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Hello All, I could tell you all a few stories about F1 pump troubles. I have personally changed one in my old 2004 Coupe 3 times. On the 3rd change I decided to investigate the relay and found it to be fried on the inside, which was causing the pump to remain on continually instead of cycling on and off as it should, hence changing the pump 3 times in quick succession.
Anyway, here's my thoughts/ideas....
1 Tap into the F1 pump circuit with a wire that can be led to the dashboard area and install a small LED that would light up every time the F1 pump comes on. This way if the pump remains on longer than normal (you would quickly figure out the normal pattern of it going on and off) you will get an indication that there is a problem brewing and could change your relay.
2 On the same wire you could install an ammeter and place that in the battery compartment area, you could then take a peek at the current that is being drawn when the pump is on, if you notice an increase in amps then you would also be given a heads up as to possible failure in the works (this should be very easy to do).
3 This is more elaborate and costly but very doable.....If someone a whole lot more technical than me could come up with a valve system that would allow you to install a 2nd F1 pump in the trunk or anywhere you choose that could be activated in the event of a failure in the primary pump. This 2nd pump could be of a smaller capacity but would at least allow for continued gear changes for a short time till you get to a dealer or home.
4 MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL....CHANGE YOUR RELAY AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR.
5 Always carry an extra 30 AMP F1 Pump fuse. (can be purchased from any auto parts store, about $3)
6 It may be a smart idea to install a 20 or 25 amp fuse instead that way the fuse will blow way before a pump failure if its drawing too many amps.
Comments on my ideas much appreciated...
Anyway, here's my thoughts/ideas....
1 Tap into the F1 pump circuit with a wire that can be led to the dashboard area and install a small LED that would light up every time the F1 pump comes on. This way if the pump remains on longer than normal (you would quickly figure out the normal pattern of it going on and off) you will get an indication that there is a problem brewing and could change your relay.
2 On the same wire you could install an ammeter and place that in the battery compartment area, you could then take a peek at the current that is being drawn when the pump is on, if you notice an increase in amps then you would also be given a heads up as to possible failure in the works (this should be very easy to do).
3 This is more elaborate and costly but very doable.....If someone a whole lot more technical than me could come up with a valve system that would allow you to install a 2nd F1 pump in the trunk or anywhere you choose that could be activated in the event of a failure in the primary pump. This 2nd pump could be of a smaller capacity but would at least allow for continued gear changes for a short time till you get to a dealer or home.
4 MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL....CHANGE YOUR RELAY AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR.
5 Always carry an extra 30 AMP F1 Pump fuse. (can be purchased from any auto parts store, about $3)
6 It may be a smart idea to install a 20 or 25 amp fuse instead that way the fuse will blow way before a pump failure if its drawing too many amps.
Comments on my ideas much appreciated...
The idea of changing the F-1 Relay once a year on the theory of preventive maintenance has been discussed many times in this Forum.
