It could be as simple as a cheap ass oil filter.  Make sure its got a
filter w/ the pressure relief valve built into it.  My 90GL did the buzzer
routine on the used car dealer's lot after sitting for several months.  I
had the slaesperson convinced the the motor was shot @ 106K and bought the
van w/ cherry body and average interior for $2800.  Went home and changed
the oil and filter and no more buzzer!  My local VW guru helped me out on
this in advance and it paid off.  It's worth a shot.

Dimwitted Moose and Flying Squirrel

----------
> From: Marna & Mike Evans <manx@CATS.UCSC.EDU>
> To: Vanagon@GERRY.SDSC.EDU
> Subject: 89 Wolfs/Newbie ??
> Date: Sunday, November 30, 1997 11:13 AM
>
> Hi All:
> I am a newbie to the list.  I've been "lurking" for about 4 months.  I
> bought my 89 Wolfsburg in August from a small dealer, which seemed really
> risky, but thanks to the list, I knew what to look for (Thank You Thank
> You).  Scored the van for $6200 with 124k on the engine.  Head has been
> replaced!  Body pretty good too-interior is excellent.
>
> Love all the goodies that came on the van!  I could probably do without
the
> fiberglass bumpers, since the front one is cracked from a PO
fender-bender
> and looks ratty.  But I'm not complaining!  It's an automatic (my first).
> The only trouble so far: power steering belt broke.  Glad she is breaking
us
> in easy.
>
> I have some questions/comments that I would welcome advice on:
> 1)  I get about 17 mpg in the city and 20-22 on the highway.  Is this
normal
> for this model?  I may have to rethink using premium fuel so I don't go
broke.
>
> 2)   I have that damned oil light/buzzer problem.  Luckily, I was reading
> the list last time this came up, but the problem persists.  Mechanic
> replaced the dynamic sensor chip (board), and did all the Bentley tests.
I
> also had him read a couple of postings about where to find corrosion on
the
> wires and he checked all that (he says).  Can't find problem, and now it
is
> evolving.  When the temp guage reaches it's normal spot (just to left of
> warning light), the oil buzzer goes off randomly and intermittently for
> about 10-20 seconds each time and the warning light goes on (solid-not
> blinking).  If I rev the engine, it usually stops (but not always).
After
> the van has been at this temperature for about ten minutes, the oil light
> begins to blink when not on the throttle.  As soon as I hit the throttle,
> the light stops blinking.  By this time, the buzzing has stopped and does
> not recur until the car has sat long enough to cool down completely (like
> during the workday).  Once the light starts blinking, behavior is
consistent
> (light blinks when throttle not engaged).
>
> I am ready to take the van to my local VW mechanic (the buzzer is driving
me
> crazy), but know I will have to spend some dough.  I would really like to
> have some idea of what the problem could be before I see the shop so I
don't
> end up replacing stuff that doesn't need it.  Any suggestions on how to
> chase this down?  BTW, I have a dynamic sensor if someone needs it.
>
> Thank You,
> Marna & Mike Evans
> Santa Cruz, CA
>
> '89 Wolfy (Blanca)
> '81 VW Truck with '86 GTI engine and interior - just rebuilt (Betsy #4).