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Random wires in the engine bay

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Does anybidy know what this relay does or if it is supposed to be there? It has 4 wires coming off of it, i have figured out battery and earth. 1 goes into the car by the looks of things and the other goes behind the engine.
There was an cheap aftermarket alarm on the car when I got it that didn't work, so was wondering if this is something to do with that. Would really like to get rid of it

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That's not a standard set up, does the relay say FORD on the top?

Follow the wires and see where they go? The red wire going to the relay may be one that should go to the coil, is there a none standard wire going to the coil… I'm not very good at electrics so check before doing anything, rubjonny or Briano1234 will properly know.   

By the way your strut top mounts are shot, that's a big gap between the metal top and rubber so might be worth changing them sooner than later, Febi are the ones to go for as I've just tried some Meyle ones and they lasted all of 12 months before they looked like yours!

1988 Mk1 Golf GTi Cabriolet 1.8cc DX, K-jet. Daily drive. 317,000 miles and counting
1978 Mk1 Scirocco GLS 1.6cc FR, Webber carb. Weekend toy.

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Yes it does say ford on it. The red wire looks like it goes into the car. There is a wire going to the coil but only to 1 of the mounting screws so thought earth. The relay doesn't look like it should be there as it has a cable tie holding it in place.

The top mounts are brand new the car is on coilovers. They have sat like that since I fitted them.
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is it an automatic? if s oits probably a starter boost relay, increased cranking voltage. was a dealer mod back in the day, but this one was not done by a dealer ;)

Hello my name is John and I'm a dub addict.



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Yea it's a 1.8 auto. Does it have to stay in then or can I rip it out as it looks awful?

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chase the wires to source and remove, make sure you have a thick red/black to the starter. if you find it sometimes wont crank over when hot you can either refit a new relay properly, or see if an overhaul of the ignition wiring and/or switch replacement solves the issue :)

you could bag a VW relay holder and clip it above the fusebox, run fresh wire from it direct to the starter thru one of the spare holes in the bulkhead for example

Hello my name is John and I'm a dub addict.



My wiring diagrams and other documents have moved here:

VAG Documents & Downloads

You'll need to sign into google/gmail for the link to work! (its free!)

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So glad rubjonny replyed, I knew he would have the answer, where would we be with out him....probably up in smoke... :lol:

1988 Mk1 Golf GTi Cabriolet 1.8cc DX, K-jet. Daily drive. 317,000 miles and counting
1978 Mk1 Scirocco GLS 1.6cc FR, Webber carb. Weekend toy.
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