Hello-

I've recently discovered an issue with my multifunction relay on one of my 96 D1's (164k miles)- after a few weeks of rough idle starts and various codes and a longish road trip after which my vehicle had issues restarting when the engine was hot. I recently tackled this issue on the same vehicle and though I had it solved when I replaced the fuel pump. Apparently not.

After searching for information on this forum again I decided to swap the multifunction relay from my other 96 D1 (95k miles) into my "problem child" D. Suddenly, no more codes (P1176, O2 sensor bank codes, misfire codes, rough idle sounds) after a week of regular driving- 40-50 miles a day. Starts right up when hot.

I'm thinking the vehicle's original MFR might be a bit heat sensitive. Is this a sign of a soon-to-be-relay-failure?

Any way to electrically test the relay?

They seem to run $115-$125 on AB or other sites. Anyone have a good suggestion for a cheaper option or do I need to bit the bullet and just get one from AB. Are there other work-arounds people have done to eliminate this MFR all together?

I'd be interested in people's comments.

Regards,

cmpeng

2x 96 Disco 1 (164k, and 95k)

Recovering 03 DII owner

 

Send Paul Grant a PM and see if he has one for you. Great source for good (used) parts at a great price.

Update: here is one from his eBay store. Still send him a pm about it.
http://m.ebay.com/itm/202025374400?_mwBanner=1

 

The "relay" is just a small coil and set of points. Have you removed the cover on the relay, it's pretty easy? Check the board and points for condition. There is another relay that isn't used alongside, fairly easy (for me) to swap them around and it'd be brand new....

 

Hello-

No, I have not tried to remove the MFR cover- I didn't know one could. Is this done with a flathead screwdriver and just pry the cover off?

What is the "other" relay along side? Is it inside the MFC relay cover?

thanks

cmpeng

 

Yes it is inside of the cover. Use a flathead and slide the cover off.

 

It's worth looking at, and you'll learn a little something about your Rover which comes in handy. For the record I was able to use the same MFR for over 210k so they're pretty robust but I did dress up the contacts once. It's hard to say exactly what the problem is with your high miler because there is a circuit board involved and without an O scope it's blind guessing.