I hear that the uncontrollable blinking is often caused by a failed
capacitor in the gauge itself.  Sounds like you checked everything else.
Edward

At 04:50 PM 8/31/2006, Ian Steele wrote:
>New to the list with one incentive being a tech problem thats got me
>baffled; hopefully, someone can help.  Here goes:
>
>1983 Vanagon, runs great but----  the little light in the temp gauge
>flashes continually.  So far turned off and done each of the following
>and then started again:
>
>1)  I've checked the coolant level switch in the fluid reservoir by
>taking plug off and, after first confirming that ground side indeed went
>to ground, shorted the plug across the two terminals to bypass switch -
>result, light still blinks.
>
>2)  Temperature sensor seems to work properly as gauge temperature goes
>from cold to mid-scale as engine warms.
>
>3)  Replaced coolant level relay (plug-in unit above ground star which
>is in turn above fuse panel.  No change, still blinking.
>
>4)  There is not much left in the circuit except for the temperature
>gauge assembly itself.  Not sure how to get at this easily, so hope I've
>missed something easier.  Does all this sound familiar to anyone?
>Comments welcome, especially how to rule out the gauge itself.  Also is
>there any electronics in the gauge or does the blink originate in the
>coolant level relay?  The diagrams in the green book are not very
>specific at this level.
>
>Thanks in advance,
>
>
>--
>---------------------------------------------------------------------------
>    Ian M. Steele                              Geophysics: 773-702-8109
>    Department of the Geophysical Sciences     Chemistry:  773-834-5861
>    The University of Chicago                  FAX:  773-702-9505
>    5734 S. Ellis Ave.                         Home: 219-873-1159
>    Chicago, IL  60637                         Cell: 773-330-4302
>
>    e-mail: steele@geosci.uchicago.edu    or   iansteele@comcast.net
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