Club 80-90 Forums

We had a nice day out in our camper yesterday and on the way home I realised I couldn't see the indicator light on the dash flashing when I used them, it just stayed lit up. Checked and no indicators or hazards. Luckily we were near a Halfords and I rushed in and bought some spare fuses, but it shut before we could check them all and go back in to ask about relays. We took out all the fuses and checked and all seemed ok. Went home the the quieter, scenic route with hand signals !!
It's a 1986 Diesel 1.6. Please could anyone advise me which relay might be the faulty one. I cannot find a link to a diagram of this fuse box illustrating which fuses and relays are for what. There are only 3 square black plugs in there no. 18, 43 and 21.
Have been reading on the forum that earths need to be checked at the back of the fuse box as well. No. 18 was quite warm when we opened the fuse box. Should they feel warm ? Could this be the faulty relay ?
Any step by step help would be most appreciated as anything to do with electrics gives us immediate anxiety attacks.
Cheers Nick

Relay position 12 is the indicators and hazard lights relay on a later fusebox with blade type fuses rather than earlt cartridge or 'bullet' type. Note that 12 is the position number not the number printed on the relay itself. Fuse number 19 counting left to right for indicators.

Scroll down for later fusebox
http://www.brick-yard.co.uk/VehicleSpec ... /relay.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
and
http://www.brick-yard.co.uk/VehicleSpec ... /fuses.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks for your reply. I must admit that I did look at these diagrams before I posted and was a bit confused as how to interpret the diagram, as it doesn't look as though it corresponds with the layout of our actual fuse box, [ possibly because I am so stupid ]. We have the later blade type fuses. No 19 fuse from the left is ok. How do I count position no 12 for the relays, as there seem to be so many empty socket holes in the board above the fuses. Do the numbers printed on the 3 black relay boxes mean anything, or is there a correct serial number to identify which one is the indicator and hazard lights ?
Also is there an indicator flasher unit under the dash on these vehicles that can need replacing as with other vehicles ?
Cheers Nick

if it still has the original VW relay it will be marked 21 on the relay. otherwise the last relay on the right in the row of relays directly above the fuses.

Thanks,
Just been out to look, with the print off of the diagram of fuse box and relays and relay marked 21 is no. 12 and the last one. I got confused with the diagram because of all the other numbered relays above where " fuses go here " is illustrated. There are only 12 relay positions to be seen on this fuse box, with 2 other fuses above the relays and out of sight. Not sure what these fuses are for.
I have taken the relay out and when I shake it it rattles as though something is loose in there !! Is this normal ?
I will go and buy another relay later on and try it. Hopefully this will solve the problem.
Can anyone tell me if there is a flasher unit as well as the relay for the indicators. I see from the forums that the indicators are wired through the hazard light switch, so obviously if this is faulty they won't work.
Cheers Nick

Do you have another number 18 relay in the fusebox? You could try swapping them over and see if that cures it?

It might 'rattle' due to the contacts moving when you shake it.

I take it you don't have a Haynes Manual then?

Pins on No. 18 relay are quite different so I can't swop them round.
Just borrowed a Haynes manual from a neighbour who has a petrol T25 !! Have'nt got round to buying one yet, as I wanted to get a diesel manual for the engine etc.
Was going to buy the CD vanagon repair manual from ebay. The Bently paper manual is a bit pricey !!
Cheers Nick

cornishgold wrote: Was going to buy the CD vanagon repair manual from ebay. The Bently paper manual is a bit pricey !!
Cheers Nick

Errr.....https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=99764

cornishgold wrote:Pins on No. 18 relay are quite different so I can't swop them round.

Sorry, I meant another number 21 not number 18....

The Indicator relay is also the Hazard flasher relay there will only be one in the fusebox. Try flicking the hazard light switch on and off a few time and make sure the switch is in the off position if the light still just comes on then it is most probably a faulty relay.

Get a Haynes manual as well as Bentley as Bentley are USA manuals the wiring has notable differences between European models.

There isn't another no.21 relay to try. Just phoned our local motor factors and a replacement is £10.51. Seen some no.21's on Ebay a lot cheaper, they seem to be listed with the same part no. but for a golfs etc. 191 953 277 A. The actual no. on this relay is 111 953 227D but I presume would be ok ? I suspect most of them are from breakers. Just Campers have them for £5.50 but the postage would make it the same price as buying locally.
The CD version of the Vanagon Official Factory Repair Manual by Robert Bentley is listed on Ebay by a few people. I presume they scanned a copy of it and made cd's of it. I suppose you can print of the pages you need for reference from it.
Cheers Nick

Hi Oldie but Goodie !!
Just caught your drift. Am I still able to download the Bentley manual now. I did try the link from the forum, but it said it was no longer available.
Cheers Nick

That link was for the Audi A4! - pm me for the link.

Thanks, will pm you shortly for the link.
Cheer Nick

Thanks for all your help.
Problem sorted with a new relay.
Cheers Nick