might be having DME relay problems ('84 944)

Obin Robinson · 10-16-2001, 07:17 PM

hello,

is there a resistance test i can do to the DME relay to see if it's working correctly. i haven't seen much for being able to test an existing one rather than just replacing it.

has anyone compared a brand new DME relay to a used one to see if there was a measurable difference between the two?

thanks!

obin

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The first Porsches weren't made in Germany... and they were mostly VW parts.

adrian jaye · 10-17-2001, 03:14 AM

What makes you think that the DME is not working ?

Obin Robinson · 10-17-2001, 04:29 AM

stalling once in a great while. car won't restart. wait about 3 or 4 minutes and it will restart. in the meantime, the car is DEAD. ZERO electronics, it's like the battery is not installed. ust annoying enough to keep me from going on ong trips, and focusin on the interior until i get this gremlin out

obin

drew1 · 10-17-2001, 04:51 AM

If not even starter motor is turning problem is more likely the ign switch.

drew1

Obin Robinson · 10-17-2001, 04:54 AM

would the ignition switch kill the car when i was driving down the road? i had ignition switch problems in the 924 and the car didn't stall like the 944 is doing.

thanks!

obin

adrian jaye · 10-17-2001, 05:29 AM

hmmm, wouldnt have thought the DME relay would cause that.
certainly sound like something electrical.

you could try tapping or wiggling the DME when you got a fault

or instaed of messing about jst change it, there relativly cheap, this way if it doesnt re-ocuur you know you've cured it.

but agree with the uncertainty bit.

had a similar problem on a capri.

changed everything (fuel injection side) then founf out it was a joint into the ignition feed that the previous owner had on the alarm which was causing it.

Was always to scared to drive her, when I fixed it what a relief (AND 2 years later!!)

Obin Robinson · 10-17-2001, 05:34 AM

i think i'll just replace it. i didn't see the parts in the Pelican Parts online catalog. i think it's the relay because if the car sits in one spot... it will restart after a few minutes or so even if i just wai patiently.

anyone have the part # handy? i'm at work right now but i think i'll order it.

also, i will do some comparisons with the new and old one before i install it.

thanks!

obin

adrian jaye · 10-17-2001, 06:58 AM

sounds good to me,

be interested in the outcome

good luck

price should only bew a few bucks
UK price is about £8.00

Britwrench · 10-17-2001, 07:01 AM

Obin,

The DME is really a maintenance part and should be changed every five years or so.
They cause tremendous amount of running problems. The part number is 993 615 227 00
it's an upgraded part and the same as the later 944, 964 and 993.

If your have something like a no-start or no-crank fault it is more likely to be the ignition switch. The engine will crank with the DME relay removed. Check carefully all the connections and replace the relay anyway.

scottewid · 10-17-2001, 07:47 AM

I had the same problem with my 1982 Audi 5000. It got progressively worse to the point that it totally died. It was the ignition switch. I hot-wired it and drove for 2 months until I saved enough money to have the dealer replace it (anti-theft bolts detered me from trying myself.)

Mac · 10-17-2001, 07:57 AM

The DME relay cover can be removed ,so to see the contacts and coil wiring . I would resolder all connections and clean the contacts with very fine sandpaper . This would give you a spare . Most of the time it will be the solder connections .

echo63 · 10-17-2001, 08:43 AM

I had similar problem on my 83 944 a while back. I would be driving the car and the engine would just shut itself off and won't restart for several minutes. Needless to say it was no joy when it happens while on a freeway.

If your problem occurs while driving on a freeway or an expressway type of road, i.e. not on a stop'n go traffic, you may want to look at the fuel filter and the relay. I had these two replaced and the car no longer stalls.

Good luck.

mango944 · 10-17-2001, 11:17 AM

now that we're on the same subject.
If for some bizzare reason, I wanted to test my DME or a relay, could I do that myself?
Or could I just take it to the dealer and have them check it?
It'd be nice to take the DME out and test it before you start wasting your time and money on other stuff or a new one.
Thanks

Britwrench · 10-17-2001, 11:55 AM

There is no real way to test the DME unit.
We check every other component and wiring and when sure nothing else is wrong susbstitute a good unit and test the car for a couple of days.

Why even bother to test the relay, at $20 you might as well replace it. Of course, you should always check the fuel pump draw and the connections at the relay board.
Again, if the relay is more than five years old, throw it away and fit a new one.

Obin Robinson · 10-17-2001, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Britwrench:
There is no real way to test the DME unit.
We check every other component and wiring and when sure nothing else is wrong susbstitute a good unit and test the car for a couple of days.

Why even bother to test the relay, at $20 you might as well replace it. Of course, you should always check the fuel pump draw and the connections at the relay board.
Again, if the relay is more than five years old, throw it away and fit a new one.

i got the DME relay and i'll do some pictures of the old and the new one, along with some tests.

i also got a fuel filter. i hope those two will do it!

thanks!

obin