I want to replace the 22-year old R12 relay but don't know how to remove the grill that is covering it. Does anyone have information on how this can be done? I'm having intermittent starting problems. Just got a new battery but wanted to try putting in a new relay before paying for a new starter.
Thanks!

 

I am pretty sure it is part of the POWER DISTRIBUTION FUSE BOX and is NSS. (not sold or serviced separately)

You might disassemble the box and see how is affixed to the board.

 

Thank you, Motorcarman. I was hoping I could test the intermittent no-start issue by replacing the starter relay, but that does not seem to be possible. If the part is not sold or serviced separately, does that mean my choice is replacing the whole fuse box or replacing the starter?

 

If I am not very mistaken, I have seen a video about this some time ago:
Somebody swapped that relay R12, but for all intends and ourposes, this is actually impossible.

Even, if you were to cut of that plastic grille, you would not be able to swap that relay, as (if I remember correctly) R12 is not pushed in in there, but it is soldered on onto the PCB below.
What the guy in the video did: The upper and lower PCB are connected via approx. 72 solder-points - he removed them all, swapped the relay, and soldered them all back on again...

 

Thank you Peter! Yes, it seems that AI was giving me some bad advice in hoping I could replace the R12 relay. Thank goodness there is more valuable information here.
Best wishes!

 

When I went to NEW PRODUCT 2002 (NP02) for the X-Type it was noted that some modules had integral relays and we complained that the engineers were making our job increasingly difficult.

Same thing in the X350 NEW XJ as it was referred to.

No sympathy for us mechanics!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Yes, Motorcarman, it looks like I'm not going to be able to test the R12 relay and will have to bite the bullet and replace the starter if these intermittent no-starts continue. I don't understand why they thought this design was reasonable unless they felt the Relay was infallible. Not very kind, indeed!

 

That entire fuse / power distribution box is readily available (used) on eBay for $50 to $75. You remove one bolt and can pull the thing up and out an inch or two then reach underneath and disconnect the 6 or 8 connectors. Some of those connectors are a little tricky but overall an easy peasy job to swap it out if you think the relay is a problem.

 

Thank you, DH53! I really don't know what the problem is, but thought swapping the relay would be easier to begin with. I appreciate your advice!