blindeye

83 944 - 190,000 miles. Its getting hard to start sometimes. Turns over - no spark. A few minutes later it starts, however reluctantly. Mechanic suspects DME relay @ $45. Is there a DME and a DME relay? Have owned the car for 10 years and never replaced either the DME or the DME relay. But think I've replaced everything else except for paint and interior.

jpk

DME relay is also known as the fuel pump relay for the early cars (relay#2 in the main fuse block). The DME (Digital Motor Electronics) is the "brain" of the fuel injection/ignition system.
The contacts in the relay can get dirty/worn over time, so it's not a bad idea to replace it. $45 is reasonable from your mechanic, but if you look around online, you should be able to get it for $25 or so.

95Juan

yeah, the DME is the actual computer/brain/EMS deal, the relay is just something that they put in there to make you cry.

mine had an intermittent starting problem.

what i do whenever my car turns but wont start is go in the fusebox, yank the relay, blow it off, put the relay back and the car will start.

that's just me, though.

most people carry around a spare relay or two.

gratian

No start was a cold solder in DME for me...

quinnfiske

Try wiggling the connectors for the speed and reference sensors. Or better yet, pull them apart (carefully, with a tiny screwdriver to release the wire clip) and clean the contacts with contact cleaner from Radio Shack.

MM951

Having the same issues (broke down at the shop right now) I suspect DME or relay. Engine cut out like spark went out (tach bouncing, then die) after having a few starting issues recently.

Maybe its that time of the month for our early cars...

Smithmotorworks

Definately check the speed and reference sensor connections. Have someone wiggle it while you try to start it. Common problem.

blindeye

Relieved to hears that it may be $45 instead of $500. The other local Porsche shop has a new one in stock for $32. Thanks for the help.