I'm like you.
I check things constantly.
I don't think I'd add the circuit on myself, if it wasn't already there.
I don't trust them that much.
Mostly they work well........but I've seen them give false indications.
You don't want the 84 waterboxer system ......
as on that one, if the level sensor says 'I'm low' ........it also pegs the
temp needle to max.
Very dumb.
in 85 they don't do that.
it's in the Level Sensor Control Unit  I think. .......something like that.

I just prefer the Awareness Method - your are watching, checking , smelling,
looking etc, on a regular basis.
That's a more reliable system I think.
but go for it ........but use the later system, 85 and later.

----- Original Message -----
From: "neil n" <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, October 14, 2009 11:57 AM
Subject: Coolant Low Level Light Useful?

> Hi all.
>
> Like most, I check oil/coolant almost every day when on long trips.
> But.....
>
> In the event of a sudden coolant loss, have others found that this
> light gave enough warning so they could pull over in time to prevent
> the engine from over heating? (assuming there's somewhere safe nearby
> to pull over)
>
> I realize my Westy's Jetta engine has different coolant
> plumbing/paths, but if it's useful on the WBX, I'll read up on relays
> and wire one up.
>
> Neil.
>
> --
> Neil Nicholson '81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco"
>
> http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/
>
> http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines