Skip to main content
Gerry | Vanagon
Checking account...
← vanagon.com home · Continue the discussion in the forum
Subject:Re: electrical short?
From:Jeff Lincoln
Date:Mon, 26 Mar 2007 11:22:20 -0500

Andrew,

It makes sense that it could be electrical but, as strange as it sounds, you
may want to check your alternator as well. I had this happen in my 85' last
year. The alternator was the last thing I expected but sure enough that
ended up being the culprit.

On 3/26/07, Richards, Andrew <Andrew.Richards@nike.com> wrote:
>
> Hey all,
>
>
>
> My '87 GL has developed a strange short or maybe loose wire.  Driving on
> a bumpy road or hitting a pothole at speed will often cause my stereo to
> shut off and turn back on.  It's just like what happens when you start a
> car with its stereo already on.  Also, the same jolt will cause my
> coolant light to flash just like it does when first turning the key to
> start the van.  Five or six flashes then it's off and everything's back
> to normal.  Coolant levels are good and I've got a new radiator, water
> pump, fan temp sensor in the past two years.  There have been two
> occasions where the van cuts out for a split second as well.  All these
> variables seem to point towards a bad connection causing the car to shut
> off for a split second, but since my alt, oil and oxs lights don't
> flash, maybe it's something else?
>
>
>
> I'm thinking the problem may be somewhere under the dash in the wiring
> between the key ignition and fuse box, but this is just a guess.
>
>
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
>
>
> Andrew
>
> '87 Vanagon GL
>

--
Thanks,

Jeff
90' Carat (It's Blue, It's Beautiful, It's naked inside - IT'S ALIVE!)
86' (We call this one Parts)
85' GL (Sidelined and feeling neglected)