not again.....

Post by **j_robi** » 11 Oct 2006, 09:48

last may/june time myrtle had some phantom overheating/electrical problems- where the red flashing light came on- but no physical overheating. this was solved with the help of some of you helpful guys (namely tonytech).
i changed the level sensor, which totally cured the problem, and have covered 8000 miles since.

last night i was driving along (after about 20 minutes of driving) and the flipin red light flashed on. with the gauge remaining in the vertical position. thankfully i was basically on my drive, so just waited until this mornig to see what myrtle had to offer me today. (i checked the top up tank last night and all fine)
so i drove her this morning mornig for 30 minutes, then the same- red flashing light, gauge remaining vertical. so i pull over, stop for 30 minutes (to let her cool down), then inspect the top up and expansion tank, both full. the level sensor wires are solid

to be honest im really gutted, iv had my fair share of problems now
just htought id throw my problem onto the forum to see if anyone else has had the same problem...?

if you have any ideas they would be very gratefully received

thnak you
Joe

Post by **matt** » 11 Oct 2006, 10:13

dodgy sensor/earth
we had this, on the m5 at silly o clock
took 2 weeks worth of camping stuff out the back
all over slip road
kids woke up
no overheating
was a loose conection on dash pod

Post by **j_robi** » 11 Oct 2006, 11:11

thanks for the reply, what/where is the dash pod to be found?
thanks
Joe

Post by **MacAoidh** » 11 Oct 2006, 11:26

Presumably the binnacle, no? The sticking-up bit on the right-hand side of the dashboard, with the instruments in.

Binnacle
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Binnacle (before 18th century bittacle, through Span. bitacula, from Lat. habitaculum, a little dwelling), a case on the deck of a ship, generally in front of the helmsman, in which is kept a compass, and a light by which the compass is read at night.
In the 1880s a compass and binnacle were patented by Lord Kelvin that greatly advanced marine compasses. His design included two magnets to counter the deviation created by iron-clad hulls.

Post by **j_robi** » 11 Oct 2006, 12:12

so what are you suggesting i do?
is a sensor likely to go faulty after 5 months?
thanks joe

Post by **matt** » 11 Oct 2006, 13:34

Ok, I had the speedo and clock "pod" (you know where you check the brake fluid) out to sort a dodgy odometer out....
replaced all the switches, everything was fine for 4 weeks till I drove after dark, as it was the middle of summer it didnt happen till we were on the way to cornwall

took off and re did all the contacts just under the clock, and its been fine ever since
could it just have been that its the 1st time you have needed your litghts since June ?

If it over heatsd the needle will go way past the centre point before it gets hot enough for the lite !

Post by **j_robi** » 11 Oct 2006, 15:14

thanks, for that
i have used the lights lots, have done about 8000 miles since the problem...thats what makes it so strange
joe

Post by **matt** » 11 Oct 2006, 16:06

I'd let it run to see if the rad switch is coming on, if it does but the light isnt flashin yet but you're not losing coolant, I'd not worry too much,
if it flashes before the fan kicks in, and the coolant hasnt dropped, i'd put it down to a dodgy sensor/earth/connection

Post by **j_robi** » 13 Oct 2006, 14:35

ok so this is whats going on now...

the fan is going on and off fine, acting normally

just to either confuse the matter or clarify it, im not sure...this is what just happened

went on a 5 mile trip- the gauge went past the vertical position, and remained firmly to the right of it implying that the van is hotter than normal...which it doesnt normally do, just past the red light...what does this imply?

the other thing is this- i stopped at the petrol station, filled up and did tyre pressure. started the van drove 20 seconds and the light started flashing, so pulled over took the engine lid off and disconnected the wire going to the temp sensor, this immediately stopped the flashing, then put it back on the sensor and it started...what does this imply?

any thoughts appreciated
Joe

Post by **j_robi** » 13 Oct 2006, 16:32

if the red light is flashing totally randomly- eg. just after starting/staying on/flashng then gong off then starting again, with no overheating signs, is it safe to drive the vehicle while its flashing?
im nt gona hang anyone for their response, just owndered what your hunches are?
thanks
Joe

Post by **Mocki** » 13 Oct 2006, 16:40

The light takes a signal from two senders, low water( in the header tank) and temp ( in thermo housing)

Change senders.
Check for cracked/missing insulation on sender wires
Check earths in engine bay and dash
Check the dash multiplug connection at pod
if it isnt over hot ( use heater as guage ) and isnt low on water its a wiring prob or sender?

Post by **Aidan** » 14 Oct 2006, 13:48

check level of coolant in expansion tankwhen cold, just incase a leaking headgasket is allowing air into the system and pushing the water back to the top up tank, this will give you a flashing coolant level warning light and overtemp at the rear with normal behaviour at the front, at least untill it gets worse.