What's "Central Electric"? - General - VWDiesel.net The IDI, TDI, and mTDI source.

• What's "Central Electric"? by duffer on 21 Jun, 2006 18:52
• On a 1990 Jetta 1.6TD, just to the left of the steering column.
  it's marked "Central Electric" with an on/off toggle switch.
  
  Can anyone explain what this is for. please?
  
  Thanks
• #1 by Kudagra on 21 Jun, 2006 20:06
• I think its a crappy company that makes crappy electric hand tools that are sold at HarborFreight Tools.
  
  If you dont know who that is look it up on Google...loads of cheap China stuff.
  
  on a VW I really have no idea.
• #2 by duffer on 21 Jun, 2006 20:28
• Hmmmm.....
  
  (Thinks)  :?
  
  Nope. Doesn't really help.
  
     But thanks anyway
• #3 by Darkness_is_spreading on 22 Jun, 2006 02:48
• Need more info on where the switch is and what it is directly connected too....    
  
  Also, Central Electric is not just a "crappy power tool company" they are a switch board and high power interface and control company.  
  
  http://www.poweraisle.com/
• #4 by bhtooefr on 22 Jun, 2006 03:15
• Central Electric (in your case, Central Electric 2) is also what VW calls the wiring on their cars, especially Mk1s, Mk2s, and Mk3s (Mk1s and early Mk2s have CE1, late Mk2s and Mk3s have CE2).
  
  But I've never heard of a toggle switch. I would imagine that toggling it could shut down the entire electrical system (at the battery and alternator?), by chance?
• #5 by duffer on 22 Jun, 2006 07:59
• Thank you for your responses.
  I'll have to go check what the switch
  is connected to.
  
  Meanwhile, thanks again.
• #6 by LeeG on 22 Jun, 2006 21:57
• I dont know if all model of VW have this or not, but my Canadian market '91 jetta does:  The black plastic part below the actual dashboard, just by the drivers door is embossed with the words 'central electric'.  below that is the plastic shelf/change tray thingy that snaps off to reveal the fuse panel etc.  
  
  As to what your toggle switch does  :?:  Does it look factory?  
  
  Maybe the P.O. built up the fuel and boost and the switch activates solenoid valves to cut the boost loose like Malone describes somewhere on here   :twisted:
  
  Course its more likely to be some botched wiring fix to bypass the radiator fan thermal switch r something like that.
• #7 by BlackTieTD on 23 Jun, 2006 05:32
• my '90 jetta says central electric by the fuse panel too, but no switch. 99% sure that will be a switch that a PO added... tracing wires is fun
• #8 by duffer on 23 Jun, 2006 12:34
• Yes.
  
  Tracing wires can be "fun" (if you're a masochist).
  
  Unfortunately, I haven't had the opportunity,yet, for
  such a rollicking good time :roll: .
  
  The switch doesn't look original and I think Lee is
  right. It's probably something to do with the cooling fan.
  
  The wiring looks decidedly "iffy".
  
  Thanks for all the input.