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Volkswagen Thing Headlight Relays

Volkswagen Thing Headlight relays

Starting at $59.95, AutoBuffy stocks 1 headlight relays from Standard Ignition to fit the Volkswagen Thing. The headlight relay is an electrical switch that routes high-current power directly to your headlights, protecting the switch and wiring from overload. When it fails, headlights may go dark entirely or behave erratically — a real safety hazard on the road.

Signs your Volkswagen Thing needs a new headlight relay

  • Headlights that are completely dead despite bulbs, fuses, and wiring checking out fine
  • Headlights that flicker or cut out intermittently, especially after the vehicle warms up
  • Only one beam mode works — for example, low beams function but high beams do not, or vice versa
  • Headlights stay on after the ignition is switched off, or fail to turn on at all when commanded
  • A faint clicking or chattering noise from the fuse/relay box when the headlight switch is toggled
  • Burn marks, a melted plastic smell, or visible corrosion on the relay body or its socket

Which headlight relay should you buy for your Volkswagen Thing?

Headlight relays are selected primarily by amperage rating, relay type (standard vs. sealed), and whether you need low-beam only, high-beam only, or a combined unit. Match the replacement to the original relay's pin layout and current rating to ensure safe, reliable operation. OE-exact fitment relays are the safest choice; universal relays work in a pinch but may require terminal modification.

OE-Exact Replacement
Best for
Drivers who want drop-in fit and factory reliability
What you get
Correct amperage, pin count, and footprint matched to the original — no modifications needed
High-Amperage Upgraded Relay
Best for
Vehicles with aftermarket HID or LED headlight conversions drawing more current
What you get
Heavier-duty contacts rated for higher continuous loads, reducing heat and extending relay life
Sealed / Weatherproof Relay
Best for
Vehicles in wet climates or with an exposed fuse box location
What you get
Fully sealed housing that resists moisture, salt, and corrosion for longer service life
Universal 4- or 5-Pin Relay
Best for
Budget repairs or bench-test situations where exact OE part is unavailable
What you get
Generic design that fits many applications but may need adapter terminals or wiring modification

Headlight relays brands we stock for your Volkswagen Thing

Standard Ignition
1 option · from $59.95

Replacing a headlight relay on a Volkswagen Thing

Easy⏱ 15–30 minutesRelay puller or needle-nose pliersFlashlight or work lightMultimeter (for diagnosis)Owner's manual or fuse box diagramElectrical contact cleaner

Locate the fuse and relay box using the Volkswagen Thing owner's manual or the diagram printed inside the fuse box cover, identify the headlight relay by position, and pull it straight out using a relay puller or needle-nose pliers. Before installing the new relay, spray the socket with electrical contact cleaner to remove any corrosion that could cause intermittent contact. Press the replacement relay firmly into the socket until it seats fully, then test both beam modes before closing the hood.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to replace headlight relays on a Volkswagen Thing?
Parts start at $59.95 for a headlight relay for the Volkswagen Thing. DIY replacement is straightforward — the relay simply unplugs from the fuse box — so most owners pay only for the part itself. Shop labor, if needed, is typically minimal since the job takes under 30 minutes in most cases.
Can a bad headlight relay cause only one headlight to stop working on a Volkswagen Thing?
Yes. Many Volkswagen Thing applications use separate relays for low beams and high beams, or even individual relays per side. A failed relay on one circuit will kill only the headlights it controls, which can mimic a burned-out bulb. Always test or swap the relay before replacing bulbs.
How do I test a headlight relay on my Volkswagen Thing without special tools?
The fastest test is a swap test: pull the suspect relay from the fuse box and replace it with an identical relay from another circuit in the same box. If the headlights come back to life, the original relay is faulty. A multimeter set to continuity mode can also confirm whether the relay coil and contacts are functioning correctly.
Will a blown fuse cause the same symptoms as a bad headlight relay on a Volkswagen Thing?
It can, which is why you should check the headlight fuse first — it's a faster and free diagnosis step. A blown fuse will cut power to the entire circuit just like a dead relay. If the fuse is intact and headlights still don't work, the relay, switch, or wiring becomes the next suspect.
How long does a headlight relay last on a Volkswagen Thing?
Headlight relays are rated for tens of thousands of switching cycles and typically last the life of the vehicle under normal conditions. Premature failure is usually caused by voltage spikes, moisture intrusion into the fuse box, corroded relay sockets, or running loads above the relay's rated amperage over an extended period.
Is it safe to drive my Volkswagen Thing with a failing headlight relay?
No. A failing headlight relay means your headlights may cut out without warning at night or in low-visibility conditions, creating a serious safety risk for you and other drivers. Replace the relay as soon as symptoms appear. It is one of the quickest and least expensive electrical fixes on the Volkswagen Thing.

Shop headlight relays by year for the Volkswagen Thing

19741973

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