Re: Electrical Gremlins?

[Robert Houk - SMCC Bos Desktop Hardware <rdh@UrQ.East.Sun.COM>]

    Some help is needed.  The 200 STEADItqw 20v had developed an 
   intermitant idle problem.  When coasting up to a light the car would 
   occasionally die.   It would start by gently popping the clutch or 
   restart with the key.  Assumed time for a cleaning of the ISV.  While 
   under the hood, I took a look at the fuses.  The #2 relay looks fried.
     It appears to be one of the fan relays.  The fan _seems_ to be 
   working.  It runs with a/c and runs if car is standing for a while. 
   Also runs a few minutes after car is shut off.

Real test -- does it run "slow" with the ignition off, and speed up
when you turn the ignition on (run engine till fan switches on, turn
off engine, fan should slow down, switch ign back on, fan should
speed up).

Remember, Audi never uses one component (relay, etc.) when there is
the possibility of using three different ones . . . (I know of at
least two separate relays which directly switch my rad fan motor --
down from three as wired by Audi!!! -- with at least two other relays
involved in switching those relays!)

    Only electrical changes are upgrade to headlights with individual 
   relays and recent addition of new radio and cd changer.  Radio now 
   hot wired to ignition key.  No indication of any connection to relay. 
    BTW, #3 relay has same number, "214" but is turned 90 degrees.  Any 
   ideas?  Should I just replace relay (seems silly without knowing 
   cause)

Most folks use fuses to protect wiring, relays, motors, etc; Audi uses
relays, wiring, fuse-boxes, etc. to protect their fuses. Replace the
relay. (In fact, I'm coming to the conclusion that relays, like clutches
and brakes, are "consumables" that need periodic "renewal"; a concept
somewhat new to me...but I guess "they" know best, nicht wahr?)

            I'm going on a trip in 2 weeks and the spousal unit would not 
   appreciate getting stranded after all the things I had to tell her to 
   get the car in the first place.  Many TIA.

Well, hey, if she can't take a joke . . .

					-RDH