The flashing light is most likely because you are low on coolant in the
tank that is inside the engine compartment with the pressure cap on it
(black or blue).  Open the engine lid and look at this tank (to the left).
 If it is full then you have a problem with the sensor or the wiring.  If
it is low you need to investigate further to see why it is low (a coolant
leak?).  If you don't see any leaks, you could possibly continue to drive,
keeping an eye on the temperature.  Or you could wait for it to cool off a
bit and then top off the coolant and this should make the light go out and
stay out.

Let us know what you find.

Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com

On Mon, Jul 29, 2013 at 1:18 PM, Goetz Aust <gkaust@gmail.com> wrote:

> Travelling home in my 87 Vanagon and the temperature light keeps coming on.
> Outside temp about 50 deg F or 10 deg C. After blinking light comes on it
> stays on unless I stop. Also the front fan is not on while I'm stopped.
>
> The temperature gauge never seems to go much above the flashing light. When
> I stop restart and  idle for awhile the front fan starts sometimes and when
> it does I can continue on my way for 10-20 miles before the temp flashes.
> Oil, coolant levels are fine and the belts seem good (im not a mechanic).
>
> Question- am I Ok to drive the 40-50 miles home if I just watch the
> temperature and keeping it below the 3/4 mark? Or do I need stop every time
> the flashing light goes on?
>

--
Thanks,
Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com