Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing Faulty Relay

I was almost stumped this week when my +8 refused to start.

The key turned to position 1 , the fuel pump came on and went off, turn to position 2 and absolutely nothing.

The battery is relatively new (18 months) and I keep it on a conditioner, so I had confidence it was not a low voltage problem.

All the other electrics worked fine , lights , fan, etc , but still no joy. I settled down with a wiring diagram and tried to work things out. I thought it might be the ecu not sending a signal back to the injection system , so changed the fuse and checked for continuity. All seemed well.

Then I remembered some time ago that Keith at BHM had advised me to switch over the relays on the bulkhead when I was having problems with the electric fan, and I seem to remember dimly (its an age related thing!) that one controlled the fan , the other the starter motor (and other circuits?)

Instead of switching them back I decided to change the older of the two ( I had previously replaced the fan relay) for a brand new one, and to my relief the engine burst into life.

I have had relay problems before , mainly on the fuel pump, but this one failing was a first (for me anyhow) Now I must source a couple of replacements as I don't like travelling without a couple of known good ones. You never know when they are going to fail!

So now I can go and fuel it with E5 (the queues have finally subsided now that everyone seems to have a full tank? Happy days.

Good news! I carry spare relays hoping to ward off the relay gremlin.

Make sure they are diode relays on cars with ECU's, and recommend carrying a spare. That's jogged my memory to take my own advice on the latter

Richard, on yours MMC often fit the aircon one in the housing, so in effect you have a 'spare' ready and waiting

Many thanks for that reminder Jon. Yes there is a sixth one fitted