A good place to try is Camelback VW in Phoenix, AZ. Be sure and tell
them you are a member of the Vanagon List. They are pretty good about
passing along a discount, especially if you are out of the state of AZ.

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver

TJ Hannink wrote:
> The part number for a stock isolation relay in a Vanagon Camper should be P/N
> 411 915 511B. The drawing on the side shows an internal diode connecting pin 85
> and the solenoid.
>
> Unless the wiring is burned up, there should be no reason to replace it.
> Typically, the plastic covers on the red terminal lugs do melt over time, but
> as long as the insulation on the wire is in good shape, the connections should
> be ok.
>
> Replacing the relay is simply a matter of unplugging the wires one at a time,
> noting their position on the existing relay, then plugging them to the same
> terminal numbers on the new relay.
>
> I would call some other VW dealers with the above P/N to see if they can get
> you the relay any cheaper. The relay can also be tested out of the vehicle.
> Any competent automotive electrical shop should be able to test it for you.
>
> $239 is probably about right to replace the relay and all the wiring, with
> stock VW parts routed the correct way. The wires that connect the relay to the
> primary battery and the refrigerator power socket to the auxiliary battery are
> routed above the fuel tank, so it might be necessary to lower the tank to
> access any ties that hold the wiring in place.
>
> Good luck,
>
> Tim
>
> --- Neil Wasbrikoff <wasbrikoff@NETSCAPE.NET> wrote:
>
>>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
>
>
>
> __________________________________________________
> Do you Yahoo!?
> Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now.
> http://mailplus.yahoo.com
>