3.2 DME relay replacement and what is that other box??
 

Having read so much about DME relay problems I thought it would be a good idea to buy a spare and learn the installation process for my '89 3.2 Turbo body.
Do I really need to remove the seat to get at the relay - OK in the garage but at the side of the road in the dark which is inevitably where the relay will fail!!
While I was peering in under the seat I discovered another box which I wasn't expecting - it's about 4" x 4" x 2", metal, mounted on foam rubber strips and looks professionally wired. Anyone got any ideas what it might be?

Richard you will find the search button is your friend.
Does that metal box look like the one in this pic? If so it is the DME. As to replacing the DME relay, you do not need to remove the seat. The relay is held down by either a screw or small bolt and can be reached just by sliding the seat all the way back.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1088685016.jpg

Wow! That is the nicest seat mount I have ever seen!!!:eek: ;)

But seriously....which one is the relay? Is it the little black box with white letters on it? (remember: there is no such thing as a stupid question....even from me)

Those seat rails are a death trap. Whomever designed such obviously defective rails should be sued. Anyone know a good attorney? And yes the relay is the little black box with the nice white lettering.

i take it that in an emergency you could just unplug the relay and plug the new one in without unbolting/screwing?

Rich,
I would assume that is correct.

Thanks Kurt ....... but just because I'm Irish .......! I have another box under the seat, just behind the DME box. Possibly part of a factory fitted alarm system? My seats don't go back or forward enough to get at the relay but Dickster is right, you could probably feel your way to remove the relay connection and temporarily connect the new one.

You may be correct about the alarm system. If it is factory you should have a key switch for it located above the striker plate on the driver's side door.

If you have a rhd car like mine the dme and relay is under the passenger seat,i also have another black box under the drivers seat which is a factory fit amplifier for the stereo.
The dme relay was faulty in my car you can take it apart and resolder the bad joins on the relay pcb and save yourself a few quid.