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| 1991 VW Transporter |
Today I was assigned an electrical fault (lighting) task on a 1991 VW Transporter/Camper Van. The vehicle has been at the garage for about 3 weeks, as the fault has proved very elusive to all who have attempted, and priority work loading has since prevented further progress. This was my second attempt, as the first involved checking all the fuses and relays and the replacement of the left hand "Main Beam/Dip" column stalk, which was originally thought to be the cause of the fault. There was originally evidence of a broken contact on the original component, however upon its re-assembly the fault of "no main beam/dip" remained.
Due to the level of work being undertaken inside, I was required to undertake the task outside in the bright and warm sunshine (ah well)! This also brought to the front of my mind the probable pining for the vehicle by the customer for the imminent Summer months, which spurred me on to solve the issue this time around!
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| Column Shroud Removed |
Having first removed the steering column shroud, I then proceeded to remove the horn switch to expose the steering wheel securing nut. With the nut removed I was able to remove the steering wheel and expose the first of the 2 column stalks. This was the component that was replaced last time around, and as far as any previous disassembly had gone. Andy had instructed me to remove both stalks this time, and be particulalry vigilant in observing any broken or corroded wires and contacts in the process.
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| 2nd Stalk exposed |
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| Steering Wheel Removed |
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| Contact at 6 Oclock originally damaged |
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| Electrical Connector Examined & Removed |
It was at this stage I noticed that a connector on the 2nd stalk was only partially connected, which I duly noted on my Job Card for bringing to the attention of Andy at de-brief. With all connections fully removed I was then able to remove the 2nd stalk, leaving the steering column stripped as far as the job required.
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| Partially engaged connector |
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| 2nd Stalk Removed |
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| Stripped Column |
I then reported my findings to Andy who instructed me to re-assemble the components without attaching the steering wheel, ensuring all connectors were fully engaged, and then call him again to undertake another test of functions.
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| Happy Friday! Which way to Zone 2 please! |
With all carefully completed Jim came out and observed a test of functions - which I am pleased to report was an outstanding success!! With fault recorded as loose connector, it was then just a case of re-attaching the steering wheel with a high torque setting (ensuring that the road wheels were as straight as possible), and then reconnecting, inserting and testing the horn switch (which I did several times with a big smile)! I was then requested to bring the vehicle to the front of the Workshop in order for it to undergo an MOT re-test and a subsequent front wheel allignment. This was unfortunately the time that I was required to depart for my evening location, however it was a very satisfying and busy day which I enjoyed thoroughly!
What an interesting job, it is very difficult to replicate this kind of fault at college so a real good experience for you.
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