If I don't wait 3 or 4 seconds after turning the key to the run position
before starting my engine, the blinking coolant light won't go off at all. I
don't necessarily have to wait for the light to go out, just waiting for
several seconds will do. I've gotten into the habit of turning the key to on
and then putting on my seat belt before starting the engine. Not too
annoying, but I wonder why my van behaves this way. I suspect either a weak
ground or marginal voltage regulator on the instrument panel.

Mark McCulley
87 syncro Westfalia

At 09:57 PM 5/6/98 -0400, Lawrence Johnson wrote:
>Vanagonites,
>I don't think that this is a unique Canuk thing as Sean Bartnik suggested.
>Perhaps some further explanation of what I mean by "Blink'n Ignition Light"
>is required. I'm talking about the red light that normally indicates when
>your temperature is too high. This light serves a double purpose. It blinks
>when the key is turned on and you don't turn the key further to start the
>engine until the damned think stops blinking or the VW mug squad will get
>you. That's the blink'n light I'm asking about.
>Larry
>
>Original question:
>
>> Knowledgeable Vanagonites,
>> Early in life, I learned that, after you turn on the ignition key, you
>> wait for the Blink'n Ignition Light to stop blink'n before starting the
>> engine. But what I never learned is 'what am I waiting for?'. What is
>> actually going on while I'm waiting? Why does it sometime take longer to
>> stop blinking than other times? I hate things like this. I can't sleep
>> at night worrying. :-)
>> Larry and his '86 Syncro Vanagon GL Westfalia Camper.
>