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Re: Electrical Problems
> From quattro-owner@swiss.ans.net Tue Nov 8 18:12:29 1994
> Date: Tue, 8 Nov 1994 17:21:00 -0500
> From: rdh@genrad.com (Robert D. Houk)
>
> The "load reduction" relay is powered from the Igntion-but-not-start key
> switch circuit (i.e., on unless trying to start). This relay provides the
> power to half of the other zillion relays which in their turn power as-
> sorted unimportant accessories, like headlights, wipers, fans, A/C, and
> stuff (I guess the radio is considered important enough to bypass the
> whole thing and just always be on...matter of philosophy)...
Unlike the "dumped" items, the stock radio is not a potentially large
current drain, like the wipers or headlights are. Also, it's a lot
nicer when one turns-off the engine while waiting at lights the way
most Europeans do (and we would too if gas were $4/gallon here!).
That's why most, if not all, European car radios stay on even with the
ignition "off". Interestingly, my current Mercedes works the same way
as the new VWs, i.e. the radio works off of the ignition-key buzzer
circuit, so the radio stays on until the key is removed.
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John Greenstreet, Senior Engineer (jgreenst@motown.ge.com)
Martin Marietta Government Electronic Systems Moorestown NJ 08057
WPI Class of '75, Temple Class of '94
My new car history:
1975 1978 1982 1986 1989 1992 1995
VW -> Audi -> Audi -> Mercedes -> Mercedes -> Audi -> Mercedes
Scirocco Fox GTI 4000S 190E 2.3 190E 2.6 100CS S320
POSSLQ's* new car history:
1978 1981 1985 1988 1990 1993
Triumph -> Toyota -> Toyota -> VW -> Audi -> Audi
Spitfire Tercel Corolla Jetta GL 80 90S
*POSSLQ = Person of Opposite Sex Sharing Living Quarters
Note: All Audis and Mercedes above were sold to friends or family.
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