my radiator fan on my 1990 vanagon just stopped working also sometimes a red light above speedo comes on with a buzzer what is going on
Asked by volksy Apr 29, 2014 at 10:12 PM about the 1990 Volkswagen Vanagon GL Passenger Van
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
the coolant fan on my 1990 vanagon just stopped working although it doesn't seem to be overheating maybe a little also occasionally a red light over speedo and a buzzer come on after freeway usually oil pressure maybe?
4 Answers
Your red light is more than likely related to the cooling system. There is a design weakness in the 2.1 wasserboxer engine where the magnesium block and the aluminum cylinder heads cause galvanic corrosion because they are dissimilar metals. This in turn degrades the head gaskets and causes loss of coolant. The fan not working may be indicative of low coolant in the radiator (no fluid for the thermistor to sense) or the thermistor may be faulty. At any rate, you need to get smart on this...fast...or you'll be needing a new engine.
Firstly, you need technical information. DO sign up with a Vanagon related forum like Vanagon. com or GOWESTY and start reading. Here's a great primer on the topic: http://gerry.vanagon.com/files/technical/how-to/coolant- leaks-bleeding-information.txt
Second...invest in a Bentley manual or manual-on-CD...it's a lifesaver with the Vanagon which is a bit of a complicated almalgam of VW technologies.
Third...locate a GOOD European car service garage in your area...you'll need a good assessment of the health of your engine after you square away the coolant issue...especially if there is an oil pressure problem. Best of luck to you...be strong...these are great vehicles if you stay on top of the maintenance...nothing else like 'em on the planet.
