Help with non-DeLorean

[Alan]

I am not a DeLorean owner but I lurk here frequently. I have a great deal of respect for the DMCTalk community's automotive knowledge. I'm having a situation with one my cars and I'd like input.

I have a 2000 Trans Am. Over the last two years it's been going through relays like mad. I've gone through 2 ignition relays, a horn relay, a starter relay, and a fuel pump relay. That just doesn't seem right to me.

I'd like the community's input on if this is possibly normal, a known issue with cars like these, or what the underlying issue might be to cause relay "consumption" like this.

Thanks,
Alan

[Dangermouse]

What is your alternator output voltage? Sounds like it is high and destroying the relay coils.

[David T]

What is your alternator output voltage? Sounds like it is high and destroying the relay coils.


First of all you need to make sure you are using the correct relays. Next I would check your system voltage. I am sure if you look, there is a forum for that make and model and you can ask for expert help there. If there are any known issues they can tell you exactly what to do. Knowing GM cars generally, this does not sound like a common problem.

[DMCMW Dave]

Are they in a covered section in the engine compartment that isn't covered any more?

[Alan]

I'll check the voltage. Thanks for the suggestion.

The relays are the correct ones.

The relay compartments are under the hood but both still have the original covers.

I don't want to stereotype (too much) about F-Body forums but I've found it difficult to get good diagnostic help there. I've been on a few and the ratio of people looking to go fast vs. the people who REALLY know the cars (or cars in general) isn't favorable... so I came here.

[Citizen]

I don't want to stereotype (too much) about F-Body forums but I've found it difficult to get good diagnostic help there. I've been on a few and the ratio of people looking to go fast vs. the people who REALLY know the cars (or cars in general) isn't favorable... so I came here.

What a compliment to the people on this forum who know DeLoreans (and other cars), and who give advise without any compensation at all.

I reiterate the compliment.

...

[NightFlyer]

I'm with Dermot - something is causing either too much power in the system, or is causing surges in the system. Alternator/regulator is the place to start looking.

It could also be that the accessories that relays are powering are drawing too much current because they're failing, but it appears to be such a smorgasbord without any consistency, that I'm leaning towards the power supply side of the equation, as opposed to the demand draw side the equation.

Best luck! :thumbup:

[Alan]

Here are my numbers testing voltage all across the battery.

Car off = 12.26v
Car on no accessories = 14.4v
Car on w/headlights and blower fan = 14.3v
Car off (after) = 12.6v

I THINK those numbers seem reasonable. Thoughts?

One thing I didn't mention is a fairly large aftermarket stereo system I've installed. I've had the car since new and the stereo for 10-12 years so I didn't think it a likely contributor. Now I'm trying to think of anything electrically different from stock.

My head unit is hooked up to the factory wiring and drives no speakers directly. I have 2 JL Audio amps hooked up directly to the battery through oversized cables with what I thought were appropriately sized fuses at the time of install.

Any other feedback or suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks for the help so far.