F1 Pump relay
| 07 May 2010
The F1 pump relay has the job of suppling control voltage to the F1 pump. Inside the relay is a pair of moving contacts, these open and close everytime the pump is activated. At the same time a large amount of current crosses these contacts, which open when the relay is deactivated the have to seperate causing a small ark. The consequence of suppling a high amp current across a set of points causes burning. This continues over time until the contacts eventually get stuck together (almost like welded), forcing the pump to run continuously.
The one and only method to protect the pump is to regularly replace the relay. It isnt a very expensive item, about £40 and is extremely simple to replace. There are two types, early and late but it is very simple to indentify which is which, as the later one is black, the early type is grey. They are located above the battery, hidden from view. Simply lift off the boot rubber surround seal and carefully pull the carpet trim around the battery outwards. This will reveal the location of the relay, it is on its own with a fuse (some maybe two fuses). Ejecting the relay is a simple case of wiggling the unit out of its holder. Fitting is the reverse and the relay can only be fitted one way in its holder. Job done!!!!
