Hi Ed, 
 There's a diode in the #53, where it's used as the  Engine Computer relay. 
When terminal 86 of the relay is energized (key on ), it activates the computer and sends power to the 86 terminal of the fuel pump relay.The diode allows current to pass in one direction, as the ignition coil also shares the computer #86 terminal.
This from page 97.124 of the Bentley

Robert1982 Westfalia

 
      From: "email99@bellsouth.net" <email99@BELLSOUTH.NET>
 To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
 Sent: Wednesday, June 1, 2016 10:28 AM
 Subject: VW relay #53, 141 951 253B
   
VW relay #53,  141 951 253B seems to be a 40A relay used for load
reduction in various circuits including fog lights, horns, rear window
heater, etc.

The circuit diagram on printed on the case has an unusual component
between  pins 85 and 86, parallel to the energizing coil.  The diagrams
on other relays do not have this component. Coil resistance for this
relay is 71 ohms while the resistance in many other relays is 84 ohms.
There is not any diode function between these pins.

Does anyone know what this component is and why it is there?

Thanks,

Ed