Andy there are several things you might try.

1) Patience - turn on the switch, to activate all circuits, but DO NOT
turn so far as to engage the starter. Count to 60. Then engage the
starter. The light should go out in that 60 second count. If not,
something bad is happening.
2) Coolant density -  if in the test above the light continues to blink,
check your coolant. The coolant mix should be 50%water/ 50% coolant. If
it is high or low either  way the light will come on and blink. On
start-up the coolant warning system runs a resistance test for the
resisance between the coolant sensor terminals. If the coolant mix is
incorrect the resistance will be incorrect, and the light will blink. If
the coolant is low to the point the electrode tips are exposed, the
resistance will be infinity, and the light will blink.
3) Remove the coolant sensor, and clean it well. Sometimes crud
accumulates on the teminals and the light will blink.
4) Check the connections to the sensor and be sure they are free of
corrosion and they are tight.
5) Inspect the sensor carefully. If it is cracked replace it. They will
often crack between the electrodes and fail to function properly.

If you are still gettig a blinking light at this point, you probably
have a wiring issue, and/or a failed component up in the dash somewhere.
maybe some other list member can address this issue for you, as I have
had no experience there.

Regards,

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver

Andy Zappe wrote:

>okay just drove the van (85) for the third time in the last 4 weeks, not sure
>that matters but thought i would mention it, and the temp light is blinking.
>usually does it for about 5 seconds when i turn the car on, rev up the engine
>it goes off.  the needle is not even reaching the position of the blinking
>light so it appears not to be running hot, assuming the needle is correct.
>checked coolant level and it is fine.
>
>what next??  could the light just be malufunctioning???  needle was sitting
>right where it usually sits on the gauge.
>
>thanks
>
>andy
>
>
>