Fusebox

Has anyone replaced a fusebox on a mk1 1.8 gti before?  I`m picking a black one on friday all being well but it looks like there might be a problem with the fusebox as there are a couple of electrical gremlins.  The first one is that the fuel pump would not run until the fuse was removed and replaced (nothing wrong with fuse or connections).  The second is that the o/s sidelights dont seem to want to work.  Apart from this i have been told that the car is solid, paint good, interior good etc.  Is this going to be a huge job?

Hi Daniboy, I changed the fuse box on mine yesterday.  Mine's a 1988 convertible but the principles should be the same.  Important things are:

1. Make sure the replacement has the same part number as the original(obviously).
2. Disconnect the battery.
3. Check the relays and fuses are the same on the donor fuse box, or make notes so you can change them for the ones on the original fuse box.
4. Unhook the fuse box from its bracket and move it downwards gently.  Make sure no wires get caught in the bracket.
5. Have masking tape and biro handy.  Disconnect the big plugs from the back of the fuse box - push the lugs at the top to disengage the retaining clamps on them.  They are all polarised so they will only go into the correct socket when you refit them.  On individual wires, write the terminal number on masking tape and then stick the tape to the wire.  Mine had 6 or 7 wires onto blades at the back and you don't want them swapped.  The terminal number is moulded into the case but might be quite faint.
6. Reconnect all plugs.  I found it easiest to start with the individual wires.
7. Check all fuses and relays are correct.
8. Put the fuse box back in place, checking that no wires are trapped behind the retaining bracket hooks.

Good luck - Big