Loss of majority of electrics

cjp0349 · 17-05-17, 03:26 PM

1991 model B4 2.0e 16v. Became aware of having no indicators on the way home from work this afternoon although the hazards appeared to be working correctly.

On arrival at cjp towers a full check reveals loss of not only the indicators but dipped beam, washers/wipers, dashboard lights, rear fog, horn, HRW, fan and number plate lights.

I strongly suspect 'relief' relay 213 has failed. Part number 443 951 253J, 70amp.

Anybody got one that they can stick in the post first class tomorrow so I can hopefully have it Friday please let me know and I'll sort payment straight away

Or am I making a totally wrong snap diagnosis?

sinbin5t · 17-05-17, 03:40 PM

Hope you get sorted quickly Carl !

Hanuman · 17-05-17, 04:09 PM

As a snap assumption, it seems a reasonable thought.

It may be worth pulling the relay, checking that the pins are clean, and the connections in the relay box are fairly tight.
if it starts working again, you may simply have a bad contact, or you may have a failed solder joint. I'd try and open it, and have a good look inside. Are you any good with a soldering iron?

...(edit) Alternatively, Ignition switch? I'd have to look at the circuit diagrams to remind myself,

urquattr085 · 17-05-17, 04:27 PM

I suffered very similar symptoms with no warning late last year.
Replacing the Relief Relay sorted it out (sourced one s/hand from a well known auction site)

Good luck with finding one quickly.

cjp0349 · 17-05-17, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hanuman

As a snap assumption, it seems a reasonable thought.

It may be worth pulling the relay, checking that the pins are clean, and the connections in the relay box are fairly tight.
if it starts working again, you may simply have a bad contact, or you may have a failed solder joint. I'd try and open it, and have a good look inside. Are you any good with a soldering iron?

...(edit) Alternatively, Ignition switch? I'd have to look at the circuit diagrams to remind myself,

All the basic checks were done before I posted Hanuman but I'm never so lucky as that!

My snap judgement is based on the fact that I had a very similar thing happen on my old T4 camper about this time last year and turned out to be nothing more than a failed relay. So fingers crossed.
I've ordered a, very cheap, guaranteed working 2nd hand replacement via ebay but it will probably only be with me Monday. Hoping I can get one a bit quicker here
Never used a soldering iron in my life

vorsprung durch technik · 17-05-17, 04:35 PM

"On arrival at cjp towers" Cracked me up!

Quote:

Originally Posted by cjp0349

Never used a soldering iron in my life

Easy peasy Janpaneesy.

Just remember not to burn yourself.

I reckon your most probably right Carl. Hope you get it sorted.

mikes2 · 17-05-17, 04:49 PM

relief relay normally only kills the higher power items like fan, heated rear window, wipers

cjp0349 · 17-05-17, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikes2

relief relay normally only kills the higher power items like fan, heated rear window, wipers

That's exactly what failed on the T4 Mike

Just hoping there's a few more items on it's circuit on the B4. It's as if I've just been left with emergency electrics i.e sidelights and hazards.

(And stereo!

)

sinbin5t · 17-05-17, 05:20 PM

[quote=cjp0349;427515

(And stereo!

)[/QUOTE]

must be the DJ in you

4v6 · 17-05-17, 05:27 PM

Jumper the switched contacts and see if it all works as normal would be an easy test.

17-05-17, 04:09 PM	#3
Hanuman Trickster Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Heckling from the cheap seats, Phnom Penh, KoW Posts: 7,006	As a snap assumption, it seems a reasonable thought. It may be worth pulling the relay, checking that the pins are clean, and the connections in the relay box are fairly tight. if it starts working again, you may simply have a bad contact, or you may have a failed solder joint. I'd try and open it, and have a good look inside. Are you any good with a soldering iron? ...(edit) Alternatively, Ignition switch? I'd have to look at the circuit diagrams to remind myself, __________________ I wish they would keep the damned Chinese away now that I can go home, so that I can enjoy Fish amok and a draught Angkor Last edited by Hanuman; 17-05-17 at 04:12 PM.

17-05-17, 04:27 PM	#4
urquattr085 Senior Member Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: May 2016 Location: Displaced Northerner in Essex Posts: 1,528	I suffered very similar symptoms with no warning late last year. Replacing the Relief Relay sorted it out (sourced one s/hand from a well known auction site) Good luck with finding one quickly. __________________ 1985 WR quattro 2010 A6 3.0Tdi Allroad 2010 A3 1.4 tfsi Sport - Sold but still in the family 1984 80 Quattro - Sold many moons ago 1981 Coupe GT - Sold to buy above

17-05-17, 04:49 PM	#7
mikes2 4 ring whore! Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Polmont Posts: 2,617	relief relay normally only kills the higher power items like fan, heated rear window, wipers __________________ 1991 90 quattro 20v sport 1991 90 quattro

17-05-17, 03:40 PM	#2
sinbin5t 4 ring whore! Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Where a spike points skywards Posts: 12,960	Hope you get sorted quickly Carl !

17-05-17, 05:20 PM	#9
sinbin5t 4 ring whore! Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Where a spike points skywards Posts: 12,960	[quote=cjp0349;427515 (And stereo! )[/QUOTE] must be the DJ in you

17-05-17, 05:27 PM	#10
4v6 Ex Member Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 5,565	Jumper the switched contacts and see if it all works as normal would be an easy test.