Ignition Time Delay Relay? WTF?

[DustyR/T]

Ok, what the hell does this thing do? It's been around in chryslers and hasn't changed shape or look since the 70's or even further back. It's the 3 prong flasher looking deal under the steering column labelled on the panel, "T/D Delay" I first thought it was a directional flasher...but with 3 prongs?! I read up about it and from what I understand it's designed to energize other relays? Someone correct me if I'm wrong. I took it out a while ago and what to know if it has any significant purpose. Here's a link to help a little.
http://www.victorysiren.com/x/manual480s/page-relays.htm

Hope someone can clarify for me. I would have posted in the electrical section, but I apparently don't have priveledges to do so. Anywho...thanks.

[mwinkle353]

It's for when you first put the car's ignition switch to run. You'll hear the fuel pump start to run, then stop. That's the time delay of the acutation for the ASD relay. Without a signal from the distributor, the time delay will expire and shut off the ASD relay. But if it senses a signal from the distributor, it will continue to power the ASD relay.


Wink

[DustyR/T]

mine hasn't been there for about 7 months now...haven't had any serious problems. Will it cause problems such as fuel or ignition?

[Jckrieger]

I'd imagine it would only be a problem if you had the key in the "run" position for a long time and didn't start the car. This would energize the coil and run the fuel pump, thus draining the battery significantly faster than if the relay was still intact.

[Fat Dustard]

I believe it also shuts down all the accessories when you actually start the car as well.