What typically goes out: DME or DME Relay (is there a diff)

Wickd89 · 11-06-2007, 10:15 AM

I am taking a road trip and ordered a DME relay (noted as the item that goes under the seat). It is a little 6 prong black box.

Is this the correct spare part to carry around?

Thanks,

the · 11-06-2007, 10:18 AM

That's the correct spare.

The DME "brain" can fail, too, usually when a soldered joint cracks. But that's relatively rare, and it isn't really economically feasible or necessary to carry around a spare DME brain.

vintage guy · 11-06-2007, 11:55 AM

My thoughts exactly.

York · 11-06-2007, 12:02 PM

You might want to install the new relay and keep the old one in your glove box as an emergency spare, that is what I did on my '86. The old one was working, but it had cracks in several solder joints.

Wickd89 · 11-06-2007, 06:32 PM

Thanks!

I was just a little surprised how small the unit was when I got it. I thought the unit had a different shape.

3.2 CAB · 11-07-2007, 06:14 AM

It pretty much looks like any other relay. I have seen some other dual function relays, and they all look pretty much the same as any standard relay. I guess this is so they can fit in relay panels along side of the others. That was a good idea to go ahead and put the new relay in, and get a new spare for the trip. Keep the old one in the tool chest for future use, testing, etc. Good luck on the trip!

Wickd89 · 11-07-2007, 06:34 PM

Planning a trip up the coast

Laguna Beach to Santa Monica to Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo to Carmel to Santa Cruz. Driving highway 1 along the coast and will take tons of pics. Will also be playing Spanish Bay so loving life right now, knock on wood!

slodave · slodave's Garage

Luis, next to the DME relay, is the DME (brain), usually a silver box. It can be prone to solder failure as well, but the relay usually fails first.

Dave

Wickd89 · 11-07-2007, 09:27 PM

Thanks Dave.
are you back from Europe??

slodave · slodave's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wickd89

Thanks Dave.
are you back from Europe??

You are welcome.

Yes I am and drinking a Bitburger

.

Dave

Early_S_Man · 11-08-2007, 09:23 AM

Luis,

You can resolder the printed circuit board illustrated in the pic below ... ideally, all of the finished joints should look like the one in the lower right corner with an 'Iron Cross' pattern reflection off the solder. When finished you should have a good spare.

rusnak · 11-08-2007, 03:02 PM

I love the central coast. You'll be driving right by our house in Morro Strand (Morro Bay). Lots of great places to see and places to eat/ stay.

When I go on a road trip I usually carry the usual tool kit, flares, tire pump, jumper cables, and extra tools such as a soft socket, 1/2" ratchet, socket to remove the fan belt nut, extra fan belt, allen key set, and a large adjustable pliers to remove the dust cap for the front wheels. I also carry an electrical crimper and extra wire and solderless connectors.

No, I do not travel lightly but when you're stuck on the side of the freeway you want speed in getting back away safely. And I've had occasion to use pretty much all of these tools during various emergencies.