Two things. I had the problem on my 83, so it is the 1.9L. the problem was
corroded connectors at the expansion tank. This is the connector that plugs
into  the sensor on the expansion tank that operates the coolant level idiot
light.  I'm not sure if there's the same set up on the larger engine.

That same sensor also lets you know if your coolant to water ratio is off,
doesn't it. I believe coolant to water should be at 50%. How does that sensor
know the ratio? Well, that's simple...uh...I don't know.

Also on my '93 VW Fox the temp blinking light occassionally starts to  blink.
In the Fox if it works correctlly it blinks atstart up for a cycle of  about
10 or 15 blinks. I know the power to the temp light in the Fox is not so
good--there's a problem in the curcuit board for the speedo/instrument guage.  The
light doesn't blink at start up unless you hit the dash. I'm guessing at
times the dash light decides to work sometimes in the middle of a ride. So those
10 or 15 blinks are it's way of saying, "that turkey was great. I'm awake
now.  I'll be here if you need me."  My point is I suppose a bad connection to
the light could be a culprit.

Best,
Jeff
83.5
Westy

In a message dated 11/24/2005 3:15:08 PM Pacific Standard Time,
kimspringer@RCN.COM writes:

So,  lately I had the blinking light behind the temp needle come on randomly,
but  more often when cold..  No overheating, everything seems to be  fine.
The coolant level looks fine to; no loss, no low  level.

Please explain.  Yes, I'm too lazy on Turkey day to look it  up in the
archives.