Mistery White Relay

#1

I think I need to replace this relay. It is located on a bank of 3 relays on the inner fender above the AFM. I used to have this intermittent issue where the car would die, then start back up just fine. I could not trace it because it would only do it after driving the car, sometimes a mile, sometimes 100 miles. So, one time I was in the engine compartment while running and I happened to just brush this relay and the engine died. Starts back up fine, but I could clearly hear when I wiggled the relay a buzzing sound. When the buzzing sound could be heard, the engine starts, when no buz, engine will not start. So I just shot some contact lube in there and it seemed fine until today. I had the car die on me mid course. Then it fired right up after like 60 seconds. Went back to paddock and tapped the relay with the but of a screwdriver and the engine died.

I think the relay is just getting weak, has anyone seen this before? I will replace it, but I should probably get a new one rather than used. BMW?

I’m not sure what to ask for tho. Anyone know what it does?

Thanks!!!

#2

Rich - not sure without looking at the component chart, but sounds like the fuel pump relay. Check out the resoures under Links.
Ed

#3

The white relay towards the front of the car is the main relay. The orange one in the middle is the fuel pump relay and then the orange one towards the back of the car is the O2 sensor relay.

I recently had a problem similar to yours with my fuel pump relay and it turned out to be a bad connection and would vibrate loose. I zip tied them down to the connectors and haven’t had any problems. But for $10 it probably wouldn’t hurt to throw a new relay in there.

#4

Thanks Michael. Good info.

I’ll see if I can dind the relay at AutoZone or something. Worst case, go to the dealer.

#5

Michael Trent wrote:

[quote]The white relay towards the front of the car is the main relay. The orange one in the middle is the fuel pump relay and then the orange one towards the back of the car is the O2 sensor relay.

I recently had a problem similar to yours with my fuel pump relay and it turned out to be a bad connection and would vibrate loose. I zip tied them down to the connectors and haven’t had any problems. But for $10 it probably wouldn’t hurt to throw a new relay in there.[/quote] And the winner is…Mr.Trent…
The white one is unique but the orange ones are interchangeable.