Sounds like things are working normally. The need to goose the gas after
starting for the alternator to turn on is normal, especially in the
campers. I've explained this before. The 12v operation will light the
flame indicator lamp, again normal. The fridge will not cool instantly,
normal. The element may be defective, current test can tell that.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Jim Felder
Sent: Tuesday, March 27, 2007 3:10 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: MORE 12v fridge not working info

Here's some more info, now that I've had a few minutes to check it out.

It's worth noting that this is a diesel, they have a notorious
feature where the alternator light doesn't go off until you get the
revs a little about idle, then the light goes out and stays out. It
has to do with this problem.

I noticed on the way back into town last night that the fridge was
warm after some hours on the road. Further investigation shows that
although all the gas is off, the gas LED glows when the fridge is
switched to 12V.

If I start the car **with the fridge switch in the 12V position** and
don't goose the engine, the fridge LED doesn't come on.

As soon as I goose the engine to get the alternator light to go out,
the LED for the gas pilot comes on.

Geza P. suggested checking the two fuses on the B pillar, and that
wasn't it.

Somebody else is having the problem as well, as they have emailed me
about it. But I don't have any answers yet.

Guesses?

Jim