Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Replacing intake heater grid relay's

[SGevers]

Just wanted to let you guys what I found. One of My intake heater grid relays was fried and my truck was running rough and smoking on cold start. I looked back on a few threads and found someone used Ford starter solenoids to replace them. Well so far it is working for me, went down to my local napa and got 2 starter relays for 10 bucks a piece and mounted them in place of the old assembly and whala!! another cheap fix. View attachment 73988

 

[ata]

I don't want to shoot a hole in your CHEAP fix. But yes they will work for awhile. When it comes to solenoids you get what you pay for. The Ford starter solenoids are made for a real short ON CYCLE.

 

[Bob Cochran]

For years RVer's used a Ford starter relay to connect and disconnect the 12 volt supply to the trailers to charge batteries. I did also in days of old so they worked long time. having said that though I kind of doubt as much current was being drawn through them to charge trailer battery as the heaters. I guess time will tell keep us informed.

 

[SGevers]

Just thought I would give it a shot. These solonoids are about twice the size as the original, thought it had to be better. I have not thrown out the old bracket so I could always get some of those stancor ones made up in the meantime.

 

[SGevers]

Just added the pic and still working fine.

 

[The patriot]

I got s couple from All electronics. Theyre quite a bit larger than the factory ones.

I disconnect the wire from the battery during the summer, and re connect them around this time of the year.

Been working fine.