On Tue, Jun 22, 2010 at 10:53 PM, Robert Ueltzen <robueltzen@gmail.com>wrote:

> I'm now suffering the dreaded blinking coolant light.  I searched the
> archives and found great information for diagnosing my (van's)
> ailment.  It is apparently the gauge.  I found the instructions in the
> archives for replacing the 'cap' (capacitor?); however, my soldering
> skills are primitive and one post suggested that I have two
> alternatives (1) replace the gauge, or (2) replace the 'cap'.  Are
> there any sources for a new gauge or is it NLA?  VW dealer only?  Or
> is it prohibitively expensive and I should improve my soldering
> skills?
>
> Thanks,  rob
> a.k.a. oldkayaker
> 1987 Wolfsburg
>

Rob,

I found that cleaning the big instrument pod connector and the blue flexy
circuit it connects to can make the difference.

You can run some test leads from the two posts on the back of the gauge and
check that the voltage is ~ 10v with the ignition key on.

If you do need to fix the gauge, I have some pix and stuff that may help at
http://www.vanagonauts.com/Warning-Light-Fix241.htm

Let us know how it goes.

John Meeks
'91 Multivan
Northern Michigan

Vanagon Rescue Squad
www.vanagonauts.com