Explore the Vanagon dictionary.

Community name for Volkswagen’s water-cooled, horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine family used in Vanagons. Gerry’s technical index covers 1.9 L and 2.1 L versions and year-specific service topics. A January 2004 archive thread describes an owner’s 1983 1.9 L Waterboxer running roughly when cold but normally after warming up; it records the symptom and discussion, not a universal cause or fix. Identify the engine code and model year before using parts or service information.

A mechanism that retracts and stores the seat belt

A failure of the engine to ignite the fuel-air mixture in one or more cylinders

Compounds that provide buffering and neutralization of acidic combustion gas by-products

A critical cooling system component around the engine compartment

Components that require regular inspection to prevent premature wear

A type of wire used to hold or secure items, often used in place of tape or ties.

Volkswagen’s electronic fuel-injection and engine-management system used in North American Vanagons from 1986 onward according to Gerry’s terminology FAQ. The archived FAQ distinguishes it from Digijet, which it associates with 1983.5–1985 Vanagons; Gerry’s technical bulletin index also lists Digifant topics for 1986–1991 models. Verify year, engine, and market before using system-specific parts or procedures.

Sensor that measures coolant temperature

A switch that signals the engine computer when the throttle is in the idle or full throttle position