Turbo Steve
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- Jan 11, 2000
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(Due to frequent e-mail demand from new members, here it is again.)
Since prevention is much better than redemption, it makes sense to replace the weak Relay 109 ECM Circuit Fuse before it gets too hot and leaves you stranded. The upgraded version of the new Relay 109 circuit has heavier contacts which can withstand the heat better.
This relay switch (whatever name you want to call it) basically sends power to every sensor in the car as well as through the ECU. Failing ECM Load Reduction Power Relays have been known to damage ECU's when they go bad, not to mention the safety factor involved when they decide to die while you are idling in traffic or traveling on the highway!
Here's what I suggest you do:
Contact VW Parts.com (AKA Impex World Distributors) at VW Parts.com / (800) 736-3550 and order VW Part #1J0906381A for $15.85 plus $4.42 shipping. (Note - This part that retails for $19.58 fits most A-4 late-model TDI's.)
I also recommend ordering two of these critical parts in order to keep a second newly-designed circuit as a spare.
Installation is literally a snap. After removing the driver's side under-dash panel (two T-15 Torx screws), simply use a flashlight to look-up where the fuses are and remove the largest fuse - Relay 377 - and carefully set it aside.
Directly above the empty slot (where Relay 377 used to be) is Relay 109, which can now easily be removed and replaced. Everything can now be put back together in reverse order.
Note - The newly-designed Relay 109 is gray in color and slightly smaller than the older black model, which tends to fail under hot temperatures.
Here are a couple of diagrams (courtesy of MIGOLFGLSTDI) relating to replacing this Relay 109 ECM Power Fuse:
See also my old thread on this same subject.
[ August 18, 2001: Message edited by: Turbo Steve ]
Since prevention is much better than redemption, it makes sense to replace the weak Relay 109 ECM Circuit Fuse before it gets too hot and leaves you stranded. The upgraded version of the new Relay 109 circuit has heavier contacts which can withstand the heat better.
This relay switch (whatever name you want to call it) basically sends power to every sensor in the car as well as through the ECU. Failing ECM Load Reduction Power Relays have been known to damage ECU's when they go bad, not to mention the safety factor involved when they decide to die while you are idling in traffic or traveling on the highway!
Here's what I suggest you do:
Contact VW Parts.com (AKA Impex World Distributors) at VW Parts.com / (800) 736-3550 and order VW Part #1J0906381A for $15.85 plus $4.42 shipping. (Note - This part that retails for $19.58 fits most A-4 late-model TDI's.)
I also recommend ordering two of these critical parts in order to keep a second newly-designed circuit as a spare.
Installation is literally a snap. After removing the driver's side under-dash panel (two T-15 Torx screws), simply use a flashlight to look-up where the fuses are and remove the largest fuse - Relay 377 - and carefully set it aside.
Directly above the empty slot (where Relay 377 used to be) is Relay 109, which can now easily be removed and replaced. Everything can now be put back together in reverse order.
Note - The newly-designed Relay 109 is gray in color and slightly smaller than the older black model, which tends to fail under hot temperatures.
Here are a couple of diagrams (courtesy of MIGOLFGLSTDI) relating to replacing this Relay 109 ECM Power Fuse:
See also my old thread on this same subject.
[ August 18, 2001: Message edited by: Turbo Steve ]