This is a humbling question because I have to confess why I do not
know where in the front fuse box this relay belongs.  I was pulling
out fuses and relays to to check the contacts and make sure they are
connected securely.  I had just started with the left side of the
relays when I was distracted. By the time I looked back a couple
minutes later I was stumped, because there were three possible
locations open for the single relay.  The relays in my 86 vanagon are
arranged in two rows with 6 locations in each row (one location has no
connectors).  The top left (position 1) and 2nd one from the left
(position 2) and the first from the left in the 2nd row (position 7)
are open.  This relay fits in any of the slots.  While it was out, I
checked out the headlights, tail lights signals and brakes.  The car
started and ran fine.  I am stumped   This was the first and only
relay I had removed, and I stuck it in the 2nd row (position 7).
Information on the relay follows:
12 V, 40 A Hella
4RA  909872-01

I am hoping it isnt something like a relay for the fan, which would
melt my engine on my next ride.
Jeff Hartman - Juneau, AK
1986 Vanagon 2.1 2wd manual