[DML] Re: Electrical problem

["David Teitelbaum" <jtrealty@xxxx>]

Things like that you can't help with the DML. A relay that might
appear to be sticking could really be still getting a little leakage
from an ignition switch that still has a small amount of current
leaking through holding the relay. I only say that if it happens very
irregularly not to tear the car apart. If the car is not driven
regularly the ignition switch could get "dirty". The ignition switch
and the relays work better when used regularly as there is a wiping
action of the contacts removing any surface oxidation. If you have
glitches irregularly then they tend to either go away or get worse the
more you use the car. As you point out the sticking relay wasn't bad,
it just appeared to be because of another problem. It is rare for the
accessory relay to fail but a simple test would be to just switch it
with another relay and see if the trouble moves before replacing the
ignition switch.
David Teitelbaum
vin 107576

--- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, Martin Gutkowski <webmaster@xxxx> wrote:
> Don't you think it'd be an idea to check the accessories relay
first? My 
> friend's car suffered from a sticking relay and he's traced it to 
> someone one putting a screw through the wiring loom under the centre 
> console.
> 
> I would consider replacing the ignition barrel as a last resort, once 
> everything else is ruled out, esp as they're hard to come by and
expensive.
> 
> Martin
>