Date:         Mon, 20 Oct 2003 12:01:03 -0700
Reply-To:     mark drillock <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         mark drillock <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject:      Re: Infamous Big Green Resistor! Help!
Comments: To: Steven Dodson - Epoch Product Design <steven@EPOCHDESIGN.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

There are 2 different versions of the resistor assembly that could be in
your 87 Syncro, one for A/C and one for non-A/C. Both have an attached
wiring harness as part of the assembly. The A/C one id for 3 speeds, the
other is for 2 speeds. The 284 E number you got is for the 2 speeds
without A/C.

The Bentley main wiring diagrams are wrong for your vehicle. They show
the smaller capacity fan system only and these do not have any resistor
assembly. Syncros have the larger capacity fan also used on 86+ 2wd
models with A/C. The latest Bentley shows the proper wiring diagrams for
both type versions of resistor but not in the main diagrams.

page 97.141 for A/C equipped large fan models (3 speed fan wiring)
page 97.200 for non-A/C large fan models (2 speed fan wiring)


#251 971 284 H  3 speed A/C resistor
#251 971 284 E  2 speed A/C resistor

Mark



Steven Dodson - Epoch Product Design wrote:
>
> My problem is: Engine runs hot when idling and driving at slower speeds
> (especially climbing hills) because the low speed fan is not turning on. I
> had this problem early last year and resolved the issue by replacing the
> cooling fan switch. I find it hard to believe that the switch is bad
> already.
> Answering to an earlier plea, someone told me it was a resistor problem.
> Can anyone tell me where Bentley refers to this Big Green Resistor that
> resides behind the drivers-side headlight?
> I can't find a part number on mine and the VW dealer can't pin-point one
> either.
> The best guess the dealer has is part #251 971 284 E for $146.10 (but it
> refers to a wire harness, not a resistor).
> Is this right?
> Is this resistor connected to the 2-speed cooling fan switch? I don't see
> the resistor in the Bentley schematic.
> There is reference however, to a relay in the schematic. Do these relays go
> bad?
> Anyone with experience in this issue?
>
> Any help would be greatly appreciated!
>
> -Steven Dodson
> Kneeland, CA
> "Inga" the 87 Syncro