The relay that powers my '85 Vanagon's wipers, heater fans, and rear
defroster appears to be acting up.  If I turn one of these accessories on
and nothing happens, I reach under the dash, jiggle the wires connected to
the relay, and the relay usually clicks and turns everything on.  When I
stop the engine, I have to make sure I have each switch turned off, because
the relay isn't shutting off.  Also, when I have been loading the relay
heavily, such as my drive to work here in the land of liquid sunshine ( both
fans, defroster, and wipers on) some of the wires feel pretty warm.  Is this
the relay or something else, perhaps the ignition switch?  I have cleaned
the relay connections and applied dielectric grease.

 As simple as it may seem to some, auto electrical systems always give me
more trouble than any other part.  Just ask me what I did to the wiring of
the BA6 in my '75 Westy (better yet, don't ask.  You don't want to know).

Thanks in advance,

Randy, Carla & Anna Huyck, Olympia, WA
'75 Rustfalia
'85 Vanagon GL
'90 Fox GL