1981 Volkswagen Rabbit Relays

KENNETH KOPPI

MEMBER
1981 VOLKSWAGEN RABBIT
4 CYL
FWD
MANUAL
79,000 MILES

Is there a practical way for me to check out the relays in my 1981 Rabbit? It is a convertible and I am having electrical problems from moisture under the dash and getting the fuse block wet. Currently my fuel pump won't come on without me jumping across 2 of the fuel relay terminals.
If I take one or more relays to vw, can they check them for me. Replacement for some of these are $85.

Also, I ran bad fuel that had sludge from the tank get into the fuel pump. The pump locked up mechanically. I put some environment friendly engine degreaser in it and let it sit. It runs now but with a rattle. Did I ruin it? Thanks. Ken

1 Reply

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,815 POSTS

Hi Ken,

Relays can be tested bt you must know its type to get the correct results and also the number or terminals.

Common relays comes with 4 terminals and are not expensive. 2 terminals are for the coils and the other 2 gets contunity when the coil is activated.

Test the terminals with an ohm meter for coil resistance and if you have resistance, apply battery current across them to see if there is any clicks.

If it clicks, the coil is ok, check for contuinity across the other 2 terminals either with an ohm meter or a bulb circuit.

When water gets into the relay, it usually fouls up the contact points. If it can be opened, cleaning the contact points might work.

If the fuel pump is running with a loud noise, either it has not been properly mounted resulting in contact with body or the motor is bad.