Hi Ed,

Sounds less like you are overheating and more like you have a gauge
cluster electrical issue.  Check the multiin plug on the back of the
gauge cluster, it can become loose or the connections corroded.

Not too long ago I had a problem with my Vanagon running cool, I
thought it was a failing thermostat.  Wiggling the connector on the
gauge cluster fixed the problem without a drop of spilled coolant!

Another common failure point is the ground cluster under the left end
of the dash, above and behind the fuse panel.  Look for crispy ends and
loose connectors there as well, they can be overloaded or corrode from
water leaking at the windshield.

Hope this helps,
Gregory Smith
Olympia, WA
'84 Vanagon

> Date:    Wed, 5 Sep 2007 10:24:49 -0700
> From:    Ed <fasteddy64@YAHOO.COM>
> Subject: OVerheating
>
> 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