Dennis, thanks a whole bunch!

John

On 6/25/2014 4:05 PM, Dennis Haynes wrote:
> For the turn signals, the correct flashers for you van will indicate if
> there are not two bulbs drawing current to let you know one is out. The
> usual indication is a fast or erratic flash or no flash at all. Except for
> breaking a wire there is nothing to separate front/rear so start at getting
> the front lights to work. Bad bulbs, sockets, or grounds/wires.  Note these
> are two filament bulbs, turn signal and running lamps. 21/5 watt.
> For the turn signal indicator weirdness could be wrong flasher or a bad
> emergency flasher switch. The wiring here is complicated as when it is off
> the turns signals still work through it. It is what combines the left and
> right sides.  Operating it may clean the contacts.
>
> For the mushy brakes your symptoms sound like the rears are not installed or
> set up correctly and you may have the wrong cylinders. You may also have a
> bad rear brake pressure regulator. Check the archives for my past brake
> write ups including shimming out the lower shoe rests.
> There are two brake switches. Either one shorted will leave the lights stuck
> on.
>
> Dennis
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> JRodgers
> Sent: Wednesday, June 25, 2014 7:41 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: 91 Carat - Turn Signals and Flasher
>
> I now have the Carat on the road, BUT - finding many things to be fixed.
>
> Safety issues:
>
> Turn signals:
>    After a great deal of searching I FINALLY found a FLAPS with a  turn
> signal relay that works - but it's shaped different from the usual stock
> relays for the van. Shaped different. I now have turn signals BUT - they
> only work on the rear of the van - not the front. And - the Hazard Flasher
> does not operate. Additionally, the turn signal indicator light glows
> slightly when the ignition is on - and goes to full bright when the turn
> signals are activated - left or right. Dunno what that is about. As soon as
> I can get another relay from one of our List Vendors
> I'm going to replace this one even though it is working   - sort of. In
> the meantime - anyone have any ideas?
>
> Mushy Brakes:
>
> Just had a brake job on the front end - and the brakes are really mushy
> - like I have to pump like crazy if I have to make a fast stop.
> Otherwise the pedal goes near to the floor. In fact - once it did hit the
> bottom stop. The brakes don't pump up and hold - they will mush again as
> soon as they are released. I would suspect air in the lines but I was
> assured by the shop the brakes were well bled. If that is the case
> - I suspect the master cylinder is bad. Related to that is a tail/brake
> light issue under another topic. Any opinions or comments appreciated.
>
> Brake Lights:
>
> They don't work properly. When a fuse is put in the fuse holder - the brake
> lights come on and won't go off. I suspect a bad brake light switch - goes
> along with maybe a bad master cylinder  - both of which haven't been used in
> near 15 years. Opinions??  Suggestions??
>
> Thanks,
>
> John
>
>