Oh good grief! Dealers today are SO big for their pants! $239? That's legal
robbery. Why didn't they say up front that you need to bribe them to even
glance at a Vanagon. FWIW, I just installed a complete NEW second battery
setup in a customer's van yesterday at a cost of $150, INCLUDING battery.
The relay itself can be scrounged from a junkyard or purchased for $10 new.
A test light can be bought for $10 or less, then you can check out the
wiring if there isn't a visible wiring problem. It's a really simple system,
replace the relay and check it out yourself, check in here for more guidance
if needed.

Karl Mullendore
Westy Ventures
301.432.4645
1987 Westfalia Syncro 1.9TD

----- Original Message -----

> Hello Volks,
>
> I just had my 1987 Westy looked at by VW  - to help determine why my
second battery (under the drivers seat) was not charging when I drove it.
They determined it was the OEM VW battery relay and that it needs to be
replaced.
>
> Cost: $239
>
> It reaised a few questions for me.
>
> 1. Does the cost to replace sound high? It's hard to imagine a relay &
wiring costing too much.
>
> 2. Could any one comment on the ease of difficulty of installing or
replacing a relay?
>
> 3. Do I need to replace the wireing as well, or can I just replace the
relay?
>
> VW wanted to charge me for replacing all the wires, and time involved to
do so. When I asked if the wired really needed to be replaced they argued
that they did.
>
> 4. Can anyone recommed a place to buy a battery relay? I'd enjoy taking a
shot at replacing this myself  and saving some money. I can't afford to
spend $239 at this time.
>
> Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
> Thanks,
> Neil