DME Relay - carry the spare.

[SilberUrS6]

I have read that folks often carry a spare DME relay. From the description of the failure mode, that sounds prudent to me.

But after searching DME relay in this forum, I am getting the idea that the quality of the new ones might be suspect. I really don't want to have to need one, only to find out that the one that I have sitting in my glove box as a spare isn't going to work when I really, REALLY need it to work.

Jumping at shadows, or real concern?

[86 911 Targa]

Originally Posted by SilberUrS6

I have read that folks often carry a spare DME relay. From the description of the failure mode, that sounds prudent to me.

But after searching DME relay in this forum, I am getting the idea that the quality of the new ones might be suspect. I really don't want to have to need one, only to find out that the one that I have sitting in my glove box as a spare isn't going to work when I really, REALLY need it to work.

Jumping at shadows, or real concern?

If you are going to carry a spare DME, use the factory product, and not the ÜRO.

Several members have incured an "Out-of-the-box" failure with URO products.

Gerry

[boyt911sc]

Originally Posted by SilberUrS6

I have read that folks often carry a spare DME relay. From the description of the failure mode, that sounds prudent to me.

But after searching DME relay in this forum, I am getting the idea that the quality of the new ones might be suspect. I really don't want to have to need one, only to find out that the one that I have sitting in my glove box as a spare isn't going to work when I really, REALLY need it to work.

Jumping at shadows, or real concern?

The prudent practice is having a known good spare as back-up. Having a back-up DME relay that has not been tested or proven to run good would be risky.

Tony

[SilberUrS6]

Originally Posted by 86 911 Targa

If you are going to carry a spare DME, use the factory product, and not the URO.

Several members have incured an "Out-of-the-box" failure with URO products.

Gerry

Thanks, Gerry - I appreciate the advice.

This is a discussion I have with my wife, often. She sees a cheaper price on stuff and suggests that it's a bargain. My response is always that if the cheaper thing doesn't work as well, or has a much shorter lifespan, then have you really saved any money at all? Sometimes, buying the cheaper thing is more expensive than buying the higher-quality thing (usually more expensive).

Thanks for the advice, and now I'll look up (and buy) that spare relay.

[Joe Bob]

UROs suck....

[NY65912]

Go for the good one and ALWAYS have one in the glove box!

[Dave Colangelo]

I have CIS on my 911 but I have the EFI on both my 924S and 944, I ALWAYS carry a spare DME relay, along with fuses a a good tool bag.

Regards
Dave

[Rickysa]

I was stranded by a failure when I first bought the car...didn't have a clue what a DME was. Now I do, and believe me, I have a spare!

[Dave Colangelo]

Some thing many people including myself forget about spare parts is the tools required to change them. I know this is not specific to the DME relay but I figured I would bring it up. For example many people carry a spare fan belt, but this is mostly in vain if you dont have the 23mm socket and a fresh set of spacers. I know it seems obvious but I figured I would bring it up.


Regards
Dave

[Caferacer]

This is timely because just last week I decided to move the spare DME from my Pelican Project List into my Shopping Cart only to see that it is NLA. I prefer to source all of my parts and supplies from Pelican but, failing that, can anyone provide an alternate source? Or, if someone from Pelican can chime in with expected availability that would be awesome.

[Arne2]

Instead of a spare DME relay, I carry a custom 3-legged jumper wire that I built to bypass the relay completely. I figure that is far more reliable than even a tested spare relay, as if it's been sitting in the glovebox for who-knows-how-long it still may not work when you need it. The jumper wire is less elegant, but a bunch more reliable.

[SilberUrS6]

Originally Posted by Caferacer

This is timely because just last week I decided to move the spare DME from my Pelican Project List into my Shopping Cart only to see that it is NLA. I prefer to source all of my parts and supplies from Pelican but, failing that, can anyone provide an alternate source? Or, if someone from Pelican can chime in with expected availability that would be awesome.

Huh? I just bought one. Today. From Pelican.

[86 911 Targa]

Originally Posted by Caferacer

This is timely because just last week I decided to move the spare DME from my Pelican Project List into my Shopping Cart only to see that it is NLA. I prefer to source all of my parts and supplies from Pelican but, failing that, can anyone provide an alternate source? Or, if someone from Pelican can chime in with expected availability that would be awesome.

Hope this helps.

Good luck,

Gerry

Pelican Parts - Automotive Parts and Accessories - Porsche & BMW

[pegasus9]

Looks like they got rid of those craptastic Uro brands.

I'm OEM all the way.

[djcdmv]

Is the genuine Porsche one really worth $70 more than the Kaehler? I have the Kaehler in my cart now and was planning on ordering in the next few weeks.

[304065]

I used to carry a spare DME relay. The spare was the known good one out of the car. The replacement was the one I installed. That accomplished two things:

1) Put a known good DME relay in the glove box; and
2) Familiarized me with how to change the DME relay so the first time I did it at the side of the road with trucks roaring by at 80 mph in a rainstorm while kneeling on roadkill, it didn't take very long.

[86 911 Targa]

Originally Posted by djcdmv

Is the genuine Porsche one really worth $70 more than the Kaehler? I have the Kaehler in my cart now and was planning on ordering in the next few weeks.

The risk of being stuck in the middle of nowhere is well worth the $70.

The three leged jumper that Arne2 refers to is a very good idea,
which I assume can be made up from a defective relay shell.

I would rather drive with Arne2's idea, than other mfg with a spare.

Slasher, you are correct, no more ÜRO from P/P.

[Arne2]

I'll post pics of my jumper and connection instructions later tonight.

[dshepp806]

I change the damned thing out, every couple of years, moreso in preventative mode..I've plenty of spares! Nice Euro ones, at that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Also, keen on keeping a brand new one (albeit tested, for sure) ,..in the bonnet...

I've not tested the failure modes of these relays but have garnered much from the previously posted threads regarding DME failure(s).

I'm curious as to what users have found on the URO failures...coil? Contacts? what's the deal?

Best!

Doyle

[86 911 Targa]

Originally Posted by dshepp806

I change the damned thing out, every couple of years, moreso in preventative mode..I've plenty of spares! Nice Euro ones, at that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Also, keen on keeping a brand new one (albeit tested, for sure) ,..in the bonnet...

I've not tested the failure modes of these relays but have garnered much from the previously posted threads regarding DME failure(s).

I'm curious as to what users have found on the URO failures...coil? Contacts? what's the deal?

Best!

Doyle

Arced/corroded contacts.