Ok, I got a switch from the junkyard, and I can now confirm that the switch is
identical in the Golf I, Golf II, and our favorite transportation device, the
Vanagon.

I dissected the old switch, and it was melted solid. I don't know what caused
this, but the fan ran much better with the new switch than it did with the old
switch. If another meltdown happens, I guess I will have to investigate further.

PerL
87 Syncro 112i

"Joe L." wrote:

>      If you are having a hard time finding these switches you may give a
> thought to taking the errant switch apart and fixing it. I have had many
> switches fail and most of the time it was due to a small piece of plastic
> "shaving" that had been dislodged and was fouling the works. This "shaving"
> was not actually part of the components but was excess material from the
> molding process. Like what is seen on cheap plastic stuff where the mold
> came togeather. If this is the trouble with your switch poping off the back
> and cleaning should take care of it.
>     If the switch is truely dead toss it into your garage junk box instead
> of throwing it away. Often you can take the parts from two dead switches and
> make a good one. Small potatoes perhaps but there is some satisfication to
> be had from denying Volkswagen America a few more drops of our blood.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
> Of Per Lindgren
> Sent: Thursday, October 21, 1999 2:56 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Heater fan switch
>
> Isnt the interior heater fan switch on the Vangon the same switch as the
> Rabbit? I am under the impression that it is, and my sister is
> complaining about the switch in her 82 Golf is broke. As the VW nut and
> DIY mechanic in the family, she comes to me with the problem. So, does
> anyone know? She complains 'cause she is freezing in her old diesel.
>
> PerL
> 87 Syncro
> 82 Golf (Chief mechanic)