If you have a resistor behind the DS headlite, that's the first thing to
check.  All three terminals should show some continuity to the others.

Larry A.

On Sat, Oct 14, 2017 at 7:51 PM, Mark Hersh <cmwolfsburg@gmail.com> wrote:

> Greetings vannuts,
>
> Subject vehicle is 1986, 2.1L waterboxer with auto trans (early in model
> year; built Aug 85) with factory AC that has been pretty much
> disconnected/removed other than the dash switch to the left of the steering
> column.  That used to operate the fan until I was messing around in there
> some years ago doing a headlight upgrade (Frank Condelli kit).  After that
> the AC switch did not work the fan but everything else was good (except for
> the key-in-ignition chime, which I miss, but that may have been the result
> of a new ignition switch repair).
>
> The radiator was replaced in 2008 and coolant regularly flushed/serviced,
> so there is about 40K miles on the radiator (don't know on the coolant). I
> didn't do the rad replacement so I don't know if the thermoswitch was
> replaced then, I would guess so as it was part of an engine
> replacement/tranny rebuild/get the sucka roadworthy.
>
> I can't remember the last time hearing the fan, probably over the summer
> (haven't driven much since).  The other day when I was parked with engine
> running (waiting for emissions testing) my fan did not come on and my gauge
> was elevated and light blinking. Got it moving and it calmed it down some
> and I got home.  I let it cool a couple hours and went back to the
> emissions station (and passed) and the fan did not come on but I never got
> so hot that the light blinked.
>
> Yesterday I did the troubleshooting Ken Wilford outlined at
>
> https://www.vanagain.com/troubleshoot-your-radiator-fan/  (Thank you,
> Ken!)
>
> The only response was clicking from the high-temp rad fan relay (on top of
> the under-dash fuse panel).  No low-speed response, no high-speed response,
> other than the clicking relay.
>
> I suppose the next step is either testing for 12 V at the fan (with the
> thermoswitch plug jumped) or apply 12 V directly to the fan) and see the
> results.
>
> I'm thinking also that perhaps I should clean the ground for the fan, and
> I'm guessing that it is nearby.  But before I go hunting for it I thought
> I'd ask.  I know the low-speed resistor is behind the drivers' side
> headlight (thanks again, Ken).  Is the ground there also?
>
> Thanks
>
> Mark
>
>
> --
> 86 Campmobile Six-Seater "Monty"
>
> Black dogs are euthanized at a greater rate than other-colored dogs,
> regardless of temperament.  Learn about Black Dog Syndrome at
> http://www.blackpearldogs.com/  Learn about black dogs in a Vanagon at
> http://www.pbase.com/mhersh/image/108220533
>