Getting the DME Relay out on an 83 944
 

Ok, so the 944 died and is parked at a business, where it needs to be moved.

Car turns over just fine, but doesn't start...fuel pump doesn't run when ignition is turned on. I'd like to check the DME Relay, but do I really have to take the auxiliary fuse panel loose to pull the relay?

I only had a few minutes to look at it last night.

NEVERMIND...you obviously need to to make it easy.

It's not too much of a hassle. Only two screws on the top side, one on the bottom. It will allow you better access and grip to the relay. Just make certain to put everything back carefully without pinching any wires.

Of course, to do all this you must first assume The Position.

Learning Yoga helps.

Well, ventured down to the spot with the tools, only to have the car start immediately, before it turned even one revolution.

I know the position well, spent many of hours in my 81/78 Firebird in the same position...though I'm a bit bigger now and the car is a bit smaller.

I'll pull the DME relay while I'm replacing the brakes. Are good relays available at parts stores? This is a somewhat smaller town.

First, you need to disconnect the battery negative ground cable when dealing with electrical
issuses or wires.
An import auto parts will sell these relay. May be you have no choice, but to
go into the city to buy one, or order one from online catalog. A funky relay will not
do well.

I just pulled out my relay without too much issue without unscrewing anything, just have patience.

I could never figure out why the repair manuals tell you to do this? It's a stupid idea. You still have a potential of +12V on many of the wires and it's still possible to short those wires to something critical and blow something up! Namely the DME.

Maybe the auto electric industry doesn't understand 'electron current flow'?

20+ years experience in the electronics industry tells me to disconnect the hot wire, ie +12V from the battery - not the ground.

I suppose it's better than leaving the battery connected?