dme relay replacement

remroc · 05-13-2009, 08:32 AM

I replaced the dme relay on my '87 yesterday. The old one comes out easy but I could not replace it without unbolting the seat. Is there some trick to holding the plug (which moves away) so you can plug the new dme relay in? There isn't much room under those power seats. Unbolting the seat by the side of the road would be a real pain. Thanks.

Hendog · Hendog's Garage

The plug is not fastened down to anything; it just happens to be a little stiff due to the wiring and plastic/rubber enveloppe. Move your seat as far forward as it will go, reach in from behind the seat and pull the plug off the relay. Now push the seat back and raise the power seat as high as it will go (if you have power seats) and then remove the nut that holds down the relay. Remove relay, install new one; push seat forward and, again from behind, push the plug onto the relay. Does this make sense? Hope it helps.

remroc · 05-13-2009, 01:10 PM

good idea-thanks.

kidrock · 05-13-2009, 02:19 PM

IIRC, Mr. Bentley says one should remove the seat to access/replace the DME relay. I've never done this. I just move the seat BACK as far as it will go. This always allows me just enough access to replace it.

nesslar · 05-13-2009, 02:33 PM

"...seat BACK as far as it will go. This always allows me just enough access to replace it." Me, too! NO problem.

dshepp806 · dshepp806's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by kidrock

IIRC, Mr. Bentley says one should remove the seat to access/replace the DME relay. I've never done this. I just move the seat BACK as far as it will go. This always allows me just enough access to replace it.

Same here, on an '89.

Doyle

aj88cab · aj88cab's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hendog

The plug is not fastened down to anything; it just happens to be a little stiff due to the wiring and plastic/rubber enveloppe. Move your seat as far forward as it will go, reach in from behind the seat and pull the plug off the relay. Now push the seat back and raise the power seat as high as it will go (if you have power seats) and then remove the nut that holds down the relay. Remove relay, install new one; push seat forward and, again from behind, push the plug onto the relay. Does this make sense? Hope it helps.

This is the "Car Stops at Busy Intersection - Emergency 45 second DME Relay Replacement Method"...you remove the plug, attach the new relay to the loose plug from behind the seat and drive away before the light changes again. You bolt it down when you get home...ask me how I know...