ryan