One of the relays is turned on/off by the key switch. This one is the
ECU power relay. The other relay is the fuel pump relay and turns on/off
whenever the ECU tells it to. If the ECU is acting up or not getting
power it can't tell the fuel pump relay to run. The ECU should run the
pump for a few seconds every time the key is turned on.

It sounds like your relays are fine. The problem  is elsewhere, such as
the main power lines to the relay box. The ECU relay can click fine but
if no main power is supplied to it then it can't relay that power on to
the ECU. Where are you located?

Mark

Robert Campbell wrote:

> Hello Gang!
>
> My precious '91 Carat has developed a problem.  From time-to-time, the
> van will not start.  I can tell by listening that the fuel pump is not
> powering up.  I checked both #53 relays in the engine compartment, it
> seems that only one of these engage during the failure mode. But, the
> problem is not resolved by swapping the two #53 relays around.  This
> problem is intermittent!  I cannot drive the van because I don't know
> where I won't start again.
>
> Has anyone seen anything like this?  Do you have insight you can share
> with me?  The issue seems that only the #53 relay "on the left"
> engages.  Normal operation seems to be #53 LEFT engage, #53 RIGHT
> engage, release #53 LEFT (at this time the fuel pump is running).
>
> Please, if you have some info, can you let me know?  This is my daily
> driver and I'm at the tail end of a kitchen remodel and lack a good
> utility vehicle for all the stuff one must get to do all this kitchen,
> bathroom, tile, cabinet, backsplash and appliance work! :-)  (I'm so
> proud of my Vanagon for being able to hold a full-size range and
> dishwasher with plenty of room for more stuff and people too!)
>
> Thanks gang!  Happy New Year to everyone!  Let's hope our Vanagons carry
> on many fun-filled adventures in this new year!
>
>     -Robert
>
>