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