RE: (ET) blown relay

["Elie, Larry (L.D.)" <lelie ford com>]

You can check a varistor on a curve-tracer.  They are cheap and 
usually easier to just replace.

My E-12 has NEVER welded contacts.  Kids have driven it; they have 
gone forward/reverse without braking or slowing.  I am not recommending 
it, but it has not been a problem.  The contactor (I'm not sure if 
you welded a contactor or relay...) may have a physical problem, such 
as a bad spring or have jumped off of it's rocking mechanism, or even 
be bent.  At the same time, I too would look at electrical problems 
first.  The step-by-step guide in the Homeowners Service Manuel may 
give you other ideas.

Larry Elie


-----Original Message-----
From: Neil Dennis [mailto:wombat RealNS com]
Sent: Friday, August 25, 2000 9:03 PM
To: Elec-trak
Subject: (ET) blown relay


Dave, "Knock on wood" I've never had a fried relay on my E-12. you must
be unlucky or something.  Yes, the varistor is a device to absorb
voltage surges when working correctly.  Its probably easier to replace
it than try to check it without special equipment.  Also, a diode across
the relay coil will shunt voltage spikes - just be sure the diode can
carry the current generated, they usually blow open and you lose
protection.

wombat