Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Relay for fuel shutoff solinoid?

[DDunse]

Hi all this is my first post, been reading the board for a while and finally got around to joining. here goes, my truck doesn't want to start on the first hit of the key so I suspect the relay for the fuel shutoff solenoid. I can pop the hood and have wifey hit the key and see the solenoid not going anywhere for the first couple hits then it will move up and it starts. I can reach down there and push it up manually and it works, so is this probably the relay, and which one is it? Any one have the pn handy and where is the best source? Thanks

 

[illflem]

Everything you need to know or may need to buy is right here -

http://www.fostertruck.com/dodge/default.htm

You may also just need to pull the solenoid clean it up and lube the linkages.

 

[Deezul1]

I removed the cover on my relay and polished the contacts and it has worked well for over a year. Radio Shack has one that sells for $6. 00 also. The blade on 1 side is narrower but the rating is the same and it works good also.

 

[WMonroe]

I went today to get a new relay and the radio shack in my area told me they didn't carry anything like that. So I went to NAPA and they told me it would be about $30, and would have to order it.



My question is. Is there any way to wire around the relay so it isn't needed?

And if not where is everyone getting these relays (without ordering online, because I want to try to get it in yet this weekend) and about how much do they cost.

thanks

Will

 

[illflem]

About the only safe way to wire around it is to use some wire to physically hold the solenoid up.

Try cleaning the relay contacts as was suggested above.

 

[Deezul1]

The way to get one from radio shack is to remove yours outside and take it in with you and match it. It is a 30 amp relay if I remember correctly and the blade pattern and contact pattern will match but one blade will be slightly narrower on the RS unit but will work fine. It is also a smaller can so wont match apperance wise so ask for a 30 amp 12 volt relay and that should do it. Its a generic 12volt relay so they should have it.

 

[b.ferrara]

WOW, same problem with my truck. I posted twice last week and finally narrowed it down to the solenoid. I'm going to try and take it out and clean it up. I did the same thing as you, no movement with key so had wifey start it up and it ran fine with me holding it. last week took 5 or 6 tries, so I'm hoping the cleaning thing works. Good luck.

 

[WMonroe]

Thanks for the replies. I'll be heading back to radio shack today and I'll look for it on my own first (the sales guy didn't seem too bright ).

thanks again

Will

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Also check the fusible link terminals at the driver's side battery + post. It is the blue wire that feeds the solenoid.

 

[DDunse]

Thanks for the replies, I have heard that the radio shack relays were not that great and didn't last to long. Is the dodge dealer the best place for an oem one? also which relay is it there are 2 up high on the fire wall isn't it one of those? left one closest to the mc or right one?

 

[illflem]

Go to the link I posted above for the best deal, dealer will charge you $60 for the relay.

http://www.fostertruck.com/dodge/default.htm

Service is fast, if you order today you'll have it this week.

 

[b.ferrara]

spoke to dealer (not allowed to call them you know what) anymore fuel shut-off solenoid first 255 then said no new price is 414. fosterdodge wants 197 thanks for the web site.

 

[radixr]

When you buy the relay from the dealer, you get the fuel heater relay also. I cleaned my contacts but in about 2 months, they were dirty again and the engine would not start. :{ :{

 

[MLee]

fuel selinoid

DDUNSE;



do a search, the relay number has been posted many times. some one posted that they had found a 70 amp relay, which was much heavier built. and it had a bracket attached to it. don't remember if it was RS or not.

just my penny's worth



Marv.

 

[DDunse]

I just ordered the 70 amp relay and the starter contacts from the link above Larry B's, this should take care of it.

 

[b.ferrara]

ok one last dumb ???? I have 2 relays on the firewall and their molded together in 1 bracket. The one closer to the fender(big)

is the re-lay, or not? The one closer to the engine(small) I had out, cleaned it and had key on so could hear it working(tapping).

My ??? is which 1 is the fuel shut off relay, big or small and what is the other one for? I'm guessing warmer but not sure.

 

[illflem]

The bigger one closest to the driver's side is for the shut down solenoid, the other is for the fuel heater. After I think '97 there is only the solenoid relay on the firewall.

 

[b.ferrara]

thanks, I kinda figured that. tomorrow hopefully NAPA has it.

could only imagine what dodge wants for it.



thanks for all your help.

 

[WMonroe]

The Napa in my area wanted around $30 for it. I ordered one from the site at the beginning of this thread, it was around $25 delivered.

Will

 

[LarryB]

When buying relays at Radio Shack or wherever make sure of the amperage rating. 70 amp relays have the really big line/load tabs. The 30 amp ones will fit for temporary duty but won't last.

Here's a pic of the 70amp one.

.

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