Relay number 30...

[DazVR6]

Was looking in my fuse box today coz i have been hearing alot of noises coming from there, clicks and a sound like a ticket is being printed ....and i noticed that i have some black relays and some grey ones. One of the black relays is number 30, ecu relay! could this be related to a very slightly dodgy idle? and is it worth while changing as the car runs fine otherwise? also why do these relays make so much noise? anyone else notice this?

[oggy]

Hmmm. yes that relay seems to be a real achilles heel. Personally, if in doubt I'd change it - £10 even from stealers. You can always replace the original.

Relay works in so far as a small current governs a large one - the clicking you hear are the internal switches. They may or may not be shot. Worth checking any connections-  the relay will run hot and eventually disintegrate otherwise.

If replacing with new, emery paper and bend SLIGHTLY the new relay tang connections to obtain improved connection.   

[DazVR6]

Think ill be doing that in the next couple of weeks...

[oggy]

I changed mine out 2 months ago - MPG was low and performance was garbage - it made a huge difference.

[Len]

If after the engine has been running for some time, you switch off and pull out that relay, any relay for that matter, and it feels warm then the relay is fine and not in need of replacement!
If any relay feels cold after getting up to temp then its a dud and replace.