Nuff

A few months ago, I had a classic DME Relay moment: Drove car, quick stop, car wouldn't start, sit for 5 minutes, starts right up. Didn't think anything of it until it happened again a couple weeks later.

Ordered a DME Relay but never replaced it. Didn't have any problems starting. I was going to replace it and use the old one as a spare, but never got around to it.

Last night, the DME Relay gave out while I was driving on the freeway (one of only 3 here - H1 as opposed to H2 and H3). Gas pedal just stopped working. Luckily, I was able to coast off the freeway and park on the side of the road. I hadn't heard of a DME Relay giving out while driving, but I swapped it out and was back on the road in 3 minutes.

Guess I need to buy another spare.

Reddy Kilowatt

I've mentioned before... the guy that did my PPI says there's no need for a spare as long as you're using the DME with the 993 part number. He claims the 964 numbered part is the one that's dodgy (but only in the 993... it worked fine in the 964.) YMMV.

Arena993

I have heard that as well, and I have the DME with the 993 # in my car. I still carry a spare though. It is such cheap insurance.

Mike

Ryan C

I recently went to save a friend with the same issue. I replaced his bad 993# DME relay. So i guess you never know.

Elvis

I saw another Rennlister post a couple of years ago that "if your relay fails-just take it out, give it a whack on something, stick it back in"
Sounds like typical relay repair to me!!
Keep one in your glovebox-Those things are cheap compared to a tow bill!!

Nuff

My original relay had a 944 part number.

For $30, it is cheap insurance. I've heard that the 993 part number is better. I've also heard that some of them have failed, too.

Edward

BTDT. Except I was at an intersection and clutching out. Thought for sure it was me who stalled. Then car started, and within 30' sputtered dead (fortunately able to get out of the intersection). Scratching my head and going through the troubleshooting process in my head, I tried the relay first. Bam, fired up immediately and never an issue since. Got another spare for the trunk just in case. That was maybe 5 years ago, and so far so good. Everyone should carry a spare IMHO.

Edward

Andreas.

reading this thread wants me to buy a DME spare!
you mean the S/N: 993 xxxxxxx ?
tkx.

murfysflaw

It's on my list too and I just keep forgetting to do it.

On my '84, it was under the driver's seat... where is it located on the 993?

95C4VanIsle

It's in the trunk with all the other fuses.

Slow Guy

VERY slooow response from RL when I try to respond to this thread/question......again.

The relay/fuse box is in the front trunk, up near the windshield by the passenger side. Has an odd shaped cover with 2 quick release latches. On mine (a '97) the DME is the tall relay closest to the outside/front of the car (again pass side). You'll have to unsnap the upper corner of the carpet to get to the box.

murfysflaw

Yep... know exactly where that box is. I had to replace my wiper relay when I first bought the car and it's in there too. Thanks!

Black993

I got hit with it at home(thankfully) after washing the car. Couldn't get it back in the garage. Of course I was stubborn and didn't have a spare. Paid double what I should have since I had it shipped over night.

Don't learn the hard way!!!

Slow Guy

You do know there is a 3-way jumper wire that you can make that will get you running in the event the relay toasts itself? The instructions may be on the pcar site but if you have any electronics knowledge you can look at the schematic on the side of the relay and figure it out. Just DON'T leave the jumper in with the car turned off.

Nuff

I was lucky. My car was showing DME relay symptoms but then settled down. I finally ordered another one from Sunset and within a couple of weeks, the DME relay failed. Needless to say, I bought ANOTHER spare. Even thought I've heard that the 993 part number is more reliable, it's still cheap insurance for $30.