Questions about relays in fuse box

[Simon S]

These relays are kind of a mystery to me. (I’ve searched). realOEM and bma list an assortment of relays – having a hard time finding out more about which kinds are best for what. I have collected a handful of new mint green relays.

Are 5-prong, mint green relays interchangeable with all/other relays in the fuse box?

A parts-counter guy (at a dealership) told me it’s common practice to break out the middle (87a) tab as needed. Is this true? Does a 5-prong, mint green fuse with the (middle/87a) prong broken out work just like a 4-prong, orange or black relay? Do purple 5-prongs work just like mint green 5-prongs?

Could I run all ( K1-K8 ) mint green relays in the fuse box?

[MR 325]

Umm, what's wrong with the relays that are already in there?

[325ix]

Umm, what's wrong with the relays that are already in there?

this

[mikeedler]

break out the middle prong????WTF kinda hack ass dealer are you at????? just put the correct part in your car!

[bimmerpirate]

you're kidding right?

[OrganicMechanic]

Every one of the relays in my fuse box have a schematic on the side that tells me everything I need to know.

[stumble_t]

read this...

http://www.the12volt.com/relays/relays.asp

[Simon S]

Thanks guys. i'm learning as I go here..

Umm, what's wrong with the relays that are already in there?

Good question. Thing is- bought the car in '04 and drove it for about a month before putting it up on stands and working on it on/off over the following years. I remember trying to do the independent fog jumper wire thing and had trouble with the lights afterward. That was a long time ago.

Now I'm at a point were I've combed through and replaced most all maintenance items as well as fluids, filters, fuses, bulbs, etc. Thought I'd replace relays also – or at least learn more about what they do.

break out the middle prong????WTF kinda hack ass dealer are you at?????

That's what I was thinking - but didn't know any better at the time.

Every one of the relays in my fuse box have a schematic on the side that tells me everything I need to know.

yeah- I checked out my ETM and corresponding those schematics to available relays is getting me on the right path.

read this...
http://www.the12volt.com/relays/relays.asp

Thanks. This gave me the education I was after. Cool.