I considered opening it up and having a look, but I "assumed" that the circuit was potted and that no components would be serviceable/replaceable. Besides, even if I did replace a couple of caps, who knows what other components are nearing the end of their servicable life - knowing me, I'd be worrying about the things I didn't replace.

I did notice that with the new relay, the light seems to stay on a bit longer and that the engine idles a bit better right after a cold start. My guess on that is that the caps were slowly degrading and the RC time-constant that they helped to create was becoming shorter. Just a guess...

I'm not sure if the relay I got keeps the plugs glowing longer (even after the dash light goes out). I've seen that type of relay advertised but I'm pretty sure mine doesn't do that (it's the same p/n as the one it replaced).

On to my next projects this weekend, replacing the rear rotors and pads, and adjusting the valves and doing the rest of a 15k service.

Although I've owned this car for a bit over two years, I'm now just getting to the point of _only_ regular maintenance and the _rare_ repair. I need a project vehicle (my wife would kill me).

Chris Blanchard
1984 300SD 164.8k miles