Underdash Relays

**Bill** · #1 (**permalink**) 01-21-2004, 05:59 AM

Found these under the passenger side dash and one of them "clicks" when the ignition is turned to "on" for a few seconds.

Any ideas what they are ?

The other "mysterious" panel is just as you see it , with clipped fuse wires and no fuse.

Could be related to ignition????

Keven · #2 (**permalink**) 01-21-2004, 08:21 AM

OK, this is just a stab in the dark, since I cant trace the wires, 1000miles away.

If one clicks when you turn the ignition, Im betting that the PO had some starting problems. Which older Alfa's a re notorios for. The problem is that the ignition switch carries to much current when starting the car. I think newer spiders had a relay in the circuit.

That said, looks like a PO fix, and a very nicely done for that matter. Usually the relay is placed in the engine compartment, but being inside the cabin is better as far as heat and the elements, should last for a long time.

Im guessing the other relay is for the fuel pump? Also a very good modification, as the ignition switch aslo activates the pump.
Trace the wires, and let us know where they lead to...

The other panel I have no idea what its for, maybe a stereo? Or maybe the holder is not for a fuse, but a lamp, like the one under the hood? Check the wires, do they lead to the door switch?

**Roadtrip** · #3 (**permalink**) 01-21-2004, 10:10 AM

The two relays on the right look to be original equipment to me (SIPEA). The "thing on the left, I haven't a clue unless it something to do with an aftermarket radio/amplifier installation. I don't have a 77 wire diagram. The only thing close I have is the 78 diagram that Papajam has posted on the site. The only 3 terminal relays I see on that diagram are the:

1. Brake warning light relay
2. Cold start solenoid relay (I didn't know they Alfa installed one of those on the later SPICA models).
3. Horn relay
4. Turn signal flasher unit

I also don't see two relays right next to each other with a pink jumper wire between them.

There is an ignition advance relay (for initial starting), but it's four wires.

If you have one of those ignition advance relays, check that to be sure it's functioning correctly. If you're getting voltage to the coil and you're getting an initial start on the engine, then maybe that ignition advance relay is somehow stalling it when releasing the key from the start position. Papajam, I think, knows how that works. Drop him a PM.

DriverJon · #4 (**permalink**) 01-21-2004, 02:47 PM

You know, I was wondering about that click myself last night.... JUST got my Spider project started after more ownership time on jackstands than on the wheels...

It also clicks a couple of seconds AFTER the ignition switch turns on.. curious.. I have exactly the same setup as in the picture.

I can tell you what the cream colored encapsulated box is.. it's the electronics box for the catalytic thermocouple. It is to tell you when the cat overheats.

I actually have a fuse in it that says "1/8" (I think) under the rust.. So it dosen't need much.. I don't recall reading any value in my owners manual, but I'll recheck..

Jon
77 Spider

**Bill** · #5 (**permalink**) 01-21-2004, 02:52 PM

Jon,
I think your right . Mine is disconnected as you can see by the missing wires to the fuse ends. The fuse that was in there said:

1/8 Amp, 25 V Very thin wire. couldnt see it at first until I took it out. Its fried, but not used anyway.

Mine also clicks after a few seconds. Is your car starting?

**Roadtrip** · #6 (**permalink**) 01-21-2004, 05:33 PM

I see it now on the wire diagram. It's #87. Could the click be from #27, the safety belt interlock?

**papajam** · #7 (**permalink**) 01-21-2004, 05:54 PM

Good call on the cat t/couple, Jon. Makes sense to me.
After looking at the wiring diagram, I'd say that RT nailed the brake light warning relay as one of the relays. The second relay I think could be the seatbelt warning device. If it is, I think 'timer' is a more accurate description. When the key is turned to 'on', the timer turns on (the first click) the seatbelt warning light, exhaust temp light and brake warning light to indicate to the operator that those devices are operating properly. After a few seconds, the timer turns the lights off (the second click).

DriverJon · #8 (**permalink**) 01-22-2004, 09:50 PM

Yes, she's running!! Got about 80 mi on her now.. took her to the alignment shop to get things set up right.. nice guy who knew Alfas and was willing to set to my specs. My "eyeball" align job was way off, of course. She drives like an Alfa now!

About the fuse.. mine has wires from the fuseholder, straight down into the block...

They're hard to see unless you look closely, and you should notice the solder joints on the tabs of the fuse holder. It does look disconnected at first glance.

So I assume that it is a neccicary part of the circuit. Does your "Exh Temp" light light up for a second or two when starting like it's supposed to? Haven't checked mine, the console is still out..

As for the relay theory.. yep, there does seem to be some kind of timer.. it's a good 3-5 sec or more after starting. I tried with the hand brake off and on, it still will do it with no handbrake. You do have to wait 10 sec or more before trying the key again, or it dosent reset.

Maybe there's a relay that turns on all the semi-critical lights for a bulb check, and that with it's timer is what we're chasing?