[Vwdiesel] Starting problems

[Roger Brown]

David Cook wrote:
> I agree that in a way, the relay is kind of a
> band-aid.
> 
> However, I have less of a problem using this band-aid
> on the starter.  For one, like was said, the starter
> does take a lot of current to work.  Not having all
> this current run through the ignition switch can't be
> a bad thing.  I know that in the late 80s, early-mid
> 90s VWs, the ignition switches seem to be a little bit
> fragile.  And, they are a bit of a pain in the butt to
> change out (esp if you've got an airbag) so anything
> to not kill it is a good thing.
> 
> I also have put relays into the circuits for my
> headlights on one car so get all the current directly
> to the (upgraded) bulbs.  Pulling that much current
> through the headlight switch would quickly kill it.
> 
> I guess in reality, I see it as less of a band-aid and
> more as an improvement on a slightly sketchy design.  

Agreed, same thing with headlights.  Adding a relay harness to take the high current switching load off the headlight switch is 
a good thing as well.  Anything you can do to make the factory parts last longer and work better will save money and trouble in 
the long run:
	http://www.4crawler.com/Diesel/CheapTricks/Headlights.shtml#WiringHarness

I would imagine 20+ years is at or beyond the design lifetime of these vehicles and now with many parts falling into the "NLA" 
category, anything that can be done to extend the life of those parts is a win.

-- 
    Roger