I suspect the main pressure bottle was meant, as it has the level sensor
on it.
then .....one wonders was straight coolant put in, or more proper 50/50,
and what is the status of the license plate bottle?

if it is an early 85 it may have an 82 to 84 type coolant level control
unit ..
those peg the guage when level sensing goes off, giving a false
indication of extreme overheating.

the correct later style control unit keeps level sensing and actual temp
reading separate.
- an upgrade all vanagons with the early set up need.

scott

On 4/19/2013 5:27 PM, Larry Alofs wrote:
> Could you clarify a little?
>    There are two coolant tanks.  One is visible behind the license plate
> where you normally add coolant.  The other is accessed by lifting the
> engine cover and has a pressure cap on it with a small hose.
>    Which one did you refill after finding it empty?
>
> Larry A.
>
>
> On Fri, Apr 19, 2013 at 6:51 PM, tina canny <tcannytlc@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>> Hello Guys
>>   I have a 85 vanagon gl. I had my coolant light go on with the needle
>> reaching the top line. I see no leaks. Coolant bottle in van was empty.
>>   I bought vw coolant and filled it to max I had the same thing happen for
>> a minute or so then it went out. Could this be that the coolant was
>> circulating in the engine...causing the light to come on again. No problems
>> since.
>> Thanks for any in sight
>> Tina
>>