The same Ignition switch load reduction relay problem (with new ignition switch)

[MXHOWES at aol.com]

This is a late model year '98 A4 AHA
 
Last week I posted about this problem......... slowly losing all the  power 
to my headlights, turn signals, wipers, horn and climate control blower.  
These items are operated by the load reduction relay which is energized by 
the  ignition switch. 

The relay checked out OK on a bench test and probing the connections on  
the relay's panel I found that there was no power from the ignition switch  
(in the 'on' position) on terminal 8/86. Ignition switches seem to be a  weak 
point in the Audi's so I went ahead and put in a new one and presto.......  
no change, I still have the same problem.
 
So back to square one..... I plan on exposing & probing the back  of the 
ignition switch to see if I do indeed have power coming out of the switch  on 
terminal 75 which should go to the load reduction relay. If not, why?, I  
did install a new ignition switch. If yes, then there must be a wiring  
problem.
 
If you have any information which may help me track down this problem  
please post it.
 
I am also wondering if the alternator could have something to do with this. 
 Just before I started to have these problems, my alternator light came on  
after start up. If you rev it up a little the light goes out, and the  
system is at 14+ volts like it should be once the light goes out. One of the  
wires from the ignition switch does go to the alternator, could this possibly  
have something to do with it?
 
Jim
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