For sure check fluid levels and related cooling system components.

But....

If your tach AND temp gauge both f'd up at the SAME time, I would also
look at your electrics before tearing anything mechanical apart.

Were tach and temp gauge working properly previously?

Cheers,

Neil.

--
Neil Nicholson. 1981 Air Cooled Westfalia -
"Jaco"  (Bustorius)

http://web.mac.com/tubaneil

Please send fav Vanagon/Westfalia links to me at:
musomuso1963@hotmail.com

On 9/5/07, Ed <fasteddy64@yahoo.com> wrote:
> Hi list, new guy here with his first watercooled vanagon.
>
> It is getting hot, very hot and the fan wont come on. Today I drove about 10 blocks and the needle was pegged out, no fan. I pulled the plug on the fan and jumpered it to drive back home and with the fan on hi the temp didnt budge.
>
> I get no blinking idiot light, even when I first turn on the key.
> Also suddenly my tack is not working.
>
> Any help?
> Thanks,
> Ed Maikranz
> Abilene, TX
> 84 Vanagon
> 72 Riviera