On this page:

•  VW Fuses - Dash
•  VW Fuses - Engine
•  Fuse Panel Connections

NOTE - For fuses and breakers on the coach portion of the Rialta, visit the "Electrical Load Center" page.

VW Fuses - Dash

Located underneath the dashboard on the driver's side you'll find the best laid-out fuse box in the automotive world: a total of 22 separate circuits all protected by fuses.  They are color coded to indicate the specified amperage and are identified on page 243 of the "Do-It-Yourself Service" section of the VW EuroVan Owner's Manual.  The original manual also refers to a cover on the fuse block but mine is missing and I believe that Winnebago removes them in order to add their own auxiliary fuse block that controls the rear window functions.  In case you've lost or misplaced your manual, here is a list of the various circuits:

Of course, not all of those circuits are utilized on the EuroVan chassis used by the Rialta, such as power roof, glove compartment light, etc.  In addition, the standard EuroVan has a "Lower Fuse Strip" with 15 additional circuits for functions in the rear cabin area.  Only a few of these are used on the Rialta, mainly #10 for the door locks.  This lower strip has a black plastic cover which slides off to expose the area.

There are some that are apparent duplicate circuits such as the A/C in #6 and #19, but actually serve different functions.  Somewhat unclear is the fact that supposedly circuits #9, #10, and #17 are vacant but in my fuse block there are fuses inserted in those slots.  It is not known if these are "spares" or if they are circuits added by Winnebago.  If they've been added, what function do they serve?

You will also note that there are circuits for the rear window wiper and washer (#4 and #5) but Winnebago installs an auxiliary fuse block off to the side of the original VW fuse block.  This auxiliary block has fuses for the rear window functions and others as follows:

1. 10A - Rear Wiper Motor
2. 15A - Rear Heater
3. 20A - Overhead A/C
4. 25A - Rear Window Defogger

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VW Fuse Box (Engine):

There is one main fuse located on the driver's side just above the battery.  It is a 50 amp fuse and controls the radiator fan.  The remaining EuroVan fuses such as those normally found under the driver's seat are non-existent on the Rialta.

Here are some photos showing the engine fuse block that is mounted just in above the battery hold down clamp.  These photos are in high resolution and provide good detail of the area.

This photo shows the battery area with the closed fuse box just in front of it.

This photo is a close up of the connections inside the fuse box.

NOTE - The following message posted to the Yahoo Group Rialta-Tech indicates the importance of checking the connection within this fuse box.

While preparing for a trip, I noted that the house batteries did not indicate a full charge when the engine was running.  I checked the voltage at the batteries, checked at 11 volts.  My first thought was that the isolation solenoid located in coach battery compartment had failed, but after checking voltage from the engine alternator it also was reading too low,  approximately 11 volts.  I must mention that the charge indicator in the instrument panel would go out when engine was running.  I checked voltage at the battery for the engine and as expected it also was too low,  approximately 11 volts.  With all my checks I felt sure that the alternator was not charging.  I drove to work and checked charging system on a modern tester and yes the alternator test results showed no output.  So looked like I was going to purchase a new alternator.

The trip I was preparing for was for my son and family with some friend attending the University of Kentucky and Louisville Cardinal yearly football game.  I called him with the bad news that they could not use the Rialta.  After taking a nap, I when back to the Rialta, removed the front grille and loosen the front panel so I could see the alternator.  I used a test light at the alternator output wire and the light should have indicated battery, but did not.  I located attached to the front of battery what is a plastic panel that contains wire connection and fuse metal strips.  All of the strips checked OK.  When you look at this plastic panel the connection on the right is a fuse strip with 175 amp.  The reason the alternator was not charging was caused by the lower bolt that holds the wire leading from the alternator was loose.  I tighten the bolt and the charging system problem was solved.  At that time, my voltage reading was 12.9 to 13 volts.  Also checked house batteries with engine running and they also indicated that the alternator was doing it job.  At this point I called my son to let him know they would be able to use the Rialta to attend the game.

I rechecked what I had found and noted that the bolt was loose again, after further checking what was happening was that the plastic that hold the bolt was melting because of the heat created by loose connection, it was apparent that this failure had been going on for a long period of time.  This plastic fuse panel has and extra circuit not being used so I disassemble panel and relocated the alternator circuit to that position.  What I need to do will be to purchase a new panel, but for now this solves a problem that has going on for a period of time.  I feel there has to other Rialta with the same problem, hopes this information will save someone from purchasing a new alternator and grief

Don Riley 2000QD
Mon, 05 Sep 2005

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Fuse Panel Connections

The following information covers electrical connections and plugs to the rear of the fuse/relay panel.  It completes and supplements the information in the appropriate Service or Repair Manual for the fuse/relay panel section and should be used in conjunction with the wiring diagram for the vehicle or system in question.  Volkswagen part numbers shown here may or may not match those on your panel, however, if you panel visually matches the diagram, it is correct for your application.

Fuse/Relay Panel - Rear Connections (Volkswagen Part Number 357 937 039)

Note: Terminal and harness assignments for individual connectors will vary depending on vehicle equipment level, model, and market.  Always consult appropriate wiring diagram for specific terminal assignments.

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