Date:         Mon, 29 Nov 2004 20:50:49 -0500
Reply-To:     Eric Zeno <vw4x4@FYI.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Eric Zeno <vw4x4@FYI.NET>
Subject:      Re: Which Switch Mystery
Comments: To: LOREN BUSCH <labusch@VERIZON.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <41AAB359.70202@verizon.net>
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII

In 1990 the Vw Jetta had an elctronic dash light dimmer.  This
made the head light switch change.  I would suspect that the Vanagon
has the same change.

            Eric                   86-VW4x4
            vw4x4@fyi.net          86-SS Syncro
            Pittsburgh, PA USA     1936-Chrysler
                                   92-Jetta GWC
            www.fyi.net/~vw4x4/vw4x4.htm

On Sun, 28 Nov 2004, LOREN BUSCH wrote:

> In replacing the headlight switch in my '90 Westfalia I've encountered a
> curiosity, maybe even a mystery for the list wizards.
> The VW part number for the headlight switch is 251 941 531 'X', the X
> being one of several letters.  ETKA says M for all but the late 90-91,
> then T. According to the info and pictures on vanagain.com there is an
> additional pin on the T version.  But when I called the local VW dealer,
> they said L.  The switch that came out of my van is a K!  And here is
> the best part of the mystery.  I tried a switch that has a B designation
> and it seems to work perfect, all light work!  And the B switch is
> missing several pins that are on the K that came out!  But even with the
> missing pins, it works perfect!
> I've taken pictures, and stolen a couple pictures from Ken at Vanagain,
> showing the socket and the various switches.  You can see them here if
> interested:   http://tinyurl.com/69qol
> If anyone can explain to me why the B model switch with the missing pins
> works in place of the K model it replaced I'd be very interested.
> BTW, it appears that the only available replacement for me, with all the
> pins, will be the M model which I will be ordering.  And then I'll get
> around to installing the relay kit that has been sitting under the back
> seat for a year and not fry another switch.
>