My flashy red light

[MidLifeCrisis]

Almost certainly means that your actual temp gauge is not functioning correctly - there is a capacitor in there that if it malfunctions causes the light to keep flashing;
I assume the needle position is as it should be i.e. it’s not showing ‘very hot’ all the time?

It can be fixed if you are handy with a soldering iron ........ ??

[Cobra88]

Hi MLC (see what I did there)

I'm ok with a soldering iron and have a solder sucker and braid in my toolbox.

I can't find a 1985 UK Wiring diagram with old style fusebox anywhere as USA one is injection

I was hoping it wasn't the capacitor as we no longer have maplins.

Many thanks for your help

Regards
Rick

[MidLifeCrisis]

The below is a good write up on how it’s done - it’s very fiddly work as it’s very tight in there but it’s do-able;
http://www.vanagonauts.com/Warning-Light-Fix241.htm

RSOnline for all your electrical component needs!!
Or Ebay ?!?

[Cobra88]

Hi MLC

Just ordered a pack of 5 10uf 16v Tantalum caps from ebay.

So unless I mess up soldering I will have 4 spares for other members free of charge of course.

Regards
Rick

[AngeloEvs]

If the dashboard is being removed then I would test it before removing the temp gauge and confirm it is faulty. A 12v supply is all you need. The small centre nut on the rear of the gauge is earth and, looking from the rear, the right nut is the supply, usually 10v from the regulator but 12v is ok for testing. Once you connect the supply the led will flash for a few seconds then stop. This is the self test period and normal. The output side of the gauge ( left nut) can be left with nothing connected.

[Cobra88]

Hi AngeloEvs

I will try that before I start to remove the gauge.
Many thanks

Regards
Rick

[Jeff J]

Not sure if this will help, but my light flashes continually if the battery voltage is too low to start the engine.