DRL relay problems on Accords and others

Searching through the DRL relay posts it looks like most of you know
about the solder problems on the relay pins inside the DRL relay
module. It looks like other relays on the Accord show problems so maybe
this post will help there as well.

The solder cracks on the relay pins come from mechanical fatique.
Because the relays (the 2 little black boxes inside the module) are
relatively large and heavy, vibration causes the solder to flex and
fatique around the relay pins. Most electonics manufacturers these days
glue the larger components to the circuit board to correct the problem.
Hot melt glue works just fine.

If you want to end this problem once and for all:
1) use a solder sucker to remove the relays from the DRL module
- prime the sucker pump
- apply a bit of solder to the solder pads and let it heat until
liquid
- position the sucker nozzle right on top of the solder pad and
press the sucker button
- you should have a clear hole with the relay pin sticking through
- do the same with the other solder pads for the relay
- the relay should pop out after the last one is done, if not use
the solder iron tip (without solder) to heat the relay pin and push it
towards the centre of the hole
2) the pc holes should be clear enough to let the relay be inserted
again, if not apply some solder to the hole and suck it back out again
3) apply a small dab of hot melt glue to the relay side of the
circuit board, insert the relay pins through the holes, press and hold
in place until cooled -- don't get hot melt glue into the holes!
4) solder the relay to the solder pads
5) do the same with the other relay

Why does this work? The relays and the board now vibrate together
reducing the transfer of energy into the solder joint.

Why didn't Honda have Mitsumi do this? There's a good question. Anybody
want to check if newer Honda models glue the relays to their circuit
boards?

 

<snip>

So you say.

"Mitsuba", not "Mitsumi".

Let me know if your fix works for eight years, like OEM Mitsubas.