Virage relays in detail – first place to look if you have over-revving or uneven running problems

When we first got the Virage, one of the first problems we found was that it started to tick over at 2500-3000 rpm instead of 7-900.  The problem has come back at various times, and in most cases the problem was a faulty contact or relay on an engine management sensor.

Before you start replacing all the relays, check all the sensor connections for oxidisation, like the water temperature sensor.

But back to relays. These are cheap and easy to replace, but make sure you get the right type. The Virage relays are not as common or easy to find as the usual 5 pin changeover relays but are essential for the lambda/fuel pump circuits on the Virage. The type you need are: 12v 5 Pin 30A Normally Open Relays Driving Lights Two Common Outputs.

The difference between the two types of relay is in the contact made when the relay is energised. The more common 5 pin changeover relay switches between terminals 87 and 87a when energised. The relay for the Virage Lambda/Fuel pump circuits has two 87 terminals which are both normally open and are closed when the relay is energised.  You can get them easily on eBay.  Here is an example of a set available today.

 

 

 

 

 

Below is a list of locations of the more troublesome relays.  The schematic for these is here, in the first of our relay articles.

Injector/ECU, Fuel pump/Lambda sensor, Air pump/Air injection relays (Off-side)

These relays are located on the offside wing housing, below the makers plate (lhs middle in the photo below)

 

 

 

 

Here’s a close-up, showing a replaced Lambda sensor relay

 

 

 

 

 

Injector/ECU, Fuel pump/Lambda sensor relays (near side)

These are located on the nearside wing housing.

 

 

 

 

 

Here’s a closeup showing a replaced lambda sensor relay

 

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