Relays.. Any experts?
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Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Neptune Beach, FL
Relays.. Any experts?
Ok.. I'm starting to get real tired of these darn Relays that Autozone, Advanced Auto Parts sell.. I've gone through 3 already with my KC's.. I have 3 6x9 KC's on the front grill.. Two are powered by 1 Relay and 1 is powered by a 2nd Relay.. Every few weeks one or the other relay blows out.. Thinking its water, because its on the fender and would probably take water hits.. Some folks said to forget using those crappy ones and get some Bosch Relays.. Would a Waterproof 40amp Relay be good? I can get them for about 2.50 each plus 2 of those plastic premade connectors (tired of using female blade crimps)..
I don't use my KCs all the time but when I do, it's nice to know they all work.. Right now my Right and Center work, my left is out.. I know its the relay because I changed the leads to the other relay and the one that wasn't powering up, powers up.. Like I said, this is my 3rd relay and sad part is, they still click when they power up.. So you don't think anything of it lol..
Just wondering what ya'll thought..
I don't use my KCs all the time but when I do, it's nice to know they all work.. Right now my Right and Center work, my left is out.. I know its the relay because I changed the leads to the other relay and the one that wasn't powering up, powers up.. Like I said, this is my 3rd relay and sad part is, they still click when they power up.. So you don't think anything of it lol..
Just wondering what ya'll thought..
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 8,180
Likes: 669
From: Scio, OR
I heard this, but never tried it, so I don't know if it will work.
Use the old style Ford starter relay. You know the black round one with two big contacts on the top that went between the battery and the starter, and the small contact that energized the relay?
It seems to me that they weren't designed to be activated for very long and the coils would burn out. But I was told it would work. They'd certainly handle more juice than you could throw at them with lights.
You should still be able to get them at any parts house.
Use the old style Ford starter relay. You know the black round one with two big contacts on the top that went between the battery and the starter, and the small contact that energized the relay?
It seems to me that they weren't designed to be activated for very long and the coils would burn out. But I was told it would work. They'd certainly handle more juice than you could throw at them with lights.
You should still be able to get them at any parts house.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 315
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From: Lower Mainland, BC
For lights, the 30A or 40A Bosch or Hella relays are fine. That's exactly what they're designed for. Try to get the 40A; they are the same price as the 30A at most places. I've always used Hellas because that's what my local supplier has. $2.50 is cheap; you spend more than that at Starbucks. I actually can't imagine spending less than that on a relay. Definitely get the relay sockets; plugging in 4 individual connectors is ghetto. Make sure the wiring you use is up to the task. Don't forget to install fuses on everything, as close to the power source as possible. If I was wiring up a bunch of lights, I'd buy a fuse block with enough slots for everything and allow for future expansion. Rather than have a bunch of loose fuse holders.
A Ford-type starter solenoid is not the proper relay, but you can use a continuous-duty solenoid which is the same size and rating and is the same price or cheaper. But why spend that much when you can get a nice, small Bosch/Hella for $2.50?
How much is your vehicle worth? Don't cheap out on a relay or anything else. You want it to work when you need it.
A Ford-type starter solenoid is not the proper relay, but you can use a continuous-duty solenoid which is the same size and rating and is the same price or cheaper. But why spend that much when you can get a nice, small Bosch/Hella for $2.50?
How much is your vehicle worth? Don't cheap out on a relay or anything else. You want it to work when you need it.
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Chocowinity NC
I agree with Flatdeck. The namebrand relays will last longer and any solenoid must be rated for continous duty. I work for a company that builds emergency vehicles and we use Bosch. Boaters world sells a nice fuse panel that can be mounted under the hood that has six fuses and ground terminals too (blue seas BLS5025). From years of experiance I also recommend if you use crimp terminals then use the crimp terminals that have the heat shrink made onto them if you don't solder.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 307
Likes: 1
From: South Onondaga, NY
I have to agree with Flatdeck and NC Deere. Considering the amount of emergency lighting and accessories that I have had installed in all of my superdutys, I stick with the 40A Bosch. Never had a problem with them. Also, make sure you have good ground.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,191
Likes: 4
From: Blairsville,Ga
Originally Posted by dchamberlain
I heard this, but never tried it, so I don't know if it will work.
Use the old style Ford starter relay. You know the black round one with two big contacts on the top that went between the battery and the starter, and the small contact that energized the relay?
It seems to me that they weren't designed to be activated for very long and the coils would burn out. But I was told it would work. They'd certainly handle more juice than you could throw at them with lights.
You should still be able to get them at any parts house.
Use the old style Ford starter relay. You know the black round one with two big contacts on the top that went between the battery and the starter, and the small contact that energized the relay?
It seems to me that they weren't designed to be activated for very long and the coils would burn out. But I was told it would work. They'd certainly handle more juice than you could throw at them with lights.
You should still be able to get them at any parts house.
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Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Neptune Beach, FL
Thanks guys! I'm going to grab the Waterproof Bosch relays and the plastic terminal connector..
I'm also going to clean up some wiring as well while I'm there..
I'm also going to clean up some wiring as well while I'm there..
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Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Neptune Beach, FL
Originally Posted by npccpartsman
Are they the small square plug-in relays? 4 pin or 5 pin? I know where you can get bosch close to your work--lol.
Right now I'm paying $8 to ship $8 worth of parts LOL
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 15,368
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From: Stuttgart, Ar
Quality Eq./ Bobcat dealer--between Hester's Crossing and Grand Ave. Parkway on the west side of I-35. Actually I think they use both kinds, but I know they keep lots of the 5 terminal in stock, although we replaced many A/M 4 terminals that were used in the same application. Just take it with you when you go as the switching diagram is usually on the relay. 512-251-3415. See Scott when you go in and tell him "Chester" sent you. Scott is also a long time Ford parts guy.
Last edited by npccpartsman; Oct 25, 2007 at 10:59 AM.