Jim:

The solder in the relay cracks, causing intermittant contact. Usually also causes the relay to get too hot as well, making things worse. May work fine cold, and open up hot.

Peter

__________________
1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!