Fuses
1 The fuse board is located above the glovebox on the left-hand side of the facia.

2 Blade type fuses are used and symbols by the fuses denote the circuit protected.

3 On GTI models an in-line fuse for the fuel pump is located near the rear of the fuse board. The fuse board also incorporates a connector which can be adjusted to supply the radio with negative or positive current according to the polarity of the radio fitted. On later models, additional fuses are located behind the left-hand side of the radiator, on the left-hand side of the bulkhead, and near the horn on 1.9 GTI models.

4 To remove a fuse, first switch off the ignition then open the glovebox. Depress the spring clip and lower the fuse board. Pull the fuse out of its terminals; the wire within the fuse should be visible; if the fuse is blown the wire will be broken or melted (see illustration).

3.4 Removing a fuse

5 Always renew a fuse with one of an identical rating; never use a fuse with a different rating from the original or substitute anything else. Never renew a fuse more than once without tracing the source of the trouble.

The fuse rating is stamped on top of the fuse; note that fuses are also colour-coded for easy recognition.

6 Persistent blowing of a particular fuse indicates a fault in the circuit(s) protected.

Where more than one circuit is involved, switch on one item at a time until the fuse blows, so showing in which circuit the fault lies.

7 Besides a fault in the electrical component concerned, a blown fuse can also be caused by a short-circuit in the wiring to the component. Look for trapped or frayed wires allowing a live wire to touch vehicle metal, and for loose or damaged connectors.

8 The fuse board is retained at the rear by two plastic ball and socket joints which can be snapped apart to remove the assembly.

Relays
9 A relay is an electrically-operated switch, which is used for the following reasons: a) A relay can switch a heavy current remotely from the circuit in which the current is flowing, allowing the use of lighter gauge wiring and switch contacts.

b) A relay can receive more than one control input, unlike a mechanical switch.

c) A relay can have a timer function - for example an intermittent wiper delay.

10 If a circuit which includes a relay develops a fault, remember that the relay itself could be faulty. Testing is by substitution of a known good relay. Do not assume that relays which look similar are necessarily identical for purposes of substitution.

11 Relays are incorporated in most circuits and are mounted on the fuse board or within the engine compartment.

12 Make sure that the ignition is switched off, then pull the relay from its socket. Push the new relay firmly in to refit. Refer to the wiring diagram key for a list of relays.